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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  Love this Car! - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Sara - July 27 - 11:23 pm

  I LOVE this car. Ive had it for three months. Ive taken many highway trips and have had no problems. I even folded down the backseats and fit perfectly in the back for a nap while on the road! It is roomy and comfortable. It is slightly soccer mom-ish for someone young and single like me. Everyone else I see driving a Rondo is a bit older or has kids. But regardless - I love it. Great price, great car.

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  Try it, You will buy it! - 2014 Kia Forte
  By getreal66 - July 27 - 12:26 pm

  I own a 2014 Kia Forte LX with the upgraded package. I have owned a lot of 4 cylinder engines in my time but I am blown away by how well the 1.8L engine in the car responds. I have no issues getting on the highway or passing because the car gets up and moves. I am averaging 39mpg but I drive mostly highways. The 6 speed transmission shifts smooth, unlike some of the competitors! The handling is good but not awesome. I have owned 3 other Kia’s (Sedona, Rio & Spectra) and never had any issues with them. Kia had a rough start but they have really turned the quality & reliability around. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Absoloutly love this car - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Siobhan - July 27 - 8:30 am

  Love it, love it love, it. Very spacey and comfy have. Made many long trips in it and never a sore back or rear end. It handles great and is very quiet. Plenty of storage space between the two middle consoles and the under passenger seat console. Had it two years and has not been in the shop once except for regular maintenance. Upholstery repels stains very well. Have had a baby in it for 90 percent of the ownership and still no stains. Would definitely recommend this vehicle

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  RC - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Roger Clark - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Almost 20000 miles with no problems. I am suprised by the power which is more than enough but lots of fun for a van.

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  Wise mans Lexus - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Silverfox - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Get over your feelings about Kia. They have put a lot of thought into this vehicle. For once a car company has not equated luxury touches and classy design with an inflated price tag. The feeling you get when you drive this vehicle is not "cheap". I researched and looked at vehicles for six months and this is far and away the most bang for your buck. About the gas mileage..I just came from an auto show and for some reason the overall gas mileage on all vehicles has gone down and most suvs in this class were rated similar. The price we pay for cleaner air.

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  Cool SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By touche214 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Cool SUV, looks better than the rest, and cost thousands less.

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  Very good Car! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Ed - July 25 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this car used and it is a very good car! I have the V6 and it has a lot of get and go. The engine just purrs. The only minor complaint might be that the seats do stain a little but as long as you are not a slob, they are fine. The car is just the right size, not too big like a mini van and not too small. Plenty of room! I recommend this car to anyone with a small family.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By JV - July 25 - 1:00 pm

  I bought it used for $15000 w/ only 12000 miles on it. Been driving it in the mountain for a month w/ no problem. Uphill driving is so easy it will cruise 60mph w/ just a little 2,000 rpm w/ no lost of power at all, unlike my 1997 chevy blazer will do 55mph w/ 3,000 rpm to sustain the uphill driving. I will write more reviews after a year of owning it :)

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  T.G.s KIA - 2002 Kia Optima
  By T G - July 24 - 1:06 pm

  I was looking for an affordable, reliable car that was larger than my Corolla and a bit more stylish,too. I found it in this Kia Optima. The only problem Ive had in over 2 years was a broken drivers door latch. This was covered under Kias warranty and fixed for free. No other complaints. Would definitely buy another Kia.

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  Very Pleased! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By TimK - July 24 - 12:13 pm

  We got the Sportage EX, 6 cylinder with leather - and its great. We researched and drove lots of small SUVs and this car had the most bang for the buck. Weve had it for a month and like it more every day. Its really not a "small" SUV, in my book, with legit room for five. Leather interior in the color scheme we wanted was hard to find, but worth the effort and money.