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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  Fun To Drive - 2011 Kia Soul
  By hendogmx - March 29 - 9:41 pm

  Ive had the car for just a week now and i love it. The handling in town is great and freeway ride isnt too bad. Has a slight nervous feeling in wind but nothing scary. This little car has plenty of zip when needed and kinda makes you want to drive easier and challenge yourself to get the most MPG when you have ECO mode on. Watching the estimated MPG figure climb is such a relief when these gas prices are so high. The car feels very well made and im very impressed so far

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  Return Customer - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By beartrouble - March 29 - 4:23 pm

  Its hard to believe all the features which are standard in the EX model, especially the safety features. This is our second Kia. The first was a 2002 Sedona which was totaled on the freeway in a rain storm. The driver walked away with only 2 minor bruises. After seeing the damage to both cars, we went straight back to a Kia dealership.

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  to quote the Simpsons; "Worst Car Ever" - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Randy - March 28 - 11:00 am

  My wife actually bought the car before we got married. It seemed like a cute little car. It was also nice that it had a "warranty". However, the first time it rained, the entire trunk filled with water. When I checked about the seals, and how to have them replaced, they were not covered as a warranty piece. I tried to seal it several times, but they never seemed to stick in place. At 55mph, we had a loud whistle noise in a door that the dealer could not figure out. It was a non-fixable air leak in the window seal. Then, my favorite, at 55,000 miles, it mushroomed a piston-head. I could only prove 18 of 19 oil changes, so it was considered not under warranty. Kia, the enclosed go-cart!

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  I love my Sedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Angela - March 26 - 3:20 am

  I wanted a mini-van due to having children and the fact that I love to travel. The Sedona is a great deal for the money. The only other mini-van I really liked was almost $10,000 more than the Sedona. It made the choice pretty simple. I got a DVD player installed for only $1200. I got everything I wanted for a great price.

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  Fun Little Car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Jace Beckerman - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is great on gas and to drive around town. In spite of its 104 horsepower it feels spunky due to its light weight. The only problems Ive found with it is the fact that the armrest on the drivers chair is not at the same level with the arm rest on the drivers door, so on long trips its a bit of an uncomfort but for the most part the car is well worth the price.

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  No Complaints - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Jabes - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned other minivans and this one is by far better than any others. It much more reliable than my Honda or Dodge. I have over 30,000 miles on it and have only changed the oil. I have not had one mechanical problem with it in 18 months. The fit and finish is better than any American made minivan. The ride is smooth and quiet. I wish the engine was a little more powerful, I live in the Rocky Mtns. and having more power is always good. Not many vans or SUVs that do. This van handles better in the snow than most vehicles Ive owned (we get over 300 inches of snow. Over all it is a great van and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Short Ride - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Chiefmelissa - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on October 7, 2003 and totaled it out on October 8, 2003. I took the car through 4 ditches, with 3 culverts. I can only honestly rate the safety of this car. I was able to walk away with only a bruise and some stiffness. This car was my first brand new car and as soon as the paper work from the insurance company catches up I have all intentions of buying another. Price was great, and it did look wonderful. Steering was a little touchy compared to the 1994 Chevy Cavelier I was driving.

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  Kia Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Pfri12 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car. Iwasnt sure if I would like a small car. Im used to driving a full size van. After driveing it for a few weeks I love it. The interior is nice and roomey.Everything that Edmunds has said I would have to disagree. I have had no trouble with my brakes at all.

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  My Kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By jenpal88 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for the price. After driving it off the lot, I realized the horn didnt work. I took it back the next day and they fixed it. The check engine light comes on constantly. I take it to the dealership and correct the problem, only to have it turn on again later.

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  good stuff - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Tominator - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Kia dealers were great, no hassle, right to the point. Service is fast, and done properly. Treated the way most buyers dream of being treated after making such a major purchase.