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:

• 

  Good Van... 100K look out! - 2011 Kia Sedona
  By Dan - August 2 - 5:50 am

  I have owned several Kia Sedonas and over all we have been satisfied. I even recommend them to friends that are in the market for a van. I like that the Kia has light truck tires on it. This isnt so good for a ride, but is great in a rural venue. It also lends to a more durable tire. I feel that Kia has kind of skimped on the interior of the van. It could have more options, but I think they were trying to keep the cost down and threw some of them out the window. There are several issues to be aware of... 1. the AC pump is prone to going out at least once in the vans life. And even when it is working properly, it makes a rather annoying noise. 2. Be prepared to replace the idler pulley at least once. I have owned 2 vans and this has happened to both. 3. The paint job is kinda cheep. The handles are starting to peel and stuff... could have done better. 4. The bucket seat arms are always coming lose and require me tightening them up once a month.... rather stupid. For my major complaint.... 5. at 100K miles be prepared for something to happen. Right now I am dealing with the oil pressure sensor that is leaking oil. The shop wanted $500 to replace it so I decided to tackle it my self. I think $500 for them to do it would have been a better deal. Wicked pain in the butt!! This being said, I hope to have it fixed and back on the road. I would like to run this bad boy till the wheels fall off. I think I would buy another Kia, because there are some good points, but just be aware of the 100k jinks.

• 

  Love It! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Love It. - July 31 - 4:56 pm

  We had done some research on the Kia Rondo. Love how in handles! Its a great bang for your buck. LOVE driving it! Very rugged. Great features. Like others have posted, not absolutely crazy about the exterior design. Looks more van like than crossover as Kia likes to call it.

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Great Car - July 28 - 5:50 pm

  Value value value lots of space. Smooth ride with plenty of pick-up for a 4 cyl engine. Excellent fit and finish! Basic transportation at a very reasonable price.

• 

  Kia - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By fabric - July 28 - 12:00 pm

  Very well built. Great warranty. Has a good solid drive. The ride could be better on rough roads.

• 

  I would buy if it wasnt front wheel drive - 2012 Kia Optima
  By atx4life - July 28 - 2:48 am

  Kia has done an exceptional job with the 2012 Optima. I had a chance to test drive one and it was very surprising. I did enjoy driving it, however, all that horsepower is wasted b/c its no fun driving a front wheel drive car. You cant drift and there is under-steer if you get on the gas too hard. Being front wheel drive is a major deal breaker for me. If they get smart and make a rear wheel drive or even an all-wheel drive model, I will buy one.

• 

  Disappointed in MPG - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By lanshi - July 28 - 1:35 am

  I have had my KIA for a month now. The dealer stated that the big reason they are selling so much is because of the MPG up to 32. I am not seeing it. I drive about 120 miles a day and am averaging around 27. I bought it from Southeast Kia in Rockwall, TX. Traded in a Nissan Altima and was getting 32mpg. I hope I didnt make a great mistake with the gas prices would love to get 30 to 32.

• 

  Lots of bang for the buck! - 2005 Kia Rio
  By chegge - July 26 - 8:50 am

  This little car is a surprisingly great deal. This time you can get something for nothing. It runs great, drives great, is comfortable and is roomier than it looks. We have a car seat, a high back booster, and a low back booster in the back! My 63" husband LOVES driving this car. Weve got a good family history with this company as well. My parents have an 89 Festiva that is still running fantastic (made by the same company) and a Kia Sephia that theyve had for at least 6 years now that still runs perfect. We also have a friend thats had his Kia Rio for a year now and still loves it.

• 

  Great car - couple small issues - 2003 Kia Optima
  By lowlow - July 26 - 1:13 am

  I love my car. In the 7 years I have had it there has only been a few issues. The alternator went, but that was covered. Same with the switch for my power seat. My biggest issue is with the locks! Had it fixed when the car was 5 yrs old. covered. But now the same issue. When I go to open the door (passenger) all the doors will lock. Now the door will not open at all. The dealer want $360. Guess my passengers will have to crawl through the window for now. Over all I have spent $500 in 7 years other than brakes and tires. Still have the original battery even.

• 

  Cant beat em - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By AJ - July 26 - 12:50 am

  I traded in my 05 Kia sportage v6 for the spectra5 sx and I gotta say, you cant go wrong with these cars. I had to trade for better mileage which wasnt very good on the sportage and Im glad I did. The spectra is fun, sprite, well equipped, and a lot of bang for the buck. I compared Mazda3, Pontiac Vibe and Chevy Malibu and in the end I stuck with what I knew.

• 

  The Power to Surprise. This is a Kia?! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By dratsu - July 25 - 11:09 pm

  with Premium Package. I wasnt this excited about my wifes 07 Infiniti G35x, an incredible car. I expected that to be great. The 7 midsize sedans I tested now should be solid, affordable family cars. I got so much more. 4700 miles, 4 months. First impressions are lasting; still loving it. Unequaled luxury & value - the style, features, and attention to detail are unmatched at this price point. Some cars costing $10K more lack this level of sophistication. How many cars light up for you as you approach, inviting you back? With this amazing car, Kia hasnt just arrived to the midsize sedan competition, its taken the category by storm. The Power to Surprise, indeed.