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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  03 Sedona at 140,000 and six years old - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Howard - September 18 - 2:50 pm

  We bought the Sedona because my short wife could drive it very comfortably and it was very nice. Kia 100,000 mile guarantee took care of everything that came up including wheel bearings at 90,000 miles. Now we are having to get the AC fixed for a leak. The compressor is fine. We did replace an alternator and battery. We still love it.

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  Fabulous car for money!! - 2013 Kia Optima
  By Roger - September 14 - 8:07 pm

  We bought the car Dec of 2012. Got the LX with convenience package. Out the door with remote start (added non OEM) for $19800. Very comfortable and drive it whenever I can (its the wifes car). Now it currently has 60k miles on it. Only stuff that has needed done so far is new tires at 53k and front brakes during the 60K mile maintenance service. OEM tires werent great (horrible on snow) but the new tires have made the car even quieter and perform great on snow. Bottom line is for a brand new car with all the standard equipment it cant be beat.

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  Changing My Mind About Kia - 2012 Kia Optima
  By amandal0514 - September 14 - 1:05 am

  Ive had my 2012 Kia Optima EX (with Premium Package and Navigation) for a little over a week now. I traded in my 2008 Honda Accord for it because I was looking for something a little more "fun" with more options but needed the same size. I owned a 2002 Kia Sportage and it lost $10k in value in 1 year so Kia has always left a bad taste in my mouth. Since 2003 Ive been with Honda but a new Kia Optima caught my eye not too long ago and I was surprised to see it was rated the #1 sedan under $25k on this site. I started checking into it and really liked what I read about it. Its only been 500 miles but I love all the features! My daughter and I adore the car!

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  Just passed 60k - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By steve - September 9 - 10:20 am

  This will be easy. I just passed 60k miles. My car has spent zero seconds in the repair shop. The only thing Ive done is replace tires and battery. Easily the best car Ive ever owned and Ive owned many.

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  Our new Kia Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Thomasine Carrington - September 6 - 3:50 pm

  We love the Amanti. We had a little trouble at first with all the electronic niceties, but we had driven the same car for 12 years and were not used to them. The accompanying manual is clear and understandable. Its true luxury.

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  "Very Happy" - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Pleasantly Surprised - September 5 - 9:56 pm

  I wanted to buy a Sorento several years ago but was unsure because Kia wasnt established. I sure am glad I didnt wait any longer. My Sorento has been fantastic. I just went on vacation and we had plenty of room in storage and middle row. I drive almost all highway and the gas mileage has been wonderful.I have been getting around 27-28 mpg. I know that is still short of what they say it should get but Im not disappointed considering the size and weight of vehicle.My wife is due for a new car soon and we will be looking at the 2011 Optima. Good job Kia.

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  great car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By nacht4 - September 5 - 4:36 am

  I have to admit - Im very pleasantly surprised. Exterior is cute, inside is perfectly built for both a small person like me and my much taller husband. Seats are comfortable and roomy. The car handles very well, very responsive to stops and turns. Lots of room in the back. Its a big hit with my teenagers - from the cute design to the speakers that flash to the beat of the music. Its a lot of car for the price. Much more fun to drive than my old Honda Accord.

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  1st new car in 20 years - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By GSK - September 4 - 8:50 pm

  Make sure they are happy with a slightly smaller 3 row SUV. It is driving great. Only minor issue is that a side view mirror popped out when I was folding it in. I was able to easily replace it. It doesnt pop out if Im careful when I fold it in and make sure not to touch the mirror itself. Still driving great. No problems.

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  Cute as a Bug !! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Velveeta - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to save on gas, since I am a college student who lives outside of town. It has saved me hundreds in gas money and it holds myself and my three children quit comfortably. I will definatly be keeping it around a long while. My favorite question that I get from strangers all the time is..."What do they call that color?"

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kiafan1 - September 1 - 2:12 am

  I never take the time to write reviews, but I made it a point to find the time to give my opinion on this car. Thank you KIA....you have made a GREAT car for an incredible price. Occupy wall street should hail you for doing your part and giving back. I have the car about 6 months now and loving t. My first car is a BMW and I cant wait to get into my KIA SOUL. It is spacious, fun, easy to drive, great on gas, lots of safety features, high tech....and I think I mentioned the value. Love the way it Zips around. What else could u possibly need or want in a car.