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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  Kia Spectra 2006 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By dan - July 27 - 8:26 pm

  This car is a huge step from the Geo we had to buy in the 90s for a cheap car. This car comes standard with all the options a person needs; power windows, door locks, air conditioning. keyless entry, cd player. All the air bags you need. Four wheel disc brakes, 15 inch wheels. I can go on and on. You give me one American car under $15,500 with all those options. YOU WILL NOT FIND ONE. Oh I forgot to mention the 10 year, 100000 mile warranty on this thing. And the room in the back seat; it has the largest back seat of any small car Ive owned. The motor is a 2.0 liter 16 valve four cylinder. Thats more motor than a standard Toyota Camry. This is by far the best deal I have ever had on a new car.

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  Love it - 2007 Kia Rio
  By deb126 - July 25 - 7:26 pm

  Really love the Kia cars, we own two now, just bought a 2008 Spectra after purchasing a 2007 Rio 2 months ago, now we both have Kias and we love them.

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  I cant believe I bought a Kia - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By flynmissP - July 24 - 3:33 pm

  I was looking for a family sedan, as I need to transport two teenage boys, a husband, my father and myself. After test driving the Altima 2.5 as well as the 3.5, the Saturn Ion, Ford 500, and a few other cars, we stopped in at the local Kia dealer on a whim. Not seriously thinking about even looking at the Kia much less taking it for a spin. Boy was I shocked ... speechless would even be appropriate. This car looks like a million bucks. After taking it for a test drive I knew our search was over. Im hard to please. I own a BMW and a Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer Edition. I like quality, and Im willing to pay for it. This car is a steal. Dont pay attention to the nay sayers ... try it.

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  Great Value for the $$$$$ - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By nick - July 24 - 1:33 am

  An excellent value for the money. Build quality and amenities compare favorably with much more expensive cars and Ive had no warranty issues over the first 15K miles. People regularly comment on its sharp appearance and attractive lines. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Happy kia Owner - 2004 Kia Optima
  By HappyKiaDriver - July 23 - 10:00 am

  After reading a few of these reviews I decided to post one of my own. I have owned my Kia less than 4 months and have put over 10,000 miles one it. While I must admit the engine is a little noise at idle the ride on the road is extremely quiet. Trying to figure out where other people get the noisy comment from. I have been extremely pleased with the ride and fuel milage from my Kia. It is a nice sedan to drive, not a sporty performer but I knew that when I bought the car. Over all for the money I think the car is a comfortable and quiet ride and an enjoyable car to own.

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  "Made" in USA - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Mark Tulip - July 22 - 6:48 am

  Assembled here with US engine and US transmission. Best warranty in the market that I have seen. Rides and handles well. Slightly underpowered accelerating onto highway smoothly with 4 cylinder standard engine. Smallish rear window.

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  Great value! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Smarty - July 21 - 2:50 pm

  Outstanding value. This car has the Convenience Package and is loaded. The quality and feel of the leather seats and interior materials are outstanding. I love to drive this car. I think my friends and family are tired of me telling them how much I enjoy my Kia. Comfortable and smooth ride. Loaded with all the convenience features at an outstanding price with a great warranty. Fun to drive with good power when needed. 4 Cyl is great on gas mileage and ECO mode helps you save even more gas. In cold climate heated mirrors and seats are nice to have. I am a new Kia fan.

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  One Fine Machine - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Charlie - July 21 - 10:20 am

  One fine little Machine Averaging 33 miles to gallon. Handling and Performance is excellent. Finally bought something that doesnt look like everything else on the highway. As for the Kia Soul I dont think I could have bought anything out there that satisfies myself and my wife more then Kia Soul

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  Kia Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Keith Philipps - July 21 - 10:00 am

  After visiting all the other Minivan dealers and looking at what they were offering compared to the Kia Sedona, their was no doubt in mine and my wifes mind that the Sedona was our first choice.

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  Happy Owner - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Vipe - July 21 - 9:30 am

  Really like the car! Very stylish and quality looking interior and exterior. Powerful engine goes up hills easily. Has never broken since I have owned it. I bought it used 10 months ago with 23,000 miles and now it has 44,000 miles. Warranty is great if you ever need to use it(so far I have not needed it). This is my second Kia, my first was a 2002 Optima V6. It also was very reliable and I drove it to 78,000 miles before selling it to one of my relatives. There are now 4 Kia owners in my family now. This car is one of the best kept secrets in my opinion.