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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  Really like this car but with minor tweaks it would be great - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By mkc1 - August 14 - 8:08 am

  I really like this car. It looks good and the ride is smooth and very quite. The V6 has good get up and go. I test drove the 4 cylinder GTL and felt it lacked power. This model comes fully loaded and has great features. It doesnt however get the stated gas mileage. I get around 22 in the city and 24 - 25 highway. I recommend this car for the price and the warranty but it would be an awesome car with a few tweaks.

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  Disappointed Purchaser - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By diddapointedpurchase - August 12 - 2:43 am

  Was very excited to have such an equipped minivan for the price, that is until it proved to be totally unreliable. Had to have service on it around 20 times (no really). Transmission replaced, AC components replaced several occasions and still does not function properly on long road trips (more than 100 miles). We only have 42,000 miles on it. My advice. Stay away from the 2002. Glad to see there are more positive reviews than negative and others are having better luck with their Sedona.

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  drove it across the U.S.A. - Very good - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Jack - August 2 - 1:00 am

  Purchased in March 2006 and drove it across the entire U.S. Very comfortable and performed great. My neighbor borrowed it for a few hours and absolutely enjoyed the SUV.

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  Great car for the price - 2014 Kia Optima
  By dover157 - August 1 - 12:56 pm

  Have had my 14 Optima LX with the convenience package for a month now and I still smile every time I sit in it. Was not looking to buy a mid size sedan but loved it as soon as I took the first test drive. Steering could be a little stiffer and provide a bit of feedback, and the front passenger seat is way to low without the power upgrade. Have a couple of friends who dont like not being able to see over the dashboard when riding with me. Mileage could be better, but for a mid size car with a trunk I could sleep in its not bad at all. Over all a great car for the price when I walk up to it in a parking lot I still cant believe its a KIA.

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  Good used car - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By Charm - July 31 - 2:20 pm

  Only owned for 3 months but very impressed so far - bought for only $2300 with 130K and have put on 10K without a problem and seems like itll go on for many more miles. Ive already made my $ on it considering we mostly drive trucks that are difficult to park and get about 12mpg. Agile and peppy engine, decent fuel mileage (getting in the mid 20s) in stop and go traffic.

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  Arthur - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Arthur - July 29 - 5:13 pm

  I have been overall impressed with my Kia Sportage. However, the gas mileage is the biggest issue. In addition, after 24,000 miles I had to replace the Bridgestone tires. Furthermore, the transmission shifts roughly sometimes when you need it going up hills, or trying to pass. The cooling fan sometimes sound like there is a knocking in the engine. I travel on avg. 1000-1200 miles per week with the kia and it handles very well and the ride is smooth for a SUV. Arthur

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  Excellent value with few reservations - 2005 Kia Optima
  By TJ - July 29 - 8:23 am

  Very well built and well styled car that has a really nice ride quality despite being a small car, and it seems to have the potential of being a very reliable car for the long term as well.

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  Excellent value for the money - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Dawn B - July 26 - 7:56 am

  I must admit I was skeptical when my husband first brought this home to me. I have been greatly surprised and pleased with it. The equipment on it for the money was a very good value and the factory stereo has surprisingly good sound. It has a good amount of storage for things like sunglasses and cds. This baby will turn on a dime, and after 53,00 miles handles well, and drives and rides well compared to higher priced cars. 2 trips from Kansas City, MO to Fort Knox, KY and a trip to Akron Ohio and all Ive had to do is change oil and tires. No mechanical issues at all which surprised me. A great little car for the money.

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  When I can start it, Ill review it - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By buggrrl - July 26 - 12:06 am

  My 2008 Sedona was purchased new less than a month ago and has fewer than 500 miles on it. It is in the shop now for the second time because the battery goes dead 4 times, requiring roadside assistance each time, and has been there for 5 days now without a diagnosis. I truly love driving this van, but am starting to think I made a huge mistake purchasing it. I havent even received my license plates yet and its been in the shop 6 days already! Thankfully, the dealer is a gem and doing everything they can to help me.

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  A fine value! - 2017 Kia Forte
  By E. Wiatrek - July 25 - 12:25 pm

  The 2017 Forte is a beautiful auto. The kicker is the 5 yr. basic warranty vs the 3 yr warranty on most other makes. The car drives well, looks great, feels solid, and is highly dependable. The only "distraction" Ive encountered is the "lag" in acceleration when trying to moderately increase speed at around 40 -- 50 mph. Theres a significant dead zone. Other than that, I see nothing but a great deal and happy ownership with my Forte 2.0 liter purchase.