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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  Sporty Sportage Rocks - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Lori - November 16 - 7:23 pm

  Compared the Jeep Liberty, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V, BOUGHT the Kia Sportage, Best value, nicest looking, handles like a dream, better equipped, best warranty and fully loaded it was the lowest in price! GREAT SUV. Highly recommend.

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  Good Running Car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Jenevra Smith - November 15 - 5:28 am

  This has been a great car. I bought it used in 2006 and it now has 130000 miles and is still running great. Im on the second timing belt, and replaced the clutch at 120000. I try to keep up on the scheduled maintenance, and this car has never left me stranded. I will drive it until it falls apart.

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  Get around cute - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Rick - November 13 - 9:51 pm

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  Not worth the problems - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By whizza99 - November 13 - 1:43 pm

  Well, the starter going within the first week should of been the sign. 5 yrs, 80,000 miles later I have 3 broken handles they will not fix for less than $500 apiece, the turning radius is like a box or truck, not like all the caravans Ive had. I gave up 18" in the grand caravan and you really do miss it. I have gone thru numerous tires, so put GOOD tires on it. Gas mileage stinks! I bought it for the warranty but after 5 yrs the bumper to bumper is gone and now all the little problems are creeping up. Back seat doesnt slide, etc.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Dave - November 13 - 10:56 am

  Ride is comfortable but handling seems a little soft (bumps & curves). Has lots of bells and whistles for the money which is nice. I recommend V6- even though its smallish, car accelerates and passes fine. Interior is nice but can see its nothing spectacular. Leather is nicer than the cloth but again not the softest Ive seen in a middie. Seems good for money though-time will tell. A guy at dealer was buying his second. Said he loved em. Cons: Annoying rattle in back right door; Need to get keyless reprog.; Entering and exiting can take practice-it sits a bit too low- especially the back seat. Hit my head first couple times and am 58. Cool & kind of noisy around sunroof with shade open.

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  2000 Kia Sportage EX 4WD - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By My Keya - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I obtained this vehicle 12/2003 with 35,264 miles. So far everything has been going good. The Four Wheel Drive System is a plus. However I dislike that in Two Wheel Drive (2H mode)that its Rear Wheel Drive and not Front Wheel Drive like some of its compeititors.

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  All good things come to those... - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By swordstar - November 12 - 2:00 am

  who wait... and plan... and have a little fun. I just purchased one of these 2004 models, and it has been a lot of fun to drive and work with.

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  2nd Sorrento, well worth the money - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By D Washington - November 11 - 3:00 am

  We purchased a 2012 Sorento LX a few years ago and loved it. The wife used it for work and traveling back and forth from Houston to New Orleans several times a year. One tank got there straight through. It has held up quite well. No engine trouble due to regular maintenance. We just traded that 2012 in for a 2016 Sorento SX because when you take in every thing, they just give you so much for your money. Very spacious because we have boys with long legs, interior feels like a luxury car, they have cool alloy rims, panoramic sun roof, big screen Infinity radio with Navigation and a sub woofer. Leather seats, separate climate control, 19 " tires and full size spare. The funny thing is , I own a 2013 Sportage and my son a 2015 Forte. We bought them from the same dealership because of the great service, and when go to get our oil change there as well. Even side by side against other SUVs , it stands out and stays very stylish and most of all reliable.

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  Initial Review - 2013 Kia Optima
  By whitfoc - November 10 - 11:39 pm

  Very impressive car for the money. Just bought a snow white/beige with premium and tech package. Took on a 500 mile trip over the weekend with two heavy suitcases, Two adults and averaged 33 mpg traveling at 70 mph. While the engine is extremely quiet, there is some tire noise but not excessive. Ride is compliant and comfortable. Could not justify the extra $5000 for an SX. Overall a good buy for the $30K and under price range.

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  Its been a pleasure - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By tina - November 10 - 1:06 am

  I purchased my Sedona w/ only 12 miles on it. Now it has over 67,000 miles. Ive taken it on many road trips and have been disappointed w/ the storage space. If youre thinking of this van,definitely opt for the luggage rack. But i have to give it credit for reliability. Ive maintained the oil changes like the dealership suggested and i have NEVER had any problems in the overall performance. The gas mileage could be better but that goes for most vehicles w/ 6 cylinders.