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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  What a car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Steve - November 28 - 11:46 pm

  This car has a lot of pep and driving a 5 speed is great. Front has plenty of room and everything is easy to get to. Drove 110 miles before the gas gauge moved off full.

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  Its a Wonderful Car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jon the Dude - November 26 - 7:36 pm

  Ok, so for right around $16,000 youre getting a car thats got six standard airbags, CD, cruise control and power everything. Also, the ride at freeway speeds is nearly silent. Also, its so spacious in the front and back seats (Im 6 with plenty of clearance) that it feels almost cavernous. And to top it off, the warranty is the best in the business. Whats not to love?

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  DO NOT BUY! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By buc - November 26 - 2:46 am

  What a piece of @#$%! We bought the vehicle for $25,000 and had $13,000 in warranty work done on it. It was in the shop over 60 days.

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  Pretty Nice for the Price - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By LB - November 25 - 1:26 pm

  I purchased as a 1 yr old used car from a rental sales place. This vehicle was used but in like/new condition. I really like it. It handles well and seems very soundly built. I was very surprised because Kia was the worst on my list last time I purchased a car.

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  Great Van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Jean Kihl - November 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great van for the money. The features on it are excellent. The comfort & realiability are awesome.

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  KIA, A Great Buy, A Great Van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Lady Catherine - November 25 - 10:00 am

  We love our mini van. It has everything we wanted and the price was fantastic. There are just us two "old folks", but we both certainly enjoy driving this auto. The layout of the van is great for carrying all our grandchildren around with us, and for toting groceries and all our other purchases. And so many great features!!

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  Nguyenny - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By nguyen - November 24 - 11:33 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 2002 Kia Spectra hatchback, plus I needed something a little newer. I travel alot and use of my car on the road is a must for everday usage. It ride an d handle very good, excellent fuel mileage, getting somewhere around 26 in the city and 35 on the highway. I have this car for almost one year and already have close to 24,000 miles on it already. Check engine light came on one time, took to dealer and they replace the sensor for me, but I did not break down anywhere. Check engine light will come on if you try to top this car off, I did this twice already. I have no bab say about it, I go to D.C. and Baltimore area almost every other week with no problem.

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  Lots of prep and room... - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By tararnyny - November 24 - 11:16 am

  We purchased the Rondo in May after looking at the Hyundai Sante Fe, Mazda5 and the Honda Element. We are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle without breaking the bank. Even with two kids and a dog I just couldnt do a full size minivan. No one can believe the interior room or the quiet comfortable ride of this car. The back seat has significantly more leg and head room than our Subaru Outback. Also, with the V6, it is much faster than the Subaru too. The third row seat is tight but its fine for the extra kid or two you end up with after soccer games. With the back seats down youre left with tons of cargo space.

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  In love with my little Rio! - 2007 Kia Rio
  By rachelheartsrio - November 24 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car used with about 17,000 miles on it. In 8 months of my long commute, Im up to 31,000- with no problems! This car is sporty, fun to drive, and very reliable. The design is exactly what I was looking for- compact, but cute and spacious on the inside. I get compliments all the time, and I love to brag about the great gas mileage and performance of this little car. My only complaint is it struggles over the passes (I live in Colorado), but I think any 4 cylinder would! All in all this is an excellent vehicle-- great value for your money!

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  I love my KIA in every way but one.... - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By liz - November 23 - 8:46 am

  I wish it were a little bit larger. We have three children so a car would not work for us. A larger suv is not very cost effective when it comes to price or fueling up and running errands. So for something that has 7 passenger seating, is economical in price, and gas cost, the Kia Sedona is perfect! I only long for a place to pack a stroller, diaper bag, groceries (enough for a family of 5), and of course the kids!