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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  Loving my new KIA Sorento!!!! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By edward nankin - December 15 - 8:39 pm

  This car is just what we needed for our family of 4. We had a minivan and was looking for a reliable car that we could take on long trips that would hold our luggage and be priced for a family budget...The car is roomy and has plenty of cargo space. It looks great and rides comfortably. It is not too big or small just right in size.

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  fall in love again - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By T - December 15 - 2:33 pm

  I drive a lot. I am thrilled with the side curtain airbags and the front passenger seat monitor of the airbag. I love the ability to manually shift. The heaviness of the vehicle lends to that old feeling of safety. I adore the look of the car itself and am thrilled to say that for the past month I am getting 26 miles to the gallon (3000 miles). I truly might be able to love again ... this car makes you remember those feelings!

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  For the money - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By skiboji - December 15 - 7:53 am

  Bought in March 2010 and have 16,000 miles on so far. Have no regrets with this car so far. Rides rough but is quiet. Best value for a vehicle that has Nav, leather, dvd and awd.

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  Good Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Guy1 - December 15 - 1:56 am

  Excellent SUV. Is a gas hog in my opinion. V6 maybe 20 miles a gallon. Quiet ride is exceptional. This vehicle is also built very good. Get the most for your money.

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  Excellent little commuter - 2011 Kia Soul
  By ronatedmunds - December 13 - 9:15 pm

  I picked one up five weeks ago for $16.1K out-the-door after dealer discount and $1K loyalty rebate and got the 36-month 0.9% financing. I drive 31 miles each way for commute and have driven 1200 miles so far. I am averaging 28mpg on 30% city and 70% freeway (in traffic half the time) driving. Because of the high RPM rate, the freeway fuel economy is not great on this car. To achieve 30+mpg, you must cruise at speeds below 70mph. Also, the onboard fuel economy computer displays 1 more mpg than the actual manual calculation. Overall Im really satisfied with the car. After about 500 miles of break-in, the car seems to run more smoothly and a little faster. Give it a try and youll like it.

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  So Far Its A WOW! - 2007 Kia Amanti
  By beav1956 - December 13 - 7:53 pm

  I bought a Midnight Gray Amanti with leather package on April 3. It has an unusual look that grows on me daily. It has an extremely smooth ride and a nice balance. This car isnt the flattest in hard turns, but I bought it for the ride quality. I wasnt looking for a sport sedan. I get almost as many stares in the Amanti as my red 70 chevelle. The torque and acceleration are greater than I could have expecteded. Only has 1500 miles so far but I love this car! The beautiful leather, fit and finish are awesome. Quietest, most comfortable car Ive ever ridden in. An impressive car and so affordable. So far, the 07 Amanti is a WOW!

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  Great car for the price - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By Frank Estrada - December 13 - 1:36 pm

  We bought our Kia as an alternative to a minivan and could not be happier. Its plenty large for a family of 5 comfortably. If you try to open the rear door in your garage you might find it a bit interesting. Living in the mid-west, winters get cold and the wiper defroster is awesome. Spring for the 4WD if in snow climates. Engine has lots of torque and even with enhancement features you might find yourself gripping the wheel with all your might.

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  I am so in love with this car! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Tracy - December 13 - 8:56 am

  I have never been happier with a car in my life. It rides beautifully and meets my every demand. Before checking out the Optima I had originally resigned myself to a lesser model of a car (different make) with fewer options at this price. On a whim I decided to test drive it and knew right then it was the car I had to have. Its much more car than I ever expected to own and the price is unbelievable for what you get. Cant beat that warranty! I recommend this car to everyone who will listen!

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  First Optima - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Smart Driver - December 12 - 5:30 pm

  This car provides a tight, sport-tuned, yet somewhat opulant ride. It reminds me very much of the Audi A4 V6 for about $18k savings.

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  great minivan! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By keetoburrito - December 12 - 7:30 am

  My dad bought this van years ago, and now I drive it to and from work very often. It is a great van, and we havent really had many problems with it. However, if a door is not shut properly, it will wear down the battery. Otherwise, it is great and very reliable. The outer paint is a little worn due to high temperatures when we go to the desert, but it doesnt affect the cars performance. I have not seen any of the problems with transmission, A/C, or anything else and the van is almost at 38,000 miles.