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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  Mr Big - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Ken Carter - July 23 - 5:30 am

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  What a surprise! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Chris - July 23 - 3:16 am

  We were in the market for a gently used SUV with a 3rd row seat and had driven the Lexus GX-470, Mazda CX9, Acura MDX, and the Subaru Tribecca. All nice vehicles. Prior to this I wouldnt have pushed a Kia off a cliff, but I read that Edmunds was singing its praises. We test drove the 2011 Kia Sontera and instantly fell in love with it. It is completely loaded, including Nav. Backup Camera w/sensor and DVD Player. I couldnt be more impressed with this vehicle. We have 2000 miles on it and its a pleasure to drive and the kids love the 3rd row seat. As long as it holds together Im sold. But, for now I couldnt be happier with this vehicle.

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  Dependable, excellent mpg, amazing value - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By desita - July 23 - 2:13 am

  I have nothing to say but good things about my KIA Sephia 2001. Got the car at 42 000 miles for $3,100 and sold it at 134 000 miles. I owned it for 8 years and during this time there was manor repairs/maintenance - alternator, break pump, rotors, breaks, spark, plugs, ext. However the car is dependable and just kept going without major issues. Very economical on gas. It was basic, manual transmission, locks and windows, but that never bother me. Overall, best value for the $, would recommended for anyone who values dependable and economical over convince.

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  I like it! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Tamara Myles - July 23 - 2:01 am

  Its got everything!

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  Poor Choice - 2005 Kia Optima
  By dwilbert63 - July 22 - 6:43 pm

  I purchased this car "used" with only 1,000+- miles on it. Within the third year of ownership and out of warranty I have put almost $2,000 into simply keeping it running. I also am forced to replace both headlights about every six weeks. Now I am told the A/C pump is bad and its going to take another $400-$600 to repair. FORGET IT! Kia Customer Relations will not help, nor will any dealer. NEVER AGAIN will I buy a KIA! Buyer - beware, dont fall victim to a company that wont support its own vehicle! This car is overrated. Oh yeah, my insurance is much higher because of the inadequate safety of the car, get that!

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  Please with 2005 Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By P Crane - July 21 - 9:03 pm

  I drive daily. It responds well to city and highway driving. Pick-up is good. Comfort is very good.

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  Great except for headlights - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By wisconsin owner - July 21 - 7:00 pm

  I have 78K miles on my 2004 Sorento. I have had great luck with the engine and original brakes and tires both lasted 75K miles. But I have replaced front headlights 9 times. Different bulb types, with gloves on, both at the same time, but they never last more than 6 months. Frustrating!!

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  not bad, really.. - 2004 Kia Rio
  By raytownman - July 21 - 2:46 pm

  Not had the car long, but so far not bad. Good mpg, rides well, comfortable. (Im 64). bought from private owner who had already had the head and belt done, along with a new clutch. So the hard stuff is done. I use it as a commuter car, and it serves me well. Not bad for me!

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  Best economy car choice - 2007 Kia Rio
  By digitaldrifter - July 21 - 10:56 am

  I have had my Rio for a few months now, and still love it as much as when I bought it. I test drove an Elantra just before I drove the Rio, and I didnt notice any difference in the ride or power. The 5 speed manual is a blast, with a light clutch, and the engine really starts kicking when over 3500 rpm. The suspension is excellent, as is the fuel economy. It is noticeably taller than most other cars, making you feel more like youre driving a van than an economy car. It has more interior room than the Toyota Corolla.

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  The best SUV ever - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Kathy Allen - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I was thinking about getting a Toyota Sequia but then I decided to go look at the Kia Sorento and so I did and then I bought it right then on the spot.It is an excellent SUV. I havent had it in for anything exeppt for oil changes.