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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  Great mid size sedan - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Allan Birmantas - May 29 - 3:26 pm

  We now have over 31,000 on it, and it was trouble free. Had some initial issues, but once the problems with the air bag were resolved it has been perfect. All I do is change the oil, filters and tranny fluid. Good mileage, everything works and its so far the best car I have ever owned. I have been driving since 1957 so you can see that I have a lot of experience with cars.

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  Great Car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Southernmsboy - May 29 - 1:26 pm

  The Spectra 5 is a great car. It offers class leading interior room and great build quality. Every one of my friends who drive the car are surprised to find out it was a KIA. I traded my 03 Optima on this car. KIA has come along way. It deserves a look.

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  Can not believe - 2007 Kia Optima
  By sad - May 29 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car with 40,000 miles on it. Since then I have had to replace the headlights 2 times each, the tail lights 2 times and the starter went. I am reading all the reviews I am scared to see what is coming. I have had to replace the back brakes when all of a sudden they just started grinding the pad ripped off 359.00. The main belt went and had to be replaced.

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  Good with Flaw - 2008 Kia Optima
  By KIASTINKCS - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed my Kia Optima. However there is a major issue with the car stalling and power cutting out, upon starting the car up and when driving.

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  Bang for your buck - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By macmarty - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Drove 300 mi. trip to Palm Springs,CA. got 22 mpg. No cmplaints. Car does have a firm ride and does have cabin noise over rougher paved fwys. Thanks for the great sound system. Kind of a learning curve re: remembering all the voice commands that you need to know for radio, bluetooth, nav,etc. No problem with sunroof wind noise or pulling to the right some owners have experienced. Looked at Edge and Murono simirally equip., they were 6-7K more. Didnt need the 3rd seat, but no option with the EX/SX models. This is my 4th Kia and have had pretty good luck with all of them, thanks to the 5 yr. 60K warranty. looking forward to see how the AWD lockup will work on ice and snow roads in Big Bear

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  Cheap on gas, high on repairs - 2004 Kia Rio
  By goatgirl - May 27 - 2:16 pm

  This car gets good mileage, 33-41 mpg, but you pay for it in repairs. It is only 5 years old and I have had to replace a wheel bearing, after 3 years, the air intake x2 in 3 years, leaving us stranded both times. Front end feels out of alignment, even after getting alignment, and having new tires balanced. Drivers side wiper arm is stripped, most things are dealer items so spendy. Seat belt on driver side back seat quit working right after the 60,000 warranty ran out. Radiator overflow hose came off twice. Hubby threatens to sell it all the time.

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  Great Value in a Midsize SUV - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By benson10 - May 27 - 11:05 am

  I started out looking for a Kia Optima ... gorgeous car ... but couldnt find one that suited (color/equipment). In the process I discovered the Kia Sorento for just a few bucks more than an Optima. I liked the size, the styling, the higher driving position, the fantastic warranty, and the gas mileage (4 cyl). So far I am highly satisfied with my purchase decision. I am averaging about 28mpg, but that includes a lot of highway driving. The seats are terrific, with great lateral support. I didnt get the third row seat, so I have under-panel storage in their place. My overall impression at this early stage is: I cant believe I got this much vehicle for only $24,450!!! Check it out.

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  A great car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By TiaKen - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The Amanti is just super. The leather interior is soft and supple. The Infinity Sound System with the 6 C.D. changer is really nice. This is the most comfortable car I have owned. Its fun to drive and it looks classy. Im so glad I picked this car.

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  I feel safe - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By BrockK - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I drove SUVs for ten years, but gave them up to get this car. The Electronic Stabitlity Package gives me peace of mind.Im getting great gas mileage. It really is a fantastic car. I think its a very safe car, also, with steel beams in the door and multiple air bags.

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  Awesome Car @ Awesome Price - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By NC KIA SUV Owner - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Researched and drove all SUVs $ 20 to $25K - new baby and all the stuff that goes along with one. Sorento by far impressed my wife and I. Safety features alone sold us. The styling, creature comforts and quiet interior was icing on the cake. We have base model LX and love it! Very impressed with power, smooth ride & reliability only service has been oil changes.