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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  You Cant Beat The Price - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By senorita - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Kia Sportage runs great. I have never had a problem with it. Its a 4 cylinder so I get the oil changed religiously every 3,000 miles. It was a great buy for the money.

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  Candy Carrier - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Jim Hoeller - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a candy/beverage vending company. I do a lot of starting and stopping and also spending time in this vehicle. It is my home away from home and believe me the seat in this van is just as comfortable as my lounge chair at home. In short...I love it!

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  Second Kia bought in less than 3 months - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By RB2003 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Kia. I bought a Kia Sedonna Ex 3 months ago and so far I have nothing bad to say about it. I had a Dodge Caravan which I traded in for the Sedonna, and I had a Dodge Dakota which I leased 5 years ago. The Sorento took its place. My wife loves to drive the Sorento and I must admit I am a little jealous because I drive the van. I am hoping that the Kias dont disappoint me because right now I like both of them very much. I did a lot of internet research on both and found that they both received pretty good reviews. All in all I am very pleased with my selection.

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  i love my car - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By o2style - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Kia for a few months now. I love it. The engine is a little noisey when you really get it your all. I love that i can fit into tight parking spots with no problems. So far i love it am glad in made the purchase.

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  The best from Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Rody - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The ride is smooth. the warranty is the best in the market 10 years 100000 miles. My wife is very impress, My kids loves it. The engine is running so quietly

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  Surprisingly Good! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Reggie Beas - May 7 - 2:00 am

  After all the bad things Ive heard about Kia, I cant believe the Sorento is this good! I show off my Kia as much as I can, because this is a solid truck, as good as anything Honda, Toyota or any of the other market leaders can muster up! My truck is loaded, but I tell my friends get the base Sorento… Great truck for short money! Of course, the money you save goes towards gas, but you cant have it all…

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  Great minivan - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Viktor - May 5 - 1:52 pm

  Have the Sedona for about a year. No issues whatsoever. I only drive or on weekends, my wife drives it everyday and we both love it. You can get a great deal on Sedona because it doesnt sell as well as Honda or Toyota. Make sure to negotiate the price. Besides the best value for what you get it Sedona doesnt feel like you are driving a minivan, the interior and height makes it more like a SUV. The EX gives you great options. I only wished it had front sensors also to help with parking. The only other thing I would have liked is the fuel efficiency. The big engine uses a lot of gas. I get about 18mpg on average but I do like the power of the engine. If you have little kids minivan with power sliding doors is the best option. You wont be disappointed.

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  LUV my KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Mel Schlobohm - May 5 - 9:53 am

  If you off-road, this is fun fun fun. Very little problem. 70000mi strong and it seems to get better. Left me stranded once but KIA had a tow vehicle to help within 30 min. (crank position sensor broke). It is very strong in 4wd low - wow. I can drive with the big boys no problem. Wish there were performance parts available.

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  Cannot see Speedometer needle in bright light - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By hobby1 - May 4 - 9:31 am

  My 2012 Sorento was great so I traded to 2014 when time came. The auto dim feature of the instrument cluster makes it difficult and at times impossible to see speedometer needle. Kia says it is "working as designed" "Kia cannot help you" It is bright with no problems at night/in garage and on cloud/stormy days. Since design features are not covered by warranty Kia America refuses to address the matter. 7 others have filed same complaint with National Safety Board. I must get rid of the car before i have an accident while trying to locate my speed. Also window shade rattles "no adjustment can be made". Will be my last Kia.

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  Kia Girl - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Angel Kia - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ok so this is my second kia and my second car my first one was 1998 Kia sportage. This was a huge upgrade for me. I havent experienced any problems just yet other than car kinda sound like its having trouble starting, but once it does it runs beautiful. I love my car its so nice and shiny!