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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  Do not buy this car - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By kia sephia - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Engine and transmission so far reliable. Brakes, electrical, air conditioning, body, interior, are bottom of the barrel cheaply built. HORRIBLE in the snow. I have been driving many years in winter conditions and this is hands down the most dangerous car I have ever driven in the snow. Brake and electrical problems have been since day 1, numerous trips to shop. Worst car I have ever owned, wish I could have my 13 year old nissan sentra back!

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  Sell it Quickly - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Nathan - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Horrible build quality. Just a short list of replacement items. Ecu x 2, throttle body x 3,3 fuse blocks, tpms system, wheels, rotors, brakes every 25k, door seals, had a misaligned panel that allowed water into rear of vehicle, dashboard replaced, o2 sensors x 2, sway bar, various suspension parts, 2 batteries, 17 headlights, 3 turn signal lights, 4 brake lights, 3 ac compressors. We had various misfire codes, abs system faults, steering faults-binding up steering, car sometimes would not start. Idle would vary between 600 and 1200 rpm, was told this is normal. Shifting was imprecise and started to flare. Gas mileage as low as 12 mpg then 17 mpg the next tank. Got rid of it.

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  First KIA - 2010 Kia Soul
  By GJ2420 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Soul SE GHOST for about a week now and I have to say it is a real winner! Lots of comments from everyone about the looks especially the black alloy wheels and low profile tires.I shopped for 2 months and really just walked into the dealer after reading some reviews and made the purchase on the same day. Two other couples were looking at this beauty at the same time so I purchased the same day. Also really appreciate it is a limited edition with approx 1100 on the road so that is a plus for me. Drives great, looks great and handles very well coming off the freeway onto the exit ramps, really sticks to the road in the corners. Lots of us boomers are driving this car, way to go KIA.

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  Post Purchase Hitch & Runing Lights - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Johnnie - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 2011 Sorento new about six (6) weeks ago. Absolutely no problems to report thus far. Positive reports on interior, exterior, performance and gas mileage. Yes, I had to scotch-guard the seats to prevent water spotting. One question on installing a trailer hitch and running lights. It looks like the lights/electrical connections are already installed even though it didnt come with a trailer hitch. Is that right? Also, how much work/expense to install the running lights? This unit didnt come with that package but Id like to install the running lights. Thanks.

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  The best dollar value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By coloradoan1 - May 10 - 10:31 pm

  I bought my Optima two weeks ago. So far an excellent decision. The engine is impressive and in the city gives 25+ MPG. What is fun is the technology package: this car is equipped with features that you only find in a top notch brand. It is probably true that it is a little more noisy than a BMW or a Mercedes... But it is half the price!. I think this is a great option. Must see before buying a new car

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  Not so good on gas in the city yet! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Gregory Gould - May 9 - 8:53 pm

  Had my car for only 5 weeks now, but I am only getting around 13 miles to a gallon in the stop and starting of small town driving. I hope this is just the engine break-in period and my mpg will improve. Also I am getting a wind noise from the back windows. I checked them and they dont seem to lock very tight. Also my kids complain about the head rests and how unless they are in the up position they are very uncomfortable.

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  2005 Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Shadow - May 9 - 3:16 pm

  Got the car a week ago, have noticed that as it gets colder the ride gets stiffer. I did not like the plastic gas filler cover on a car at this price. Car handles well even with summer tires on icy roads. the ESP and ABS systems keep the car on track when accelerating or breaking, as I passed numerous vehicles in the ditch on their sides. Quality of fuel makes a considerable difference in fuel mileage.

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  Not too bad for a cheap car - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By devs Mom - May 8 - 6:23 am

  Purchased my kia new in 2001 as a commuter car. Kia just turned over 51000 miles after I had traveled from St. Louis to Woodbridge, VA (30 miles S of D.C.) in 16 hours and only used 2 tanks of gas on a 800+ mile trip (son was impressed). Have also gone to tx, ar and ms with no problem and minimum gas besides regular maintenance, a right front strut assembly, tires and brakes, my only problem is crossed wires which make my windshield wipers come on when I turn on the a. C. (happened after jack leg body work) still not bad for a cheap small 4 cyl. Runs good but is starting to show age. Engine heat shield rattles constantly.

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  Great car for the money - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Dana - May 8 - 2:46 am

  I got this car new. Seven years later, the only problems Ive had are replacing the battery after 3 years ($53) and replacing one of the connecting wires (twice, first for $60 after 4 years, then for $110 at another shop after 6 years) because the plastic degraded, caused a short, and told me to check engine. The plastic started degrading before I left the dealer, so the middle console lock, both air/heat grates on the upper dash, and the window sealer have broken. But replacement parts for this car are cheap! A windshield was $212. Handles best at high speeds and has a lot of pep!

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  Pure Luxury - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By Flpoodle - May 7 - 12:33 pm

  I have been driving a 2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS and was so impressed with the quality,styling and performance, I decided to buy the bigger luxury Kia Amanti. The Amanti is only 6 inches narrower than a Lincoln Town Car. Hyundai owns Kia and the same quality and fabulous warranty is there!