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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  I LOVE IT! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By RONDA - April 16 - 4:56 pm

  I wouldnt trade my Sorento for anything! It is the best car I have ever had. No problems and it looks so cute!

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  Nice little car for the money - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By KYPhoenix - April 15 - 7:23 am

  I have just recently purchased this vehicle. After looking at other vehicles in this class (Dodge Caliber/ Avenger, Ford Focus, etc) I believe this to be the best value, by far. The 2.0 with a manual is peppy, the engine is all but unnoticeable until 4k rpm (About 80+ in 5th), and with all the convenience features I got, makes me feel like I got a great deal. Gas mileage has been 22ish (city) thus far, but I only have about 150mi on her right now, and by all accounts mpg gets much better as it breaks in. Overall a great car for a person who needs affordable transportation, but likes a car to have a bit of pep and personality.

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  2007 Kia Sorento review - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By mom2spoiled3 - April 13 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this SUV to get out of a minivan that I drove for 5 years. I am loving every part of this vehicle. I like the style, drive, color and options. Great SUV for the money I spent.

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  Kia Sportage - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By aj - April 12 - 4:20 am

  The Kia Sportage is a very good car for the price it is worth. I was going to buy a ford edge but instead I got the Kia Sportage. So far the car has been doing well; the fuel economy is great - 22 in the city and 27 in the highway. There is one problem when the highway you hear the road too much but everything else is great. I recommend it for a family of 4 or 5. The trunk space is really good and the seats fold flat to make the trunk bigger. It is a great car, looks kind of sporty andhas a nice touch to it. It could use more power but thats ok.

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  Just bought an 06 Sportage! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Big Dog - April 11 - 6:30 pm

  I own 2 02 Honda CR-Vs AWD, and thought they were the neatest things on wheels. Mileage got high on one, and I looked at newer CR-Vs- the 07s seem not to be as relaible or have as good ride- so looked at 06-07 Sportage. WOW! Far better ride- larger interior, more power than CR-V,better quality ride and comfort. Much better steering- much easier, and a far better AWD system. I can lock in 4WD from a stop- CR-V must have wheel spin first. This is just a superior vehicle all around. I got a great price, and repspectful service from dealer, plus warranty. Car was so clean, I thought it was new when I picked it up last Saturday!

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  Bought A Beauty At a Bargain Price - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Albert J Gonzales - April 11 - 1:03 pm

  Having owned a 1998 Spotage I was anxious to get my hands on the new and improved model for 2005. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I get plenty of looks and questions about it. It has plenty of power for my needs, which includes many long hills to climb, with camping gear.

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  Great Van Great Price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By W Whicker - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought LX 3 only days ago and we love it. Great price (around 18k with rebate) on a van with the best warranty and high safety rating. What else can I say! The LX is the lower trim level but still has all the major goodies we could need. Easy to put baby in (no crouching like in a car), very nice layout, good ride, feels solid, comfortable, excellent AC, good power from the V6, and good looking, too. Cant beat it for the price/warranty. Talk about peace of mind. Highly recommended.

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  Kia rules - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By dman94 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Price and features is great not to mention the warranty. I had a 02 and traded for an 03 we liked it so much and Kia had great incentive to do so

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  excellent - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By tammy scott - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I am so glad that they have made and affordable SUV. The vechile drives great. It has alot of standard features that you would have to pay extra on other SUV. I love my Kia. I would recommend this vechle to anyone. Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  I love my Kia - 2005 Kia Optima
  By brenda mutcherson - April 9 - 11:20 am

  Comfortable, smooth ride. Great deal for the price. Seats are soft and comfortable. Love the easy opening sunroof. I Love the fold down back seats. I love my Kia Optima. This car comes with free car mats!