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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  Super Spectra 5 - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Julie - June 25 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car because the combination of reviews, price and fuel economy were hard to beat and it has exceeded my expectations! Great fun to drive and I rarely get less than 30-32 MPG. Have gotten as much as 35 pretty regularly. My only complaint is that it could use a few more little storage compartments and I miss having the temperature and compass feature that I had in my last car.

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  super ride and economy - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Art Katser - June 23 - 6:53 pm

  As the price of fuel goes up, my attitude toward this car goes up appropriately. Its fun to drive and my Spectra5 looks as great as it rides.

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  Purchased used 2 years ago and already vechilce needs work on engine - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By lyns2 - June 23 - 8:42 am

  I purchased this van 2003 Kia Sodona 2 years ago and right after I paid it off the engine had problems it has blown head gaskets and will cost me $2200.00 to get back on the road.

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  2007 Spectra - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By clintsusername - June 22 - 11:50 pm

  I first test drove my kia initially as a joke. I needed a fwd car to commute for school even when the roads where covered in snow, so it was time to say good-bye to my rwd firebird. I also needed something low-mileage considering I now drive 600 miles a week. I was surprised while test driving the spectra. It was more powerful than i expected, quiet, subtle yet well controlled body and suspension movements, packed with tons of standard features, great stereo, ergonomically correct controls, mid- sized interior room and driving dynamics, and the overall sophistication of the entire package. All for $7300 that included the remainder of the factory warranty. More than "basic" at a "basic" price.

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  One year later - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Big John - June 22 - 10:03 pm

  Basically no complaints except tire grip on snowy roads is severely lacking, when trying to go uphill from a stop. Never had this problem with a Rio. After servicing the transmission it began to chatter when slowing down. This shouldnt be happening with an automatic transmission. Went to the local dealer for all service, (not Charlies Kia), not happy with the service personnel. Theres a gasoline odor getting into the cabin intermittently but the local dealer says they cant duplicate the problem. Car still gets 32 mpg HW and hugs a dry road excellently. The original tires are about half way worn out and look worn evenly across the width. Theyve been rebalanced once.

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  What a piece of work! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By BigJoe - June 22 - 9:50 pm

  Great car!!! This car has won me over. As a former Chevy Subn driver I have a hard time getting into just any vehicle. At 64" 370 I am no small twig. The Rondo has great room and a very peppy 4 cyl. I have only had the car about 4 months but so far I love it. There are a few things which could be improved upon but the pros far outweigh the cons. I am going to miss my 4 wheel drive in the winter, but hey, lets face it, going from an average of 8 mpg to 20 mpg is a big difference. This car has exceeded my expectations and is definitely worth a look. Roomy, peppy and nice on the twisties, my Rondo was a great deal.

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  Base Model Bargain - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Gizzron - June 22 - 1:16 am

  I printed out a coupon for 25 dollar gift card if you test drove a new Sorento. I drove one and bought it on the spot. With the owner loyalty and cash back rebates, along with another 2 grand off from the dealer, I walked out of the door for 18,500. That price included sales tax, plates, doc fees, and accessory floor mats.

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  I love my new KIA Sportage! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Stephanie Smith - June 21 - 8:20 am

  I love my new 2005 KIA Sportage!!! It drives like a dream! It turns tightly and doesnt ever feel like it is leaning when you turn. It has great pick-up and smooth shifting. I love all the storage and the upholstery and carpeting. The standard alarm and keyless entry and sunroof were great bonuses! Best of all is the 10 year 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty and the 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty! How can you beat that?

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  2013 Kia Optima EX - Purchased with 16k miles - 2013 Kia Optima
  By Chuck Hotaling - June 20 - 2:23 pm

  Excellent value and good fuel economy. Acceleration is strong for a 4 cyl vehicle. Handles good, although power steering at times feels weak. We got our care for $16,500 on Dec 2015 with 16k miles. Purple/redish color with tan leather seats.

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  Not what we expected. - 2006 Kia Rio
  By my3sheets - June 20 - 2:13 pm

  Brand new with 100000mi/10yr warranty...well we have 20,000 miles and already have taken it to the shop 6 times. 2 recalls,1 radio not working, 1 power steering pump thing, 2 for transmission, no acceleration (very dangerous problem) and this problem is acting up again. The availability of parts for the car has been a nightmare of rental cars. The gas mileage is great but I think the car may wear out before the warranty. Wife thinks the trunk is too small...but we could see that. Plus due to my credit we are paying a lot for the car (no choice) so I dont feel we are getting our monies worth! Strongly consider NOT buying this model.