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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  HORRIBLE MPG FOR A 4CYL - 2013 Kia Optima
  By padriver1979 - September 30 - 10:29 am

  I purchased my 2013 Kia Optima LX in September 2012 at my nearby Pittsburgh Kia dealership. We chose an Optima because of the exterior design and great EPA MPG rating of 24/35. It surprised me that these numbers were better than my 2009 Ford Focus which were 24/32. After 3500 miles I have yet to see more than 20.1 mpg on a full tank of gas. Granted, my commute to work is 10 miles through the city but shouldnt this balance out with the highway miles to give me more than 20.1? Mostly highway miles (75%) gets about 26-27 mpg. A far cry from the 24/35 that the EPA issued for this vehicle. I hope that the 2013 Optima is reviewed by the EPA just like other KIA vehicles recently.

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  Me in a KIA? - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Rob C - September 30 - 10:00 am

  After having several SUVs in the past, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, and Suburu Forester, I thought it was unlikely that I would have a Kia Sorento. The impressive styling led me to the test drive... GOOD LOOKS, FEATURES, FUN TO DRIVE AND VALUE! Needless to say, it is parked in my driveway.

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  Love, love, love my Kia Forte! - 2012 Kia Forte
  By doitalone - September 29 - 5:25 am

  Its a fun car to drive. Even with being one of the bigger hatchbacks on the market, (I call it a mini-SUV) its got great handling and fun engine. My previous car was a suped up Ford Focus, and I actually like driving this Kia more. The back seat provides a ton of room for passengers. Seats are comfortable to sit in, and I drive 40 minutes to and from work most mornings and never have problems with my knees or back - which was a problem with my focus and sometimes my boyfriends civic. The price is a little high for the SX version - but see if you can find rebate deals. I got mine on a lease fully loaded for $250 a month. If I choose to buy it out Ill only pay $20,000 total.

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  Luxury w/out payment - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Luxury w/out payment - September 28 - 2:56 pm

  Why pay for a luxury vehicle when the 2011 Sorento EX provides the same. We love this vehicle. Looked at many SUVs and wanted an Audi Q7 until we drove the Sorento. So its not a luxury vehicle, but paying half the price to get most of the same features...SOLD. Best warranty out there too. Fully loaded with Nav, Bluetooth, leather, satelite radio, IPOD, USB, hands free, voice recognition, keyless start, V6, 3rd row, double moon roofs, roof rack and comfort beyond most vehicles. All for $3K under dealer invoice.

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  Great Vehicle Minor Setbacks - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By haughwouts - September 28 - 2:19 pm

  Purchased this vehicle 10/18/11 for my wife because we are expecting and wanted a safer SUV than her previous compact car. The features/price is great! The ride is very stiff, but we were expecting that going in. I personally think that the pickup is really good considering that it is a 4cyl. We have had some problems though, the brake light switch needed to be replaced because vehicle wasnt shifting out of park every time. I think this is a common problem. Also the transmission jerks at very random times. I think that this is a very isolated incident. I still give it 4 1/2 stars, the problems IMO were isolated, I dont think that these problems exist with other Sportage owners.

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  Good and bad - 2013 Kia Sportage
  By sporty74 - September 28 - 1:46 am

  I like the styling inside and out. Seats are comfy on long trips. Getting better gas mileage than advertised. AWD is great. But, suspension is really bad. I have to avoid potholes and minor bumps so I do not cringe at the noise. Can feel every bump through the steering wheel. Interior road noise is very high. The gas engine sounds like a diesel at idle. Not sure if I would buy another one, unless they made major improvements in the new models.

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  Johns Folly - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Gorda - September 27 - 3:26 pm

  Overall this vehicle is fun and functional. I opted for base model without all options. I wanted the flat floor and cargo capacity. I normally dont carry more than one or two adults. I love the heavy duty tires 225x70x16 and six bolt wheels. Will carry a fantastic load. Very fast.

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  First purchases - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Jilly O - September 25 - 2:20 am

  My first car. About $7500 at a Ford dealership. To work, to school, to play, it gets you there comfortably and in style. It isnt just a tool of transportation, its a great ride. Im 18 and as a first car, I am impressed. Only one blind spot (on every car) and great handling. I honestly love my little Kia and get compliments on it. For a small car, there is a ton of room (unlike Honda Civic coupe). Havent had an engine problem at 60,000 miles. Kia isnt "established" so my insurance was a pain to get. Recommended for teens or first purchase.

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  Cautiously Optimistic - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Smitty113 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought the Sedona EX, loaded, about a month ago. So far, we love the van. We researched mini vans for approximately four weeks, looking at most models. Our final three were Honda, Kia and Chevy (due to supplier discount). We ultimately decided on the Kia because of options included at a reasonable price, the great exterior look with the two-tone paint, the safety rating and the warranty. Other than the lack of gas milage, we think the van is great so far. The Sedona is about as sporty as a mini van can get with the two-tone paint and the rear spoiler.

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  Love My Kia - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By pnekuda - September 24 - 10:00 am

  We traded from a Forrester to a Kia. I was looking at used thinking I couldnt afford a mid-sized SUV but I was wrong. I love the size and my family of 4 actually have room to move around now.