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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  Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By No. VA dude - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Satisifies the basic criteria - Ride is very smooth, engine is responsive, brakes well, comfortable on trips, decently carries a family of 6, nicely equipped, and reasonably priced.

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  Never Thought Id Own a Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By ADB - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The Kia caught my eye while driving on the highway so I decided to give it a try. I did a ton of research & read all of the Edmunds reviews (Thanks Fellow Sorento Owners!), among others. I test drove the 4-Runner, Pathfinder, Pilot, & Tribute (didnt drive any "American" SUVs) and the Kia won! I got the fully loaded EX w/ tow & self leveling. To get comparable features on the other SUVs I would have paid $8000 - $13000 more! I had to have the Amp and odometer replaced but everything else is problem free. The SUV is GREAT, the Dealer experience, not so great. I truly love my Kia Sorento! Without-a-doubt the best "Bang-For-Your-Buck."

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  Cadenza review brief update - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By 6406nb - June 17 - 10:55 pm

  I just want to mention that we have now bought a booster pillow at Target for the passenger seat as shorter passengers cannot see over the dash. As much as I love the car, Ive never had to do this before.

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  Dream Car - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Les - June 14 - 7:40 am

  Now this is what IÂ’d call love at first sight! This is a true dream car; we love it, so smooth, quite and comfortable. We had no intention of buying a car, but after a test drive, we were sold. I think the gas mileage is great at 27.8 highway; local driving, not so good. But overall, huge trunk space and a wonderful sound system, good acceleration, back seat ride, and those heated seats, wow! This is a great car for the money.

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  nice car - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By jack - June 13 - 11:33 am

  I recently traded in a 2002 Honda cr-v for a Kia. The reason I traded in the Honda was because of some very annoying rattles in the dash area. Took it in 3 times and it was never found, and thats the problem with rattles. Nothing more than a defect that cant be fixed. Of course, Im hoping the same doesnt happen with the Kia.

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  Smooth riding interstate cruiser - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Walt Reschke - June 11 - 10:46 pm

  We purchased our Amanti in November 2004, and have enjoyed every mile in it so far. The initial build quality has been excellent, with no initial problems whatsoever. The interior of the car is well thought out, and the power seat controls mounted high on the driver and passenger doors is a real plus. This is principally my wifes car (she picked it out after test driving all of the competitor offerings). After she took me to the Kia dealer for my own test drive I was hooked. The amount of vehicle you get for what you pay is absolutely remarkable. It may not have a "prestige" name plate, but the ride is great and we still have thousands of dollars in our bank account.

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  POWER ON - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By gbmonkey - June 11 - 6:53 pm

  I love this car!! Power everything and the price point was fantastic!! Great, Great gas mileage. You would never know its a four cylinder, fast pick up especially with the manual.

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  JAVA Kia Soul ! Rocks - 2010 Kia Soul
  By CS2Nana - June 11 - 1:20 pm

  I have spent 2 years looking at other cars when I came across the KIA Soul! I am a retired Engineer, so you bet I want to look at the Specs! I found the dealership very accommodating. I drove a "loaner" for 3 days. It was the KIA Soul basic. Yes, it was stiff, I didnt like the colors, and it was loaded up. HOWEVER, when I received my JAVA KIA SOUL! I, immediately, not only saw the differences but felt the differences in the drive. I took the car out on a 350 mile trip. It handled well, did not veer, gas consumption was economic, there were no vibrations or shakes, braked easily. It has been a joy to drive. The funny part, young kids seem to like this car BUT older drive it!

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  You Must Drive One! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Esme - June 10 - 7:46 pm

  Great car - fun to drive, great in the snow,awesome options. A lot of SUV for a little price!

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  Good car - 2012 Kia Sedona
  By jstiff - June 10 - 11:23 am

  Just bought it and traded in a 09 Suburu Forester. The KIA is bigger, more comfortable and holds more stuff with the seats folded. A lot more power and the 6 spd tranny is a big plus. We bought the basic EX model