Overview & Reviews

Kia Motors is a South Korean automaker that's relatively new to the United States. In its early years, Kia largely catered to budget-minded consumers with well-equipped vehicles priced below competing models. More recently, this growing brand has kept value a priority while also emphasizing technology and sportiness.

Founded in Korea in 1944, Kia started as a producer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. The company's name has its roots in the Chinese language, and means "to arise, to come up out of Asia." By the early 1950s, the company had produced Korea's first bicycle; by the latter part of the decade, Kia had branched out into motor scooters, with the rollout of the C100.

The 1960s saw Kia expanding its lineup to include motorcycles and three-wheeled cargo vehicles. Naturally, the next logical step was automobile production, and the company began moving in this direction in the early 1970s. By 1973, Kia had built a facility designed to make its automotive dreams a reality; its Sohari plant held the distinction of being Korea's first fully integrated automobile production facility, and went on to spawn Korea's first internal-combustion gasoline engine. A year later, Kia unveiled the Brisa, Korea's first passenger car. By the end of the decade, Kia's technology was being used to manufacture vehicles like the Peugeot 604 and the Fiat 132.

By the late '80s, Kia's lineup included new models like the Concord, Capital, Potentia and Pride. In 1987, Ford brought the Pride to U.S. shores, rebadging it as the Ford Festiva. Seven years later, Ford dealers got a replacement for the entry-level, subcompact Festiva in the form of another Kia constructed product, the Aspire.

Kia finally began selling vehicles in the U.S. under its own name in the early '90s, trumpeting its presence with the introduction of the compact Sephia. The car's rollout was gradual; in the early days of its production, the Sephia was only available in select Western states. By the mid-'90s, SUVs had emerged as a phenomenally popular and profitable vehicle segment. Kia responded with the 1995 Sportage, a compact SUV. By the end of the '90s, Kia's nationwide rollout was nearly complete.

Financial difficulties in the late '90s prevented Kia from expanding its lineup beyond those two models. Hyundai, South Korea's other major automaker, acquired the company in a merger in 1998.

Kia has been on a major upswing since its purchase by Hyundai, with improvements in build quality, performance and overall refinement. Reliability, previously a weak point, has also improved markedly and consumers' confidence was further bolstered by Kia's substantial warranty program. Today, Kia is on a dramatic upswing and offers a broad lineup of well-built coupes, sedans and crossovers that stand out for their value, performance and sporty styling.

User Reviews:

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  I love it but - 2010 Kia Soul
  By flutepilot - November 6 - 2:13 pm

  I have had my Soul for just over a month and agree with nearly everything written previously. It has more than adequate power, handles very well, but is a bit busy in the ride. It is extremely comfortable, especially for larger people. I had a 63", 300+ pounder in the car and the car basically said "So?". Gas mileage with air on nearly constantly has been about 27 overall. The Soul has the BEST steering wheel mounted cruise control controls anywhere. Same with the radio controls. This is my first experience with Bluetooth and I love it! The only real negative is the interior plastic which shows scratches if you look at it sideways. I would definitely buy it again.

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  Emergency Service - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Emergency Mgmt - November 6 - 12:00 am

  Vehicle has been equipped with emergency strobe lighting and two way radio for Emergency Management purposes. Pulsating headlights or wig wags headlights cant be done due to sealed head lamp unit; settled for grill strobes.Two way VHF radio can be hidden from view with full display of center tray cup holders. Rear strobe lights installation OK for tail light assembly and clear backup assembly. Vehicle has easy access for front firewall wiring for radio installs etc, however caution is advised for running wiring up through posts to roof assembly due to airbag placement. When operating off-duty Sedona appears low profile like a standard undercover vehicle.

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  Super happy ! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By ajpoltz - November 4 - 6:01 am

  WOW ! Never expected so much usable power from the base L 2.4 4 cylinder. First new car in 15 years and I shopped them all hard. Rav 4 boring , small and oil burning issues. Honda CRV CVT transmission farce, vibration problems. Escape too small. CX-5 smaller and no reclining seats, cheap feel and vibrating engine. Rogue CVT junk. Equinox rough feel poor cornering. The Sorento blew these all away in my test drives and feels even better after 1000 miles. 22 MPG in city driving, excellent cornering when pushed hard and pretty smooth ride. Very quiet on highway . The other car makers are losing so many sales due to Kia product and their own mistakes (see above comments and google it ) .Japanese coasting on reputation and counting on buyers whose parents had a great Honda or Toyota. I feel even better with my decision and would have had serious regret with several of the other choices available in this class. The kids love the far reclining rear seats and a LARGE dog kennel fits in the back (5 seat model). Interior quality, feel , comfort and intuitive controls and beautiful dash. I like the L base because of price and I dont need to add weight or complexity. The 6 speed transmission shifts nice and you can manual shift ( without it up or downshifting on its own except at stop it goes in to first gear) Lots of torque and power from down low 2000-4000 is sweet and engine is never strained .

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  I love my Kia! - 2004 Kia Rio
  By CCatsNana - November 4 - 2:00 am

  My Kia gets me everywhere I want to go! I love it!

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  2004 Kia Rio - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Jose Meraz - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This automobile is a car drivers dream come true. has a exellent gas milage and a great interior and exterior the 2004 kia rio is a very riliable car.

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  Kia Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By John Doe2234 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with everything

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  2003 Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By dave snoke - November 4 - 2:00 am

  5 months, and fewer than 5,000 miles. Absolutely no problems, and no complaints. Be advised, gas mileage on EPA sticker is not overstated: gear ratios selected to provide power are paid for in somewhat lower fuel economy. A very well designed and built vehicle.

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  my Sorrento is Great ! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Robert Garonzi - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Im very satisified with my purchase. I have recommeded it to my friends and coworkers.

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  Positive Choice - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Rthor - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The Kia Optima in a price comparison with other makes and models won hands down both in quality and features. The car is well equipped with virtually all the accessories one would want. From a moon roof to ABS brakes, leather interior and a 24V-V6 engine. The engine is quiet and very responsive. Interior noise is low and the car gives a good solid feel during city or highway driving. Overall the form, fit and function of the car is outstanding, particularly at this price.

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  Very good car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MWay1146 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Cadillac, a Lincoln Town Car, and several Chevy, Oldsmobile, and Chrysler vehicles. My 2003 Optima EX is as good as any of them. It has a nice ride, handles very well, and is quieter than my Town Car or Coupe de Ville were. On a recent 1000 mile trip, I got 33 MPG and the first 10000 miles have been totally trouble-free. I highly recommend this car.