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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  Bargain Luxury and Style - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By noelsboyce - March 16 - 3:10 am

  What began as a search for a luxury vehicle including such names as Lexus and Acura, quickly led us to a little known bargain of the Kia Sorento. The looks are comparable to the big two aforementioned, while the price wasnt half of equally aged vehicles. The 2003 Sorento EX is the "upscale" model. Our includes leather, tow, Harman Kardon sound, power everything, sunroof, etc. We got ours with slightly higher mileage for just under $12K. We did however opt for the additional extended warranty. The vehicle rides extremely smooth compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee we traded in. The luxury appointments are very well suited for a small suv class vehicle. All in all a bargain for the price and year

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  Enjoy being inside this Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Colorado Cody - March 15 - 6:36 pm

  A great to to sit and be seen in! I really enjoy sitting in and driving the Kia Soul. The drivers seat is like sitting in Meditation - back straight - head rising above. The interior look makes you feel at home - surrounded by your favorite couch blanket. It is inexpensive ... and some fits that mold. But overall, it has more room and better Soul than a New Beetle.

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  great SUV for the money - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By ric - March 14 - 1:30 pm

  Hard to beat a really top flight SUV for the money. Only negative is the gas mileage of 20 MPG combined.

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  Great bang for buck - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By mp - March 13 - 4:40 am

  I bought my kia in august of 09. I was debating between this and the pilot. I have been very happy with it this entire year and have not had a single problem. I get about 17/18 mpg, which is pretty good considering the size of the SUV. Great 3rd row with plenty of leg room for kids, a little tight for adults though. I also added running boards and a nav system for much cheaper than if you buy the limited version that comes with one.

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  Excellent Service department - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Redman - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Yes it has thin paint, but all of the car makers have thin paint these days. It had air leaks at the windows and the engine light came on because of the gas cap not being tight, but the Kia service department fix them and even gave me a loaner car when I needed one. If you want to stay between the Beamers and the MBs going from Las Vagas to LA this is the car for you.

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  2013 KIA Optima SX after 12000 Miles - 2013 Kia Optima
  By achero1 - March 12 - 9:25 am

  This is a follow up review on my KIA Optima SX after 12000 miles. I purchased my 2013 Optima SX in July of 2013 new after trading out of an Infiniti M35X. The Optima has been a great car. I still cant get over how great the car looks. I commute 80 miles a day round trip to work. After 6 months I have 12000 miles on my Optima. The only issue I have had is the gasket around the moon roof which was replaced by the dealer. I have been averaging with the turbo and running high test (my choice,) on the average 25 miles per-gallon. That is apox. 425 miles on a tank of gas.Living in NH and commuting to Mass the Optima is pretty decent in the snow. Great car all around.

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  Sweet SX - Automatic 2.4L - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Foxman - March 10 - 9:00 am

  Just took it on my SX 4-dr on its inaugural tour to north Florida. I have 2,500 miles on it now and LOVE it! Exterior paint and finish is superior. Plenty of exterior chrome and the details have a quality look. A very tight feel to this vehicle. Excellent drive-ability and handling. Steering is sure and responsive. Braking is smooth and reassuringly certain. I preferred the comfort and roominess of the 4-door SX over the 2-door Koup. The transmission can be jumpy with Cruise Control in the hills (combination of 5 speed auto and 2.4 L). Lots of seat maneuverability to find the right passenger seating comfort on the road. Too much plastic in the dash, however it has a finished look and feel.

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  Love my sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By rufus - March 9 - 10:00 am

  It is a great van at a reasonable price. Engine has lots of power, great pickup. Lots of extras are included. I have had it for two years without any problems.

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  very nice car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By mike j md - March 9 - 10:00 am

  what a beauty!! love this car !!

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  A quality car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By EVA - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Anyone who still thinks a Kia is not a quality car should reconsider!! My Amanti is most definitely a high quality car. It has everything you could want. Its solid, it drives great, a great warranty.