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 Car! - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Richard - January 14 - 12:36 am

  This is a true luxury car! After owning a Olds Aurora and a Toyota Avalon this car has them both beat. The interior is as luxurious as any on the market. All controls are logically placed, the leather is beautiful, the wood grain dash is a site to behold. Great warranty. The front and rear seats are roomy and comfortable. The exterior is as classy as any car available regardless of price. Anyone who is considering a full size car should look at the Amanti before making a choice, take the money you save and go on a trip in your Amanti.

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  Its so beautiful! - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By john reinman - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id use the word beautiful to describe a car, but once you step into the Amanti you will agree that there is no other word that could describe the thought. Even with all the options(which is more than I thought existed)the Amanti was priced thousands less than japanese or american cars in its class. I love driving the car so much that I actually dont want to get out once I get to my destination! And its been almost a month.

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  My New Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Donshelton - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have found this Kia to be an excellent value for the money. The dealership gave over $4000 in rebates, bringing my cost to $11,987. You cant get used for that price.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By jafarmer1 - January 7 - 9:03 pm

  This is my first Kia, and it wont be my last! I just drove to Georgia, and I couldnt have asked for more from my Optima, I cant wait for my next trip. The gas mileage was awesome, and it handled beautifully.

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  Great Value - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By fourthrowe - January 7 - 12:00 pm

  My father purchased the vehicle new, then gave it me Jan. of 05. Hes never had any major problems with it and neither have I. In fact, with 157k miles on it, the original clutch holds strong, and the vehicle runs like a champ. For some strange reason, the windows will ALWAYS be foggy / dewy in the mornings even when other cars arent. It has seen 3 rather expensive starters. There is no aftermarket (generic) for most parts so expect to go to the dealer for everything. The sheetmetal is thin and easily dented but that gives it the performance. Mazda Protege engine, Getrag designed tranny, not a bad setup. Dont buy a new Kia unless you plan to drive it forever, they are worthless for resale.

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  Year update - 2007 Kia Amanti
  By minus200 - January 6 - 6:46 pm

  20,000 miles and one year and I am more pleased than the 1st day. Not a squeak - burp - or hiccup. The car is perfect. Still a quiet smooth ride with no rattles or problems of any kind. I have done the normal maintenance and that is it. The mileage runs from 19 all city to 22 combo and 24-25 all hwy. The inside looks like the day I purchased it - quality is just amazing. Even the valet in the casinos are impressed by this car. Buy one - you will like it

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  I love my Kia - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By A W Black - January 5 - 9:36 pm

  I traded in a Cadillac for the Kia, and it has been a great car. Fun to drive, and much less expensive than a Cadillac. I will buy another one if this one ever wears out ... great car!

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  Great car, Great price - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By jbigs22 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car, runs smooth. Very quiet ride with lots of room and safety features for my family. For the price, I could not have asked for a better car.

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  Sorento review after year 1 - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Kia 4 Me - January 5 - 10:00 am

  As promised, Im back reviewing the Sorento after the 15000 mile mark, and Im happy to report that the vehicle has performed flawlessly for the past year. Gas milage is holding at 19 overall (see previous post), and at that level, the cost savings averages out to $1100.00 per year over a Highlander and $1300.00 over a Lexus. By the way, I use those two as comparisons as they are the only vehicle close to the class that the Sorento truly competes in. Kia definately has a winner here, and Ill be back at the 30k mark to let you all know how things are going then!

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  Happy in Ohio - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Babycakes311 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Ex 4x4 in Dec., 2003. My first foreign vehicle. Was comparing it to Lexus 330, & Acura MDX when I compared, and test drove a Kia I was pleasantly surprised enough to purchase one, handles well in the snow, love the features. Dont let the mileage estimates scare you. Compared to a midsized SUV, consumption is comparable. Test drive one, you too may be happy. Sound system rocks! I havent had one problem with this vehicle. Good job Kia.