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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  2005 Kia Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Jerry Kleinpeter - January 26 - 7:16 am

  The Kia Sorento has very high quality and performance. It has lots of standard features, including a double five star rating.

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  2013 Kia Rio Ex - 2013 Kia Rio
  By ramoro1991 - January 25 - 1:16 pm

  I am currently driving a 2013 Kia Rio in Michigan. Handles great in the snow with the traction control on (read favorite features). Very nice design, but when buying the ex model it did not come with cruise (can be added). I have been driving this car since the beginning of December 2012, just went over 1100 miles and am happy with my choice. Gas mileage does fluctuate a little bit but have had the Eco on while driving on the highway and have actually averaged around 40+ MPG. Just remember, if youre nice to your car, it will be nice to you. This is my first brand new car and am really happy. Currently leasing for a 39 month lease and wouldnt have done anything different. Love my Kia Rio :)

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  So far, So good - 2005 Kia Rio
  By So Far, So good - January 25 - 8:03 am

  Bought a 2005 Rio new, and now have about 1,500 miles on it. Wanted to see if what I had heard about Kias quality was for real, and wanted a cheap car to drive.

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  Big Suprise - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By PT - January 25 - 6:53 am

  We walked away with this bargain for under 12k. This has been completely reliable and fun to drive for us. Very spacious interior and you feel completely secure wrapped in airbags, this is honestly the only car I have ever really enjoyed owning. Highly recommended by his owner.

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  good to go - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By GJ - January 24 - 3:56 pm

  We looked for a mid-sized vehicle that could tow a small travel trailer or a couple of motorcycles and bikes. Take everything for a drive and you will come back to the Borrego. Its quiet inside, radio quality is great, lots of standard features, quality through and through. We can take our large German Shepherd and the back has more than enough room for two dogs! This is a vehicle that can haul anything you want, including seven adults! We highly recommend!

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  Gas Cap - Escape light / check engine light - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By terry137 - January 24 - 11:21 am

  Bought the 2008 Sorrento used about 6 weeks ago. Check engine light/escape light has started coming on and vehicle will not run over 20 miles per hr. I have bought a gas cap and it still has not fixed the problem for more than a day. This is described in the book as a reason the check engine light to come on. A mechanic said the vents that vent the gas vapors can collapse. That is the next thing to have checked. I was looking online to see if any recalls but did not find any. Surely, this is not an isolated problem.

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  I love My Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Amy Eve - January 23 - 8:13 am

  This car is fantastic. I love everything about it. I only have two complaints about the car. The fuel mileage is not as advertised -- I get about 15.7 miles to the gallon in city driving. The other complaint is the horn -- far too soft and sounds like it belongs in a economy tuna can car. Ive owned the car for 13 months now and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I have not had to go back to the dealer for anything other than oil changes. The car was sold to me perfect! It is a great car to own and drive and I just cant say enough good things about it.

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  Great value - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By M. Curtin - January 22 - 6:22 am

  You would have to pay $1000s more to get same features in an Acura, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, BMW or Mercedes.

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  My Kia has gremlins - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Chris - January 19 - 10:10 am

  Here are some of the problems: Numerous things: AC does not blow cold continually and has been repaired several times Horn problems that have been fixed several times (Does not work properly when lock vehicle and it is to "chirp" when it locks). Also, security horn has had to be replaced Shifting / odd transmission type problem - the vehicle "bangs" when you come down a hill to a stop. Also, when slowing down to a stop light it actually has a surge or acceleration. Very scary and they say this is ok or they can not find a problem. Also as you are driving it accelerates or decelerates oddly. Brakes - vehicle only has 62,000 and have replaced brakes twice.

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  Better than a Sienna - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Laz - January 18 - 4:06 am

  We recently had an accident in our 2004 Toyota Sienna and got a new minivan. The Sedona was a top contender because of its excellent safety ratings, outstanding warranty and value. So far great experience, I like it better than our Sienna. It has plenty of room all around, seems very solidly built (no problems so far, the Sienna had problems right away), offers a decent driving experience (hey, its a minivan) and was a terrific value. Not only $4,000 cheaper than the Sienna but fully loaded and 0% financing. There are a few issues, some inherent in minivans, some are just minor annoyances, but overall a great family vehicle. If you are on the market for a van make sure you check it out.