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 Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Karolyn - April 17 - 2:10 pm

  We went on a 6 week trip this year and had the 30,000. check up before we left. We put over 3,000 miles while we were gone and the car performed outstanding. We reached 34.1 mpg on the highway and thought it was a mistake but after calculating the miles it was correct. The Nitrol that was put in the tires may have been a factor. I have a friend that wants my car but I wont sell to her. My free oil changes and service I receive from Bill Bryan Kia will have me in my car for a little longer.

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  I Really Like This Car! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Mark in Cinti - April 17 - 4:23 am

  Ive had this car for about seven months now, and Im surprised at how much I like it. It is comfortable, smooth, powerful enough, and incredibly easy to drive. I have owned and driven a good number of luxury cars, but right now, Im more pleased with my Optima than any of them. Well see how it goes over the long haul, but Im still smilin today! Definitely go with the EX V6 with leather.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By GIOVANNI - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed an satisfied so far with my SORENTO.The power of this vehicle is very impressive for its weight. I have no trouble jumping on the highway,passing vehicles or just flat out wanting to get it up to 100 mph. YES 100 MPH +. I FELL IT LACKS NO POWER. I am only getting 18 mpg. on the highway. But I do drive pretty fast.60 to 70 MPH.So I guess the V-6 does like to drink heavily.The ride is very good for a truck frame body.The suspension is great.Porsche did a great job working with KIA.What a Great Vehicle.As far as reliability I only have 1000 miles on it. So far no problems of any kind.

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  My Kia Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By William - April 16 - 2:46 am

  This is my second Sportage (2000)and I find that there is more power, better design and confort.

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  First Car - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By Class of 09 - April 13 - 2:13 pm

  This was my first car given to me by my mother.She bought a Ford and handed me the Kia. So I had nothing to compare it to. I would have to say it was and still is a good car. Its never broken down, or had any major problems. Only regular maintenance. My only complaint is that when i have the heat or a/c on the cars acceleration is greatly slowed. This may be due to its age but at times it can be annoying.

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  thrown rod-86ed engine - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Ashlee - April 13 - 1:40 pm

  got 3months service out of my baby. I bought it used, stopped at a traffic light, the engine died and wouldnt start. I had it towed to the mechanic & a rod had broken & pierced the engine which is now ruined. Kia was nice, but sense I am the second owner Im out of luck. a new engine cost more than the car is worth, so Im out the $3,000.00 I still owe on it.

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  Great Car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By cpaguilar - April 13 - 10:06 am

  This is a great car at a great price.

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  It is, what it is - 2010 Kia Soul
  By PK - April 13 - 7:20 am

  Bought mine a month ago. Scores hi marks as to value. Lot of features for the money. Real good build quality considering the low price. Easy and fun to drive. The car has good visibility and you can park it anywhere. Good ground clearance, has lots of room for driver and passengers. If you are looking for lots of cargo space with room for 4 pass., this might not work for you-I rarely have rear seat passengers- folding down the rear seats works for me. Dont confuse the phrase "fun to drive" to imply that this is a performance vehicle--its not. The Soul is a capable people mover-fun to drive, with a good amt of features, and when considering the price, should put a smile on your face.

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  VERY PLEASED WITH PURCHASE - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Steve - April 13 - 12:16 am

  Very happy with my purchase. This car is everything that they say. It doesnt take corners real fast. I didnt like the stock wheels that came with it. Only real dislike - they forgot to put a directional mirror in it. This car looks designed by Mercedes and Jaguar but is the best value. I would highly recommend it.

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  Drive update - 2007 Kia Amanti
  By minus200 - April 12 - 7:40 pm

  I have 6900 miles now and this is an impressive car. It drives great, performs terrific and overall is a VERY nice car. The quality is amazing and people always comment and ask about the car (even more than my 2006 Chrysler 300). I took a long trip in this car and was never more pleased with a car. Mine is midnight gray with every option except the cargo mat. The quality of materials and construction is far superior to what you would expect in a Kia and rivals cars at ANY price. The mileage has been slightly better than expected. If you want a true luxury car at a moderate price - this is a great choice.