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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  Bang for the Buck - 2011 Kia Optima
  By mja2 - June 28 - 8:15 pm

  I have owned my SX for app. 3 weeks. Zero Complaints so far. Gas mileage in regular mode is in the neighbor hood of 26 MPG mixed driving. If I am gentle in ECO mode I have gotten 29mpg under the same conditions. Acceleration to 60 is good , acceleration above 60 is very impressive, it might even scare you alittle. Overall quality seems very good. I have the basic stereo and the sound is crystal, I can only imagine the upgraded version. The only negative so far is when I start it first thing I hear a faint rattle in the exhaust.

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  Great so far - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By bucky89 - June 28 - 6:06 pm

  We were hooked on this car after test driving it and comparing it to the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander drives like a boat and is similar to the minivan we had. The Sorento was just really fun to drive. Weve had it for a week now, and no problems so far. No rattles or strange noises or any other problems whatsoever. Very minimal wind noise at high speeds. Suspension is stiff and there is some tire noise depending on the road surface. Hope it continues to meet our expectations.

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  Best of the bunch! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Mark Mangus - June 27 - 6:48 am

  This is my second Sorento. I traded in a 2014 and there is a world of difference. This vehicle is quiet and smooth as a babies behind. We have the 3rd row (for emergencies) but the seats are folded down. The back is huge. Maybe not as big as the Pilot, but neither is the car itself. All I can tell you is to go take one for a drive. They range in price from $25k - $45k. Mine is the LX V6 AWD with convenience package and 3rd row seat. MSRP was $33k. They have several incentives like active military, veteran, student and combinations. Your mileage may differ.

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  Love my Optima - 2013 Kia Optima
  By snerenbaum - June 25 - 4:58 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Honda Accord for a 2013 KIA Optima. I am extremely happy with everything about this car. There are so many bells and whistles. Its comfortable and the panoramic sunroof is great. My husband purchased this car for me and I love the Metal Copper color. Its fun to drive. KIA hit this one out of the ball park.

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  best price on an S.U.V - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By lolitta - June 23 - 2:00 am

  the best car i ever owned. warranty is a peace of mind on this vehicles.

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  Great looking fun to drive - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Shawn Ingram - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Found to be fun and reliable. Looks great and such a smooth ride.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By susangecovis - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great driving vehicle. Handles wonderfully. Without 4WD, it still handles well in the snow. Interrior is very comfortable and very pleasant to travel in. Has lots and lots of power. I love my Kia Sorrento EX.

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  New Sedona for family of five - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By hall4times - June 21 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I just bought a Kia Sedona EXb(2002) with ABS,leather,two- tone(black/BR.Platinum),homelink,and rear spoiler. We paid 22449 before taxes. The van is gorgeous and functional especially for a family with a five yr old, a three yr. old, and a 10 month old. And a dog. We look forward to traveling many miles in our van and plan God willing to keep it until its 100000 mile warranty is gone .

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  Great Car - not as good gas as 2006 1/2 - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Lady Chivas - June 21 - 8:13 am

  Bought right after Thanksgiving 2005. Except for some minor repairs, I love the car. The ceiling could be higher (I am only 52"). Would like the left "foot rest" to be closer. Mileage is bad, 17 miles/gal, they adjusted with the 2006½ model which came out 1½ months AFTER I bought mine. I know it will not last as long as my 2nd car - my 1980 Subaru, which I also purchased new and still have.

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  Great affordable sports car! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Dan - June 20 - 12:36 am

  I can only echo the comments by Rockin RN -- I agree with everything except that I think its a little harsh on the bumps, but thats to be expected since its a sports car. The 2.4 engine is very responsive from the start and even after its up to speed. The gas mileage is good so far (Ive only had it for about three weeks) and Im averaging 26 MPG combined city/highway. Ive also got the Racing Red, automatic and it gets a lot of compliments. Kia did a great job with it and with their warranty its a winner so far.