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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  Quite a Value....And Fun, Too. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By John S - April 8 - 4:40 am

  I highly recommend this KIA, especially considering the cost. Something I never thought Id say. Ride and steering is nice and tight. Comfort is very good, though a taller person has nowhere to fully straighten out the right leg when on cruise control. A minor concern. Car looks sharp, good clean lines/curves. Brakes feel solid. The interior looks very nice. Climate controls are easy to use. Keeping in mind that this is not a sports car; the engine has no power issues, unless you have more than one passenger, and are going up a steep hill. Overall, this car is a terrific value. Add in the incredible warranty, and I couldnt pass it up. More than a commuter car, its a fun ride.

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  Minivan vs Suburban - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Mrs. M - April 7 - 3:00 am

  Weve always had SUVs since we started our family. But decided to downsize from our 07 Suburban to this minivan. I was kinda sad b/c the Suburban looked "cooler" but WOW! I love this car and so does my husband. We have 4 small children and the Sedona is hands down the most convenient and comfortable auto weve had. I love almost everything about it. Almost. There are only a couple things to bring up. The interior cloth is cheap looking. Wish we got the leather. And although it seats 7,if you have to seat 5 kids I wouldnt recommend this car for you. The back bench seat is narrow so 3 kids in the back is tight. And the poor kid who has the middle gets an uncomfortable seatbelt

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  2004 kia optima lx v6!!!! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By AHartman90 - April 6 - 4:50 pm

  I got my kia in April 2009 I have had no problems with it so far it is a realy Nice car I put a high flow intake and a cherry bomb in it and it gave me a little better performance... The head lights keep going out but thats it with problems. I didnt like kias befor I got this on I have about 180-185 and 140-145 foot lbs of torque! I highly recommend the 2004 kia optima for anyone!

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  My best decision - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Suhail Sood - April 3 - 9:30 pm

  I bought it used with 67,948 miles on it. Replaced transmission fluid and stock Infinity stereo with pioneer DEH- 2200UB and boom it sounds great with stock speakers and tweeters. Engine goes silent after 5 minutes of drive. I get about 23-27 mpg on regular commute. My Optima has California state emissions and dont have to worry about timing belt change until 105,000 miles Last time it averaged 30 mpg on my way to philadelphia from pittsburgh, 356 miles on a v6 and 30 mpg, what more do you want?

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  Pleased - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By H W Johnson - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought the KIA in Sept of 2010. Originally went for Hyundai, but after road testing both, decided on the KIA. Have never regretted the choice. Good combined mileage ( we have V6) and good performance. Look forward to taking long trip to really appreciate the vehicle.

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  Awesome car for the money - 2014 Kia Optima
  By dumrman - April 2 - 11:13 pm

  This is my wifes driver. We have had several BMYW 7s, Jaguar XJs, and two Audi A6s. At one third the price this thing gives them all a run for the money IMHO. I am a guy that has bought eight new Porsches and i am amazed that Kia can make a car of this quality and deliver it at that price. At this price point, it is definitely the best car out there.

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  A real sleeper - dont tell anyone - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By steve - April 2 - 6:16 pm

  I saw a Sorento last year and wanted it but when I saw the Sportage I was sold just on the outside looks and size. Now that I own one, I see that its a real sleeper. It has great speed and handling; its the SUV that thinks its a sports car, or I drive it like one. I feel very safe when Im driving. Its quiet when the doors are closed to road noise. Its the first luxury car/truck Ive ever owned. I keep finding small key extras. With the 10yr/10k, 5yr roadside, 3yr paint, Ill have this one a long time to come and Im loving it. Ive dressed up my truck and get looks all the time.

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  Great Buy - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By michael76148 - April 2 - 4:28 am

  My wife and I in a 3-5 day span test drove a Honda crv, a mazda7, a Nis. Murano,and chev. Equnox, when it came down to standard equipment, comfort, quality,and over all bang for the buck the Kia slapped the others in the face. Quiet cabin, smooth ride, beautiful leather interior, bluetooth,vue voice command with a awsome Infinity suround system, and many other toys are standard on the V-6 SX MODEL. 3rd row seating tight for adults but for my 2 Grandsones they are fine.Gas milage not great but good.Trip to Loisianna 450miles avg 25mpg, everyday city only 19-20. Overall, we are very happy with our choice. And a warranty 2nd to none

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  Love my KIA - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Fireshaw - April 1 - 3:46 pm

  Awesome package deal with sporty looks, luxury interior, good fuel economy and still practical.

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  Good, But Could Be Improved - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Megasarge - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Called Kia Roadside Assistance 3 times for dead battery, finally the dealer replaced the lumbar switch. Battery would go dead if vehicle sat more than 5 days; I dont know if the problem is fixed yet. Windshield cracked and was replaced promptly. No hassels with roadside assistance and dealer warrranty work. Rear glove box door keeps popping open. Took cross-country trip Dec 2003, MPG averaged O/A 21 MPG @ 62 MPH average; ride was comfortable, handeled well. Rear seats are hard to get into. Interior componets seem durable. Since corporate America is sending jobs overseas, this retired 20- year Army veteran tries to avoid purchasing from American companies.