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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  my new sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By newman - May 1 - 2:00 am

  as a family eith five, and the need for a car seat. the kia offers a roomy interior. The stereo does not have bass and treble controls. I wish it had better miles to the gallon for around the town driving.the pick up is good for passing and parkway driving. love the color. I think for the money, and the warranty it cant be beat.

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  gotoneyes! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By musthaveone? - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY NEW SORENTO, IT RIDES GREAT AND HAS PLENTY OF ROOM .NOT BAD ON GAS FOR A SUV. DRIVES NICE IN ALL DIFFRENT KINDS OF WEATHER .AND IS NOT HARD TO HANDLE IN STRONG WINDS,THANK YOU FOR AN AFFORDABLE SUV

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  Love it - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Ohio Buyer - April 29 - 9:06 am

  We have now had the Borrego for 1 week. Great purchase...7,000 off sticker. It is very comfortable and drives well. Traded in a 2001 Land Cruiser and the comfort and features are an upgrade while saving $40,000 on a new new Toyota. Now older and not doing the off-road stuff. This vehicle is very enjoyable.

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  Best Car Ever Made - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Lady - April 28 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had Cadillacs, Mercedes, Continentals, Corvettes and this is the most comfortable car around. Hope they put a GPS in the new models. Love the CD and radio/apeakers. Feel safe with all the air bags. All I can say is "try it youll like it!"

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  Friends dont let friends buy Rios - 2004 Kia Rio
  By peterssd - April 28 - 3:37 pm

  I purchased my Kia Rio new in 2004 and treated it well - always got oil changes on time, replaced the timing belt at 90,000 miles (I was told to do it by 100k). Within 3 years of purchase the brake proportioning valve went bad. W/in 2 years the rear tires were going bald far faster than they should have - turns out I was sold a new car with a bent rear axle. Past 2 years (100-120k): intermittent electrical problem that we finally realized (after replacing the spark plugs/wires 2x) was a cracked engine coil. Last week (139k): fourth cylinder blew.

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  smart buy - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By mark - April 28 - 12:26 pm

  This was one of the smartest purchases I have ever made.Keeping my money in the bank instead of spending more for another car and getting less.It is a good feeling knowing I get a very reliable car,good looks,all the safety features,great gas mileage,and a low price tag.My bank account never looked better,and in this economy that feels great.

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  Surprisingly Great Vehicle - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Tom - April 28 - 1:00 am

  Bought the new 2008 Kia Sedona in June 2009 and got an excellent deal. My wife and I were skeptical about a "foreign" minivan until we test drove it. We got the EX for the leather seats and other upgrades. As our first "foreign" vehicle, the car exceeded our expectations. Acceleration is excellent, interior fit and finish outstanding. Gas mileage could be better but since we only travel 5000 miles per year, its not a problem. Interior cargo space is plentiful. We almost bought a Town & Country prior to test driving the Kia and we made a great decision. We hope Kia continues to produce excellent vehicles.

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  I Love This Car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By rick fagan - April 27 - 6:50 pm

  I drive 52 miles round trip sometimes six or seven times a week. The Optima handles very well in heavy traffic and the shifttronic feature is just the best to pick up speed fast. This car averages 28 miles per gallon and I have not had any car troubles.

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  04 Rio - 2004 Kia Rio
  By jessi - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a week ago and just love to drive it, the only thing my vehicle doesnt have is the power locks and I am used to them from my old car.

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Sack - April 27 - 10:00 am

  A Very Great car, love the whole car.