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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  I love it - 2001 Kia Rio
  By T - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive, econmical, and easy on the gas.

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  Lovin our SX - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By SX in Katy - December 6 - 2:00 am

  The SX is the way to go; the DFD dampeners make the ride unbelievable. I feel like I am driving an expensive European SUV. The whole family loves it, back seat recline and adds to the spaciousness.

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  The Korean Works - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By benji1 - December 5 - 8:33 pm

  Overall quality rating = excellent. Fit and finish surpasses any of the big 3 by miles. Have convinced 2 neighbors to investigate Kia models to suit their needs. Had fuel consumption problems at the outset; these have been resolved with the help of both the dealer and Kia Canada.

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  great car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By sweetbaby7 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  great value, traded a 1997 lexus 400.

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  best mini van on market - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By ronniedee - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The overall design of this mini van was well thought out. There are so many little "cubbie" spots to put stuff. This must have been designed by a mom. Everything is so conveneient

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  The big three better watch their back! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Quality guy - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned GM vehicles and have been disappointed with reliability especially in the pedal bounce that I get after only 15K miles. Of course I would rather have a two seat roadster in the garage but that is not going to haul the things important to me. This vehicle is a great value and a great ride. I am a quality engineer by trade and I looked closely into this vehicle before buying and when you compare the quality (equal or better on Kia) and price, it is hands down the best choice.

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  Its a great Minivan - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Roy Simmons - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Kia Sedona for about 9 months now and am delighted with it. Had a "buick century" before but a minivan is much more fun to drive. You sit up so much "higher" and can see the road. Fit and amenities are excellant. Best buy for the money.

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  Solid SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By RavenMan - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Except for the poor gas mileage this is a great SUV. Quality throughout. Ride is a little rough over bumps, but still a fine ride. Best deal in the market for the bucks.

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  AWSOME RIDE ! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By meprec - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Quietest ride Ive ever had No rattles and handles bumps nicely Short turn radius

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  Love My Kia Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Jen Hammer - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I was very reluctant to purchase a Kia Vehicle because I have always had Hondas--but after having purchased the 2004 Kia Sorento LX Model I am so pleased I did. It is so fun to drive but at the same time powerful, and handles beautiful. And I get so many comments about the cars roomy interior and exterior appearance-its beautiful! Now I have no regrets and would recommend to anyone thinking about buying an SUV to look at this first! You really get alot for your money-- it was fully loaded for about $10,000 less than the competitors wanted for a comperably equipped vehicle...and mine looks better!!!!