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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  Never been happier! - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Meshoo96 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Kia Optima in 2001. It had 14 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. To date, it has 81,150 miles on it! Other than routine service and recently the alternator letting go, I have no complaints. It handles well, has ABS brakes, and gets excellent gas mileage. Id have to I drive about 150 miles round trip to work every day.

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  Great car - 2004 Kia Rio
  By lYxFizzyl - January 13 - 10:00 am

  its a great car for the money i havent had any problems with mine yet and i plan on fixing it up.

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  I have owned two - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Graham Johnson - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Two, a 2001 as a lease and never had a minutes problems. Idecided at 98,000 kilometers, that a lease was not for me, so I bought a new spectra in August 2003 I love my car, I bought a Dodge Minivan new fully loaded and it fell apart as I drove it and so I decided to go to a foreign car I had good things about Kia and I have not had a complaint. These cars are terribly under rated!I have enjoyed my two, and I live in the country in southern Alberta, adn30miles to work and it is extremely good on winter roads

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  bbpyl - 2004 Kia Optima
  By bbpyl - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Its grace on the road

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  Watch out Nips - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MarkinMD - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my KIA since 12/31/03 have not had a single problem with it. It rides well, is comfortable and looks more expensive. The fit and finish is as good as anything out of Japan. I dont know what some of the reviewers were talking about when it comes to wind noise. My Optima is very quiet. There are few things they could do to improve the car, but it is very nice as is. My car was loaded with all but leather and the sticker was $22.035. That is a lot of car for the money.

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  Kia Optima- Not given enough credit - 2004 Kia Optima
  By K Nestor - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for the price but fell in love with the overall quality, design and comfort of the vehicle. Trunk is large enough for a big day at the grocery for a family of five. Leather interior exceeded my expectations for quality. Performance of the V-6 is surprising good, will maintain interstate speed with cruise on with out a problem. Auto-stick shift works flawlessly. This car needs to be given more credit.

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  My 2002 Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Robert Berns - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Kia Optima in August 2002. It is the best car I ever owned. I have had no problems. I turned in a Cadillac DeVille 1998 lease car before getting my Kia. The ride in the Kia is comparable to the Cadillac. I am a retired automotive engineer. The fit and finish on the Kia is the best I have ever seen, bar none. I am 62" and I find this car very comfortable for me.

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  I Love my Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jose Perez - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Kia Optima in the last two years.(Kia Optima LX 02) and (Kia Optima SE-V6 03. Ive enjoyed driving and owning both of them, but the V-6 is definately the Optimum. I like every thing about my car, and especially the fact that its given me exceptional service and pleasure. Would I buy another Kia? Definately Yes. A Very Satisfied Customer

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  Great Deal - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Moms Taxi - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Kia for 3 weeks but I love driving it. It handles great and getting the kids in & out is a breeze. Plus, we got a great deal on a fully loaded EX. The leather & wood trim make me feel as if Im driving a more expensive mini-van but at a bargain price. Also, by purchasing in March Im getting the "3 year free maintenance" which is oil changes, etc for 36 mos.

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  my kia after 4 months - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By bob spath - January 13 - 10:00 am

  a very good buy for the overall performance and appearance at a very fair price.