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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  Totaled after one accident - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By chintanshah - April 12 - 4:05 pm

  This car was pretty great for when I had it. I bought it used last year. There were no major issues and it was an overall awesome car. Unfortunately, I got into an accident a couple of months ago where someone hit my front right wheel/door side head on. I was going about 40-50 and he had just pulled out, so Id say about 15 or so. The damage didnt look too terrible except that the wheel and door were bent inward, the center dashboard popped out, and the passenger airbag broke the windshield (no glass was actually shattered). It turned out that the frame ended up being twisted inside along with the other problems I mentioned which totaled it out. My passenger and I were safe at least!

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  nice little car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By dwaters1 - April 12 - 10:33 am

  I have had this 2002 spectra for several years and it has performed well with very few issues. There are some basic issues that I have not fixed but do not cause a problem, such as a shock housing that allows the shock to rattle a bit. It not very powerful but for small city driving its fine and a bit fun. Not the most comfortable, it is a cheep car. Turning on the air conditioner will result is a noticeable pull on the engine. The interior is ok to look at but is mostly hard plastic. Starting in 2011 the summer heat from in the south has cause the plastic parts inside to start failing, things just randomly break or fall off or appear to disintegrate. Just replace belt for $600.

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  My Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Shellarela - April 12 - 12:36 am

  I love my Sorento. I did a lot of research before buying and it was by far the best value for the money. Its a beautiful vehicle, I get a lot of compliments and inquiries. The luxury package includes everything the higher end SUVs have for a lot less money.

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  Best mid-size deal out there - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Jeff Adams - April 11 - 12:30 pm

  Researched, thoroughly. Physically checked out every other competitor. Hands down, this is the best deal out there for a mid-sized sedan. This feels more luxurious and sporty than youd expect. Its so nice you almost want to take your shoes off when you get into it. People who sit in the front and the back comment about the remarkable comfort, quietness, and luxurious feel. Strangers stare, daytime or night. People who drive Accords and Camrys marvel over its looks inside and out. My teenagers think its one of the best looking vehicles around. Recently ran into black ice. The car took over and stopped me smoothly much like normal - save the feel of the anti-lock brakes. Its sure-footed!

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  My Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Rick G - April 11 - 2:00 am

  My kia has been a joy to drive. It has a solid stable feel over a variety of terrain. I have not had any trouble with it so far and hope to keep it that way with regular maintenance.

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  Piece of Junk - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By changt82 - April 10 - 3:16 pm

  Second owner of this Kia sorento. Bought this car @ 53k only $9800.00 in 07 over a highlander and rav4 due to looks and price. I guess I got what I paid for. Within 2 months of purchase, you would have to say hell came with this car. First Climate control malfunctioned, then Windows power control, then one window power motor, then wiper motor assembly broke off, then rotors warping, then headlamp and brake lamp every other month, then Radiator fan gone out, the Ac compressor gone out, then now the car just wouldnt start anymore. Don"t ever buy a Kia, they are cheap and expensive the repair and maintenance.

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  From 2013 Tahoe to 2016 Kia Cadenza - 2016 Kia Cadenza
  By Chapter2 - April 10 - 5:09 am

  Great upscale looking and feeling car for less than 2/3 of what I was paying for the Tahoe. Great move for me as I prep for retirement.

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  suprise from KIA - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Dennis - April 9 - 8:30 pm

  I owned a KIA sportage and swore I would never buy another KIA, whenI decided to upgrade my suv a did alot of research before buying including checking out bang for the buck.I was very suprised by the KIA sorrento and all the positive feed-back I found, I checked them out test drove one and then decided to buy one. I am glad I decided to give kia another look and I love my sorrento

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  Great SUV - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Ike - April 9 - 5:36 pm

  My borrego has truly exceeded my expectations. The nav system is amazing for being an OEM item. I especially like how much space is available when the seats are folded down. Towing = AMAZING. I upgraded from a Jeep Commander. And yes, it is truly an upgrade.

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  Kia only has one problem - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Kathy - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The value of this van exceeds any expectation. Could not believe, after spending nearly $28,000 plus on Chrysler LE Van. This was totally loaded; moon roof, cd player, air all around from front to back; cup holders and storage bins everywhere, comfort of leather, electric locks, electric side view mirrors, V6. Gas probably 13-15 mpg - a little disappointed - but the worst exterior paint job in the world. Every time your keys hit the paint opening and closing any of the door it scratches noticably. But, what are you going to do. Hope for a decent trade in value. Have to wait and see.