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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  Disappointment! - 2012 Kia Rio
  By commuter12 - May 26 - 12:58 pm

  My 12 Rio5 has 37k highway miles. The car has been a total disappointment. The car has received road blast and rusted after the past 2 winters. Trim inside has just fallen down due to disappearing clips. "Leather" steering wheel delaminated. Vent fan bearings going. Tires were garbage and mileage was not as advertised. The car was a real waste of money. Needless to say, I will be at the dealership again next week. Save yourself the hassle and stay away from these Kia beauties.

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  Good Car - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By rykdo - May 26 - 4:44 am

  Good basic car with excellent syling. Real 25 MPG on the highway. Has everything you want and lots less expensive than non-Kia. The not-so wonderful is that two adults with golf clubs, luggage for 10 days, and a dog in a crate was crowded. Also the steering is very quick which is nice around town but wears on you after the first 500-1000 miles on a trip. I do not relax on the highway. This is not a road racer. The 4 cylinder works fine and has enough to get you on the freeway without issue but the whine of the engine lets you know it.

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  I had to check out reviews - 2010 Kia Forte
  By jkim1102 - May 26 - 12:20 am

  Ok, I have only rented this car twice now and I had to check out the reviews because I was so impressed. Ive driven everything under the sun because of my traveling job and Forte simply impressed me in this class! The reviews on this site has confirmed my feeling. I dont need to buy a car right this minute but if I had to I would definitely buy this one. The only other one I would consider is the Toyota Prius 2010, but Im sure its much pricier. Ill have to do some calculations. My research says that you should get the fuel economy EX model with 5 speed automatic. It comes with impressive electric steering. I just had to put my 2 cents in!

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  Great Value, Safe, minor inssues - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By sbettencourt21 - May 25 - 8:10 pm

  I have had my Sorento for almost 2 years now and it has been very reliable I have had a couple problems with sensors which were covered under warranty. I feel I got a great deal on the car and I feel extremely safe in it with my children. Repairs I have had to pay for were very low cost such as lights which have to be replaced on any car. The 4wd works great in the snow on steep hills I have never been happier with a vehicle and there is plenty of leg room for my height. however back seat would be a tight squeeze for 3. We currently only fit 2 car seats

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  Great Purchase - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By JJ - May 24 - 9:03 pm

  Did a ton of research as I was a little hesitant about buying a Kia. My first choice was the Honda CR-V and then the Ford Escape. The Sportage puts both of those to shame, especially the Escape. There is no comparison on the interior or the ride. Once I test drove the Sportage I knew it was the right SUV for me. I love it and cant be happier.

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  Less Is More - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By tuckerm83 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our 2004 Sedonna for 3 months, and couldnt be happier! Its by far the most van for the money out there! We originally started looking for used vans (Grand Caravan or something along those lines), but found that a used one in good condition was about the same as the Sedonna new. It handles suprisingly well, has good pickup , and is very comfortable. If youre going to get a Sedonna, getting the EX model with is definitely worth the extra $$$!

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  Love my Kia! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Crescendo - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe what a great value this vehicle is. It is an absolute pleasure to drive, and looks great as well. In fact, it looks and drives as good or better than many higher-priced SUVs. It was "love at first drive" for me!

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  One of the best autos I have ever owned - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Dave - May 23 - 2:58 am

  I bought this used in 2008 it had 47000 mile on it. The dealer gave me a lifetime repair on drive train I also bought a extended service plan. Fuel millage is 25 in town 36 highway performance is unbelievable. I own a garage at 98000 I had to replace a belt idler and front struts and the extended repair plan paid me to repair it. We now have 177000 on it and I have replace the spark plugs and did many oil change and trans service 4 sets of brakes and tires I change at 40,000 so my wife is safe. This is the most trouble free auto I have ever had except for a Ford truck I just sole at 730,000 mile and a 86 Ford truck I put 3 engine in and it is now 1.5 million miles it has been used to tow race trucks since I bought it in 1996. This KIA is right there with these 2 trucks except the Kia is a lot better on fuel and ride witch it should be. When this one were out we will buy another Kia now doubt.

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  Very poor gas mileage - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Mr. Minnesota - May 23 - 12:00 am

  If youre looking for an 4cyl SUV with good gas mileage, this isnt the vehicle for you. I know it will get a little better, maybe 2mpg, but at an average of 22mpg for mostly highway, best I can get is 26mpg at 55mph, not close enough. However, great price, lots of room, well designed but it lacks comfortable seats. Kia, Im very dissapointed you couldnt get an engine in your vehicle that gets at least 30mpg. I should have gone with something else.

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  Optima was our clear choice - 2009 Kia Optima
  By MSgt Ken - May 22 - 6:30 pm

  Very very nice midsize sedan. I was looking to replace my wifes car and the Optima was the clear winner. We looked at Camry, Malibu, Elantra & Accord and the Optima was the winner based on features, styling and price. The $5000 mark down we got really helped. The Metallic Bronze is a head turner in the sun and we like the interior and exterior styling. We also have a Borrego and Kia has done their homework; clean conservative styling and nice standard features. Great basic features, great styling, very roomy cabin and a great value. We would highly recommend the Optima for "The family 4 door sedan".