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 my Kia - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By tack - October 30 - 9:03 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have had. i get looks and chatter about how great it looks. I am very pleased with the performance. It travels very well with comfort on long trips and it is FUN. Great vehicle;would buy it again in a minute.

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  Fun little Hampster Car! - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Christine Stuart - October 29 - 8:03 am

  This car for the money is a great little car. I wish it had a little better handling and braking but overall for the price we really like the Soul. We had a MINI COOPER that was taking us to the poor house in repairs, and we wanted something a little bigger. The Navi system is one of the best love the picture that shows the EXIT . The seats are very comfortable and the leather is really nice love that smell when you get in.

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  KIA Amanti - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Shephard - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Looks good! Interior is very nice with just about all the bells and whistles a person could want. Exterior is not flashy but very nice and impressionable. Power is not overwhelming but acceptable.

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  My First New Car In 15 Years - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Gregory Newlande - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Starting with the auto dealership...Santa Ana Kia the professionalism there was excellent. The salesman delivered my car to my doorstep. I have received many compliments from family and friends on its design etc, A great choice...saw this vehicle at the auto show in Anaheim,California. The price was excellent for the options that this car was equipped compared with Toyota etc. Thank you.

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  Kia Sorrento Review - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By J Lade - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Most comfortable ride I have ever experienced. It looks great! I receive many complements on the looks of the vehicle.

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  great SUV - 2009 Kia Sorento
  By dani - October 25 - 7:00 pm

  this is a great buy. seems to be solidly built. runs great both on the freeway and surface streets. i just own this for a few days but i already love it. would recommend it to anybody for its price and the car your buying. great job kia!

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  Great Kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Van Daddy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got my Kia and have no problems as of yet. Runs great. About a million options come with it standard. The only funny thing about the Kia is the engine looks like a lawn mower engine, but other then that it is a great Mini van for a great price. Oh yeah It comes with a for real spare tire.

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  Great car and a great value - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By qcspectra - October 23 - 5:23 am

  Bought new last summer. Great build quality and materials, especially at this price. Have previously owned 8 Hondas and 2 Mazdas, and this Spectra easily compares to them. My EX w/manual transmission has averaged 31 in mixed driving (65/35 city/hwy), well over the 23/30 EPA rating. Shopped the 08 Civic, Mazda3, Corolla, Elantra, and Cobalt.

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  Good so far - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Bill B - October 22 - 10:00 am

  We have about 1,600 miles on her. She drives great. You can end up going too fast on the interstate because she rides very smooth and quit. My wife loves it. Kids think there riding in 1st class seat of a airliner! Cant beat for the money. Great warranty!

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  Good car - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Kevin - October 22 - 7:59 am

  Very small car(Im 60) but reliable, mines had the navigation system, fast to go around small/tight corners, felt like a sports car! so those was the best part.. had issues with the brakes(pads, disc, etc) but once i got them fixed it was great again! also had problems with the power steering but it was just one of the belts was to tight. Surprised how WELL it drove in the snow also (Live In Massachusetts).. Had a couple more issues with bearings and control arms and stuff like that but it was because of all the potholes around my area and sometimes my crazy driving when late to work, etc.. GREAT MPG ALSO! Overall its a great car but for people that arent to big/tall or even with family of four, to crowded/small and uncomfortable especially going on long trips! Bought this car when i was single so it helped out big time! Now having a family of four had to get rid of it and get something bigger! I would definelty recommend this car but only if single or just in a relationship with no kids lol... (Had it for 2 full years)