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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  Bye Lincoln, Hello Amanti - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Kazoodoll - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I reciently traded in my Lincoln Continental for a new Amanti and I love it. The style in younger and more updated than any other car in its class and it has all the aminities that my Linclon had. The price was excellent and it came fully loaded. It drives like a dream with good pick-up, turning radius and comfort. For the price you cant beat it and the 5 year bumper to bumper coverage makes it worth trying something new and exciting.

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  I love my car - 2013 Kia Soul
  By myrtle0562 - July 7 - 11:26 am

  I recently bought my car at Commonwealth Kia in Lawrence MA. I love this car! The dealership was great and I was able to get an awesome deal! I would recommend this car and dealership to all my friends and family!

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  Very pleased with this car! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By ghostboo - July 7 - 3:24 am

  I have always owned large 4X4 quad-cab trucks but got sick of dumping money in gas. I wanted a vehicle that was easy on gas, fun to drive, fit in my garage, and loaded with options. I researched for a few months and narrowed it down to about six finalists. I test drove them and narrowed it to two, the Hyundai Elantra and the Soul Exclaim. I love both vehicles but the Soul won me over because of the cargo capacity and ease of access. The Soul is fun to drive and I like the high seating position. It doesnt feel like Im down in a go cart. Visibility is outstanding and the interior is perfect. My gas mileage is very good. I average 24 city, 31 highway and 35 on long country drives.

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  An Average Car - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By matthew preis - July 6 - 9:36 pm

  Car is comfortable and I fit in well even though I weigh 250 lbs. Although a decent car, I probably would have been happier with a Toyota or Honda. Engine seems very noisy in the morning and quieter in the evening. All in all not a bad car but not a great one either.

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  Its Almost Perfect - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Michele Carey - July 6 - 12:50 pm

  I rented a 2007 Kia Spectra EX and a 2007 Ford Fusion for two weeks each before deciding to purchase a Kia. The Kia interior is ultra modern, while the Fusion is dated and cumbersome. As a musician, I was impressed by the Fusions great sound system -- thats about all. I upgraded the sound system of my Kia and now my car is almost perfect. The car handles beautifully and the transmission is excellent. My Kia is fun to drive and I look forward to each trip, whether short or long.

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  Love My Baby - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By gypsy - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car and I am happy with the choice I made. The car is economical and cute. I have had no major problems, just some cabin noise which was resolved within the first month. The brakes lasted two years and the tires are still the originals.

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  Great Little SUV - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Chief - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Kia in spring of 2001 and have loved it. Its 4X4 capability is incredible for such a low priced vehicle. Ive taken it to the beach and it goes right along with the rest of of the bigger SUVs and trucks. Just remember to let some air out of the tires when you ride on sand. My kids love to ride in it. I would recommend a Kia to anyone who doesnt want to go broke buying a new SUV. I have had only one mechanical problem since purchase and that was a faulty oxygen sensor.

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  New Kia Customer - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By ChuckT - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Have about 700 miles on our new Sedona and are very pleased. The price was unbeatable. Only problems so far are a low "moaning" noise on occasion when AC is on and the motor is idling, and the remote lock system sometimes requires shutting one or two doors several times before getting an "all shut" signal. Have yet to return to the dealer to have these looked after.

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  2005 Kia Sorento 4WD SUV , LOADED - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Charles - July 5 - 9:30 am

  This car really drives nice in town and on the road. It has good storage space with the seats letting all the way down and with the back seats up. It has extremely good storage in the passenger compartment for books, knickknacks etc and two user friendly cup holders in the front and about four in the rear. Easy access to the rear storage arear thru either the glass hatch or the full hatch.

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  There Great! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Cyra - July 4 - 4:16 pm

  I purchased my Rondo in March of 08,and am elated with my purchase. I always owned American made prior to this but I have to say that I love this Rondo. Have put over 18,000 miles with no problems. Went on 2 trips, one in the Ozark Mountains, I4 and transmission did exceptional with plenty of power and smooth downshifting when needed. Love the roomy interior and seating position.