5 Star Reviews for Kia

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.33/5 Average
7,338 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 4021 through 4030 of 7,338.00
  • Downsized From Huge SUV - 2012 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I traded in my Ford Expedition EL for the Sorento since I no longer needed a huge gas guzzler. I was concerned about comfort, however, I have driven the Sorento on long trips and it is comfortable to drive. The generous warranty and the fact its built in the U.S. were two of my main reasons for purchasing this vehicle. My only complaint is the lack of room in the second row due to the presence of the third row. My next Sorento will not have the third row since I dont need it. The Sorento does very well in towing a boat and trailer weighing 2500 pounds, however, braking is a little harder.

  • LOVE this "car"! - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    We bought our car off the lot as a demo - so it was considered new. I wasnt sure about the value I would get but its nearly a year later and we LOVE it! We get about 24 combine city/highway miles. We got all the bells and whistles (which hardly cost any extra), including the sunroof, leather and 3rd row. I am 56" and can fit in the 3rd row (wouldnt do it all the time and probably someone a bit taller would not fit unless they sat sideways). Plenty of room in the front and middle. The seats fold flat, which is hard to find.

  • KIA Sportage 4WD 2000 - 2000 Kia Sportage
    By -

    I have had three years of trouble free driving with my 2000 Sportage 4WD. The paint job has held up well. The 4WD is super-simple to engage and operate. Mechanically, nothing has occurred. No burned out light or brakelight bulbs. The only thing (which has been corrected in later models)is the on/off button for the radio. Most people like to just push the on/off button instead of having to manually turn it on/off. I just enjoy driving it. I feel it is the best SUV you could buy for the US dollar. Our Morande dealership is the best dealership I have ever had contact with. The service department is super great.

  • Nice car for the money - 2006 Kia Amanti
    By -

    Chose this car for its features, safety, comfort, weight (Michigan winter winds are fierce!), first year depreciation and reliability. Paid $16k for a year-old, program car with 16k miles in like new condition. (Consumer Reports bad-mouthed the Amanti, but Ive learned to discount CR opinions about many things!) This car has been next to perfect for my needs. I wasnt a leather seat fan, but these are fine. Long trips are a joy, because of the comfortable, quiet ride. CR complains about its handling, but anyone with half a brain doesnt get into situations CR moans about, and the Kia ESC helps you out of those foisted upon you by idiots on the road.

  • Love my Rio!!!!! - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bougth my Rio used with about 50,000 miles on it in 2004. Ive only put normal maintanence in it, except for the rear wheel barring that need to be replaced. I absolutely love driving it!!!! Ill be buying a Sportage in the next few months, but I will be keeping my Rio. It will remain my go to car, at least until it dies. Im at 150,000 miles right now and hopeing Ill get a 100,000 more out of it. Not much on luxury, but a true JOY to drive!!!!!!!

  • 2009 Kia Optima SXV6 = Winner - 2009 Kia Optima
    By -

    This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Solid road manners, quiet along normal paved surfaces, decent accelaration, most luxury features available for the money. It is very stylish, more reminiscent of an Infiniti or Acura vehicle. The build quality of Kia is higher than previously expected. The speedodmeter reads to 160 mph and may reach 140-150 mph given the gearing & feel of its accelaration if it is not speed governed. I ordered mine and received it with 4 miles total. I have been happy every since.

  • Best minivan I have ever owned - 2003 Kia Sedona
    By -

    I have owned one of every minivan on the market (with the exception of the Honda)over the past 10 years, this one is by far my favorite. The hefty weight gives a strong feeling of stability and security on the road. The engine is a perfect match for the size of the vehicle. Acceleration is as good or better than the 2001 Cougar that I traded for it.

  • Sorento - a must L@@k for a SUV buyer - 2003 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I purchased my Sorento after considering the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe. Without question, the Sorento was an excellent value and a quality vehicle. Everyone asks..."Is that a Kia?" For +/- $8,000-$10,000 less than the Highlander...Toyota better keep their eye on this Korean manufacturer!! Buy one...You wont be sorry.

  • Short term review - 2005 Kia Sportage
    By -

    My wife purchased a Sportage after considering the PT Cruiser, CR-V, RAV- 4 and Tucson. The Sportage has excellent fit and finish and seem high quality. It resembles its previous version in name only. I know of no other vehicle offer as much for so little. Well see over the long run. Kia is now squarely middle class.

  • Under-estimated Jewel - 2005 Kia Optima
    By -

    Ive bought 2005 Kia Optima EX V6 from a private person as a used car in August 28, 2010. Its in excellent condition with low mileage (only 53k miles). Frankly, I didnt expect any excellencies from it before driving, but Ive been changed totally about Kia and Optima. Its a fantastic sedan Ive ever driven. Its Powerful, comfort, quiet, fast, luxurious, roomy, sporty exterior design (better than latest model), etc. Im really enjoying the driving of this jewel.

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