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:

• 

  Amanti Lover - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By OBie - September 1 - 1:43 am

  I have owned this vehicle for four years and cannot say enough good things about the Amanti. The way it looks, the way it drives, the comfort of the interior are all comparable to a luxury sedan at a more affordable price.

• 

  A True Luxury car - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Rob - August 31 - 12:20 pm

  I bought the car based on comfort, safety, and price. The exterior and interior is like a Jaguar, only better built. The body style and driving characteristics however are like a Lincoln Town Car. The Amanti is more enjoyable than "fun" to drive, and is not a good choice for someone seeking a sporty ride. DonÂ’t be turned off because itÂ’s a Kia either. The Amanti is far better than the Chrysler 300, Ford 500, Buick LaCrosse, and the new Toyota Avalon even if price is not a factor!

• 

  Good Ride - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By John - August 29 - 8:16 pm

  Lots of fun to drive. The tide is better than reviews show. Great ride for the price. Have experienced minor electrical problems with the outside temperature display.

• 

  Most fun and value out there ! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Mikeinphoenix - August 29 - 4:30 pm

  Purchased our Dune Exlaim after 1 year of driving everything in this class. Purchase experience from Joe at Liberty KIA in Prescott was the best. Meets all our needs for space, gas mileage and sound system. Build quality is superior to American cars owned. Love the driving position / visibility and its fun to drive. Glad we did not get the automatic as 5 speed is more fun but takes some time to drive it smoothly. Clutch is very light and easy. Ride is firm but controlled as expected. Love the Dune color and interior design. Controls are in easy and sensible reach. Has all the goodies my Saturn Aura XR had for 1/2 the price. Its not a high speed driving machine but what do you want for 17K.

• 

  If Kia keeps this up the Big guys better - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Stylish - August 29 - 10:00 am

  My second Kia in one year. I bought a 2003 Kia Sedona and love it, now I looked into the All New Spectra. I love it. Looks great, good on gas and the engine is peppy. If youre in the market give Kia a try. I paid $10,900 for the EX need I say more.

• 

  Love my car - 2011 Kia Optima
  By sean_nock1 - August 28 - 6:28 am

  I initially bought a 2010 optima in November of last year. I was happy with it until a month later I saw the 2011 Kia Optima. I fell in love with the vehicle and what really caught my eye is the fact it came in a manual 6 speed. I recently gave in and went back to the same dealership I bought the 2010 to see if I could get a 2011. Thankfully everything worked out and I was able to get it not paying that much more.

• 

  just purchased 2010 forte sx koupe - 2010 Kia Forte
  By stevenmark - August 28 - 4:33 am

  just purchased this car yesterday and i must say Im in shock at how much car i got for my money.the car in the corsa blue color gets compliments every where i go.this is truly a great bang for the buck car. best looking car on the road bar none.

• 

  Great Value - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Dave - August 27 - 12:53 pm

  Love it so far. We tested similar foreign and domestic vehicles, and found the Sorrento to be the best value overall. It has everything we need for a family of four. The instrument panel has a clean look and the dashboard controls are simple and straightforward. The ride is quiet at all speeds, and so far is very comfortable in the seating area. For this size vehicle, the cargo area is adequate for everyday use, and the rear fold down seats are easy to operate. The powertrain is strong and easily accelerates even at highway speeds.

• 

  Excellent Pride - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By David - August 25 - 7:43 am

  Get lots of compliments on it. Everyone thinks its either a Mercedes 300 or Jaguar, then I tell them to go look at back of car.

• 

  Better than Honda or Toyota!!!!! - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By LM - August 24 - 11:40 pm

  My wife and I were looking to replace our 10 year old minivan. We started out with Honda and Toyota and of course we liked what we saw but the price was excessive. I parked next to a Sedona the next day, looked inside and was impressed. I went to look at one the next day and I just couldnt believe it. More features, better warranty and significantly less money. Full power, 3 zone air, front to back air bags, memory seats, side mirrors automatically adjust down when backing to improve vision. Too many features to mention. For a change, we did not feel like we were taken advantage of. Love it!!