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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  Decent car for the price - 2015 Kia Optima
  By cvs8floz - November 1 - 4:18 am

  Purchased a new 2015 Optima EX with premium package in January just when we got all the snow in Boston to replace a 2009 Hyundai Sonata that was totaled in an accident. Kind of had to rush the buying process and only looked at a few other cars. Got the car for under $23K delivered before taxes and fees, more than $5K off sticker. Generally happy with the car, good power, handles well, comfortable drivers seat. City mileage worse than advertised. Head clearance could be better. More difficult to access rear seat than other cars. No spare tire. Trunk release button hard to find with gloves. Front passenger seat is way too low, feel like you are sitting in a hole, did not catch in test drive

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  Almost one year with Cadenza - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By aikonerom - October 31 - 9:26 am

  Some problems started early on and some continue. Here is my list of issues: 1. Sunroof button is terrible and way to sensitive - need to redesign. I have had one button replaced. 2. Metal Clanking noise from front end while driving slow. Dealer tightened hood but problem still continues. 3. Intermittent wind noise from drivers side mirror. 4. Bluetooth is buggy. Software was updated November 2014. You must wait 3-4 seconds when using the hands free system. 5. Voice control is annoying. Literally the system yells at you if you talk too soon after hitting the hands free command button. You must wait 3-4 seconds every time you hit the hands free button. Frustrating.

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  What a bargan! - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By BSmith - October 29 - 11:53 am

  Overall, this is one of the best cars you can get for the money. Pros: Has more than enough interior space. Excellent visibility for driver. Safety features. Has all the features of a more expensive car. Long warranty. Build quality. Low price. Cons: Suspension and steering are very soft. Fuel economy is poor. Interior is mostly hard plastic. Seats are covered in low quality cloth. Radio sounds cheap. Tires are cheap. Has plastic wheel covers. Wind noise is excessive. However, the cons are easy to live with and are mitigated by the Rondos low price. If you can, get the 6 cyl. The 4 cyl is low on power, especially when passing on the highway

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  Lots of good, some things to work on - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Sorentina - October 29 - 1:52 am

  Had my LX V6 over a year now. Great ride. Nice finishings. Gas mileage almost always EXCEEDS the 18/26 posted. On highway, I usually get about 30 mpg- wirh a V6 engine! Car insurance is starting to go down but it can be pricier than other SUV in its class. Something to keep in mind. Driver seat is nicely shaped but slightly firm. The wing-up edges can pose a challenge for those with mobility issues requiring help getting into the 2 front seats. Plenty of leg room in the front and back. I enjoy driving it a lot but I have a list of a few things KIA could do to really spruce things up: 1. Please add adjustable brakes. Brakes are a little mushy if youre a light-footed breaker. 2. Please, please PLEASE add the option to silence that annoying alarm that rings when its 40F outside. Its annoying and startling at times!! 3. Its hard to wash the top of the back window with that fin in the way- esp with the squeegee. Can that fin be reshaped or removed? 4. Its annoying that you cant change the radio station when the backup camera is on. Really?! Also, with the wheel radio control, you can only change the radio position one station at a time. Would be nice to be able to hit the button 4 times and actually go up or down 4 presets. 5. Please, please, PLEASE, KIA add the Global Open-Windows feature to the remote. It would be a god send for people like me with heat intolerance. PLEASE!!! 6. Daytime running lights on L, LX models, please! 7. Would appreciate a rubber cargo mat for 7-passenger cargo area when seats are folded down rather than the less-than-helpful carpeted cargo mat available. 8. Automatic up and down driver window feature is nice but it takes a lot of finessing to adjust the auto-down if you need interrupt it. 9. UVO system is OK on LX- nothing spectacular. KIA- please make the 7"/8" navigation system standard. The Sorento is a good value and a nice drive, despite my little nit picks. But I think its the little things that separate good cars from the great ones. Sorento is not a disappointment but a good car that has the potential to be a really great one with a little attention to details that make the driving experience even more of a pleasure.

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  Low Trade in - 2006 Kia Optima
  By 2006.5 - October 26 - 12:53 pm

  I love my 2006.5 Kia Optima, It gets very good gas mileage. The only problem that I have with my Kia is that it has a low value for trade in. It rides very good handle bumps well.

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  Solid & Reliable - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By sanford - October 20 - 11:23 am

  I bought this car in July 2008. I was in a bind, had to get something quick, and couldnt afford hefty car payments. I got a good deal and went with it. For the price, it is a good car. Sturdy, reliable, solid. I have put 28,000 miles on it in 19 months and have not had it in the shop once- we wont mention the trip to the body shop after a silly accident in the snow, will we? I read reviews before purchasing but, worried about gas prices, still went with a 4 cyl. Not a day goes by that I dont wish I had paid the extra $800 for a 6 cyl. The interior is made with lots of rock hard plastic but, for the price, I would recommend this car to someone low on money yet desirious of an SUV.

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  Happy, But Not PERFECTLY Happy - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By OhManti - October 17 - 2:20 am

  Contrary to some, I dont find the suspension loose or "floaty." The brakes are a bit too grippy for me. The rides wonderfully pleasant, would be dead quiet if the air intake wasnt so loud. Posh enough, but cheap very scratchable finish on the interior glossy bits. Wish it had a compass; Love the computer and gobs of great gadgetry otherwise. Happy with accelleration, at the stoplight and for passing, dont mind the lessor V6. Love the front end, back end cloys, though I think the trunks my favorite feature -- HUGE. CD changer slow loading. horn pathetic. blind spot in front. Saftey top notch. Eight way seats, but havent got comfortable on long trips.

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  Kia Sorento - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Mr Hank - October 16 - 8:33 pm

  With 14k miles behind me I am mostly satisfied with the purchase. Visually this is still one of the sharpest mid size suvs around for my money. Very solid build, well laid out interior and rugged exterior put the domestic models to shame. Four wheel drive works like a charm, engine has plenty of punch for highway cruising or zipping through traffic. Engine sounds a bit loud in passing gear and transmission seems unsophisticated and tends to shift at odd times. Gas mileage is also a big disappointment. Overall this vehicle offers a lot of bang for the buck and as long as it keeps humming along and I dont have to take advantage of the fantastic warranty offered it will serve its purpose.

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  Satisfied so far - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Joe Cal - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned this suv a few months, but Im very pleased so far. I think it rides very nice, more like a carlike ride and handles nice. I also like the fact that it has a full frame, not a unibody like most suvs in this class or in a more expensive class for the matter. I think the quality is comparable to GM, and maybe better in some areas. I was somewhat hesistant to buy a Kia at first, but for the price I couldnt resist and am glad I did so far.

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  Nice for the price - 2009 Kia Sorento
  By hinkyjinky - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is not a luxury SUV its utility. the gf traded hers in after 7 months for a tahoe ls 2007 because she wants bigger. shame. i like the drive even though it is bumpy and stiff but that is due to its design (its not a caddy or Lincoln) i get great gas mileage almost 425 to a full tank. it has not failed me yet! solid build. love the 4wd so far but have not pushed it except for our big winter storm this past year and it worked flawlessly for me drive 50 miles a day in snow and ice. dealership has been GREAT! cant say it enough! thank you for the deal and serivce Kia of Turnersville nj!!! :)