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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  JUNK - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Amber Shank - September 21 - 6:50 am

  I have owned this car for five months, in the first month it broke down on me and left me sitting 3 times ( one of the times in the middle of the road, and almost got hit by a school bus with my one year old daughter in the back seat) Have replaced the radio, 2 headlights, TPS sensor, Oh and it just left me sitting on the PA turnpike with my 2 children in 90 degree weather, cause the transmission went out. And it only took Kia 2 1/2 hours to get someone to tow it. If you want to throw your money down the toilet then by all means buy a Kia. I will never buy another Kia ever again, its not safe, not dependable, and the gas mileage SUCKS!

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  2013 LX Kia Sportage AWD - 2013 Kia Sportage
  By Atvings@verizon.net - September 19 - 4:57 pm

  I have a 2013 Sportage AWD, I have over 70,000 miles and drive it every day. I have no complaints about this car. I am 6 ft 1" and feel very comfortable driving this car anywhere, even on long trips. You cant beat the AWD, its actually better than the Suburus AWD system. As long as you do the regular oil changes and tire rotation, this car will perform the way you want it to.I would highly recommend this car to anyone, this is more bang for the buck without a doubt. And once again the AWD system is awesome, you will be surprised too. I will say a 5 star all the way around.

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  Look at quality not warranty - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Super - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because of big warranty, however the blower blowed out of air after I bought it for five months, and I have to wait for a week for it to be repaired on an average 90F temperature. Can you imagine how it feels like? Also when I tried to trade in this car back to the dealership, the dealership only offered $5000 for the trade in value for a sales price of almost $14000?

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  great buy - 2004 Kia Optima
  By xxx1 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I drive my Optima EXV6 50 miles a day and I get great milage. The ride is always comfortable, both in town and on the highway. I also have the relief to know that I ride with the best warranty in the field. I highly reccomend this to anyone who is looking for a $30,000. ride for much less.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Jodik - September 18 - 8:50 pm

  Ive owned my Sorento for 5 years and have had not one single mechanical problem with the car. (My dome light burns out frequently, but at $20 to repair, I dont consider that a "problem"). It has the pick-up to do highway speeds (and more), even when fully loaded. Its got the cargo space more like the larger Highlander than the smaller RAV4, although its priced lower than either Toyota. We take my car on road trips and while the gas mileage isnt fantastic, the car is comfortable and has a nice ride.

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  Awesome! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Allen - September 18 - 9:26 am

  My aunt purchased this car new, and i have always wanted it. I got it and love it. My car has 154,000 miles on it with many more to come. NEVER has left me stranded, the only thing ever replaced is 02 Sensor which is normal to go out after 100,000 on any make or model car.

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  Bought it out of the lease - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Douglas Ramey - September 17 - 9:30 pm

  Nice little car, roomy for a big guy in front seat. Decent cargo space

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  Amazing Car; Absolutely No Complaints! - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Aaron Bruhnsen - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I got my new Rio about 3 weeks ago, and Im extremely impressed with its reliability, power, comfort, and handling. The customer service at the dealership I purchased the car from (Red Ridge KIA) couldnt have been nicer when selling me the car, and they took the time to go over all the warrenty info. and special features of the car. When I first test drove the car, I didnt expect alot from the car due to its extremely low price, and the prior reviews I had read. I loved my Rio; it drove very sturdy, and the pick- up was incredible for such a small engine. Gas milage is great, the insurance is cheap, and the safety features are excellent.

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  We Love our Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By SheriO - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The Sedona is everything and more then we thought it would be. I cannot believe all the features is has for the price. The ride is unbelievable. I am afraid of getting a speeding ticket, it just flies when you drive it and it is so smooth. I would not hesitate to look at other KIAs when I need another vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle so far - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By chitown-bob - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV! Bought it 2 weeks ago and so far so good. Its sporty looks bring to mind the Lexus RX300 without the price tag. I have been pleasantly surprised by the handling and ride. The engine is not as responsive as I would like, but is adequate. The interior is well thought out and I am very comfortable with the layout. I have an EX loaded with the Luxury package, ABS, Load Leveling, etc. Considering the price (roughly 27K), the price is untouchable by comparible models (even with rebates).