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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  A Bargain at Twice the Price! - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Scratchglassturnblue - May 4 - 2:00 am

  WOW. You got to be kidding me. Kia has a very satisfied customer! This is my second Kia. The 1st one was a Kia Sedona w/ 170k miles, nearly flawless. The Sportage gave me exactly what I was looking for and much more. The Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans and others are hopelessly overpriced.

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  Windy in Here - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By windy jim - May 4 - 12:36 am

  I hate to beat up a good thing but the wind noise in my Sorento sounds like the rear windows are cracked for ventilation. After tow visits to the shop its still the same. I really do like my Sorento, thats what is so bad. I would recommend this car to friends if they didnt mind the wind noise.

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  Kia Sedona, love it - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Jenny - May 4 - 12:03 am

  I just bought my 2002 Sedona EX a couple of days ago and absolutely LOVE it! I got all the goodies except the moon roof. It handles great, very comfortable, and the kids think I hit the lottery. Granted, its only been in my possession for 3 days but I have no complaints. No way I could afford any of the other minivans on the market, even if it included just the bare minimum. The best vehicle I have ever owned!!

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  never thought id own a kia - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By cafido - May 3 - 2:06 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a new car or truck when my wife said she would really like an s.u.v. We looked at all of the midsize when I noticed the price and styling of the Sorento. After only two short test drives my wife closed the deal, the ride is great and it handles very well on all terain so far. Just wish it got better gas mileage.

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  2001 Kia Optima SE V6 - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Erika - May 3 - 6:33 am

  The worst part about buying from a used car lot: you dont know what youre going to get. I did just that. Bought it w/94K later finding out the previous owner did not do ANY maintenance to this car. Little "fixes" add up very quickly. Kia service dept. knows what theyre talking about. My regular mechanic still cant figure out a nasty chugging/"hiccup" the car does in reverse and idling which has been going on about 6 months now. They cleaned out the idle system, but that doesnt seem to be the case. Looks like Ill have to take it back to Kia to have it checked out. Also has a passenger side-impact airbag problem - $1600 to fix. Ill just go without the airbags... its not worth it.

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  Outstanding luxury van for a penny - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Jose Romero Saldana - May 2 - 5:36 pm

  I got some issues at the beginning specially for a recall on early models regarding a compressor clutch, however it was covered and replaced for the fantastic kia warranty and the esserman warranty as well. Feels really great, driving is a pleasure, powerful engine, attention to the small details, good finish and well constructed car interior and exterior, plus the great price came with, made me buy this baby. highly recommended.

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  Kia has another winner in its hands - 2007 Kia Rio
  By mdibenedettosr - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my Rio5, its great on fuel and it handles the road like a BMW. The styling inside and out is very nice. I love the black interior with the triple stitched red thread. I got my car in the sunset orange which really pops in the sunlight.

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  Not your typical KIA - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By topgear - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a very comfortable, quiet riding car. Once you sit in it and drive it, your are pampered and feel like you are sitting in a much more expensive automobile. At first, the styling might be considered unusual, but after awhile it comes across as a fine looking car in its own rite. It has plenty of power, but has a little pause before she really takes off. When I leave at the traffic light, I feel that others are left behind. Mileage could be better, though. (Maybe I should slow down a little!).

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  This car is amazing - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By bken - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is pure luxury. Its quiet, smooth, and handles great. It has everything anyone could want. With dual climate controls, everyone can be comfortable! The Infinity sound system is great! This a beautiful car, with a great warranty.

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  I LOVE MY KIA - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By GENNANDSTEVE - May 1 - 2:00 am

  BELL ROAD KIA TREATED ME WITH RESPECT AND GAVE ME A GREAT DEAL. THEY WERE FRIENDLY AND VERY HELPFUL.THE SEDONA VAN IS A FANTASTIC INVESTMENT.