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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  Love it but...... - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By A. Henson - June 19 - 4:53 am

  Overall, I love the Sorento; however, at <15000 miles, the rotors had to be replaced and now at <28000 miles theyre having to be replaced again. (Not my braking habits! Ive been driving for almost 30 years and never had a problem with brakes!) Also, Ive noticed the hesitation in speed/acceleration during driving. Sometimes its slow to respond in a stop/go situation (slowing to a near stop then accelerating again)...kind of scary. Ive been told its because the vehicle/computer is adjusting to my manor of driving.(? At any rate, still happy with the vehicle overall.

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  Better Than Youd Think - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Vince Lucero - June 18 - 1:13 pm

  Traded my car in for this car. Very Happy that I did it. Great on gas, excellent handling. Cant beat the price and warranty for this type of car. All I have to say is that before you go and buy a Honda, Toyota look into this. I believe youll be satisfied.

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  New Kia Owner - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By tjb3302 - June 18 - 5:50 am

  Overall a great vehicle, on the highway or running around town. Features make carrying cargo a snap, and sufficient room with or without the back seats folded for anything we are transporting. Cargo cover works great to hide things under as if we had a nice truck with a trunk.

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  Economic Luxury - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By Chris - June 18 - 2:56 am

  I have always been impressed with the look of the Kia Amanti since its debut in 2004. Kia has captured the luxury look of Jaguar and Mercedes Benz without the pricing. So far, I continue to be impressed with my own Amanti including the performance and the interior design. The extras on the car are wonderful and the price was also a benefit.

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  Just got it - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By dreamer - June 17 - 12:56 pm

  FWD LX with TRS, CPK, auto-dimming mirror and floor mats all under 20400+TTL Seems like a good deal. Car performs well. It is much noisier compared to a chevy traverse. Pick up is OK giver a 4 cylinder. Not much more to report at this time.

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  Great - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Angela Martin - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had a great experience with it

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  Great vehicle, better then my Honda - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By The Tanner Family - June 15 - 4:40 pm

  I love this vehicle. It has the best crash rating out of all of the minivans. I love how it handles. The warranty is by far the best. It comes with all of the bells and whistles as the other minivans, But a little cheaper. Gas mileage is great. I have 5 kids, so the ease of getting in and out is amazing. I had a Honda for many years, and I like this vehicle better. I love Kia.

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  Happy with Kia - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Rick - June 15 - 3:13 pm

  Looking for an inexpensive new car? Look no further. I just purchased the Spectra and couldnt be happier. Great warranty, fun to drive, and comfortable, compaired to my SUV, the gas guage doesnt move. Overall, Im very happy with the purchase, and the Kia network of services.

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  Love it!!!! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By MELANIE TAYLOR - June 13 - 6:20 am

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  I love this car! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By rockport3 - June 13 - 1:46 am

  I totaled a Honda Civic, and rented an identical Kia for 2 weeks. I liked it so much I bought one! Compared to the Civic, this car has much greater visibility, greater safety features, and equal economy. The headlights are brighter and covered 1/3 more area, and the Kia is the quietest car I have ever owned, better than a Caprice Classic. The seats are a luxury and I am far safer in this car. I used the balance of the 60,000 mile warranty at 3 different dealers, who were far more courteous than any GM rival! A happier owner you will not find!