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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  so far so good - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By steve - January 10 - 10:13 pm

  We bought our 05 Sorento used with 37k on it (for just over $16K). Exterior styling and safe, sturdy ride along with the warranty sold us on it (we were considering a GMC Envoy too). My wifes sister owns an 03 Sorento, and its been the most reliable car they have. Im a gas miser, but this truck has been slightly better than advertised (20-22mpg in mixed driving). Love the cargo room, comfort, and quiet ride. Plastic fender cladding not very sturdy (ripped an edge on a grocery cart return carriage), and Im taking the truck in for service at 42K next week. Well see how that goes. Overall, a LOT of bang for the buck. My wife loves it, and thats whats important.

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  Perfect for work and leisure - 2003 Kia Rio
  By ericksenmad9 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car brand new. Only had one problem with it(rear wiper hose kinked). But that is what the warranty is for. Is used for work. Plenty of space for work equipment. Good gas mileage. Fun to drive. I actually have more fun driving my Kia than my Chevy or Ford. Perfect for those who do not have alot of money to invest. Definitely love the turning radius. The Cinco, with its hatchback design, gives plenty of room.

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  spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By matt haynes - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The car is nice for an economy car. The thing it needs the most is a bigger motor for trying to pass somebody.

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  My Sangria Kia - 2018 Kia Sorento
  By My Sangria Kia - January 8 - 5:56 pm

  Love the vehicle so far. Not too many miles on it yet due to icy roads. I love how it handles and hugs the road. I still have many features to explore.

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  Beyond Expectations! - 2012 Kia Rio
  By commuter_dave - January 5 - 3:34 pm

  Having owned mostly German Cars in the past, trading in my 2000 ML for the 2012 Rio SX was initally met with trepidation. I was tired of spending over $500 per month on gas just for communting so I thought I would buy a car with the best fuel economy in its class. I am happy to report that the 2012 Rio SX has far exceeded my expectations. Not only, did this hatchback come with good looks, but the list of standard features should give Mercedes-Benz some cause for concern and to check out what Kia is doing these days. I can honestly say that there is NOTHING that I miss from my ML, except constantly being at the pump, and there is in fact more features here than my Wifes 2005 E500!

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  Great Car for the money - 2010 Kia Forte
  By deserttracker - January 4 - 2:36 am

  I bought this car 5 days after seeing it. I was skeptical at first because of the kia reputation of being cheap, but after doing research and actually going for a test drive I was blown away by this car. it is responsive, the sport tuned suspension just hugs the turns. acceleration is great, and the gas mileage is excellent. Kia finally got it right with this one. If you are looking at this car take a look at the competition and you be surprised that they cant touch Kias value on this one. I will say that this trim level comes with almost everything standard, I got the added sunroof, but in hindsight I should have also purchased the auto dimmer for the review. Just food for thought.

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  My Sweetheart Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By The Cloud - January 4 - 2:00 am

  If u like driving---u will love being behind the wheel of this beauty!!!!It has everythig that a person wants in a SUV!!!!

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  The versatile Kia Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By CHW - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have found this Kia Sorento to be one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I have bought ten new cars and vans over the years and this is the first one that I have never had one problem of any type .We have been driving round trip of 700 miles every two weeks and have been bringing home furniture in the back with the seats down.I never get tired of driving this vehicle.

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  Best Buy Ever! Super Reliable! No Issues! - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Kenneth - January 2 - 1:02 pm

  I got rid of my CTS and wanted to get into an SUV. I wanted either an Acura or Lexus, which is completely night and day from a Kia. As soon as I test drove it for the first time, sale rep advised me of the warranty and seen the price, I gave it a shot. My 2009 Kia Borrego EX has 134,000 miles and rides like a baby. All ive done was maintained with the oil changes, purchased new tires and thats it! Best deal ever!

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  Reliable car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By John T - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Not a single problem for more than 1 year of driving in harsh condition like traffic jam, or passing a slow car. I just cant believe this car doesnt has any problem except changing the motor oil and washing it. Other than that I think its excellent to own it if you dont have much money to spend on car otherwise buy a camry instead if you have family.