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:

• 

  Best suv for the money - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By isaac boria - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The Kia Sorento EX model has turn heads. When I purchased the vehicle most people did not know much about the SUV. I have been stopped on the rode to see my Kia. Most people can not believe the Kia would make such a good looking SUV with all its features. Performance wise I give this Kia a ten. It is the most sturdy and reliable car I have ever own.

• 

  Most bang for the buck - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Marc - October 12 - 1:23 am

  I was impressed when I drove the car. Ride was excellent, quite and stable. Seats are comfortable. Visibility is outstanding. Incredibly roomy even for all my 64" and taller friends. I elected for the EX with premium package. The leather is good quality. The navigation system is sharp and the Infinity sound system is awesome. It doesnt feel like an inexpensive car at all. I have the third row for the kids, but adults 6 and shorter can fit comfortably with no compromises. The 175hp 4cyl engine is surprisingly peppy even full of adults and cargo. Fuel economy so far has been 24city/30hwy. This car is perfect in my opinion. It has everything I need and nothing I dont for a great price

• 

  So far so good - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By ks_az - October 11 - 4:25 pm

  I have had my Sorento for almost a month now. I was trading in a 2004 Mitsu galant (v6), i was looking for a little bit more comfort, reliability, and functionality. I test drove many other models from both foreign and domestic makers. I am 61" and not a little guy so comfort and room were essential. I have taken a road trip that required about 6 hours of time behind the wheel and did not have an issue with the comfort. There is an odd rattle/grind when i start the v6 cold, after visiting the dealership having them inspect it the service technician told me it was normal and not to worry. The only issue is my grandparents recently bought a ford crossover, now they want trade cars.

• 

  love car not service - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By lovehate - October 10 - 10:00 am

  the kia i have is a 2000 loved 4 wheel in winter great tractin in snow then heat shield started to rattle. dealer said they normally rip them off to stop the noise after 7 months they finally replaced the whole exhaust due to corrosion. front bearings,wiper arm failed and needed replaced.bring it back because the rear differential leaking seal.noticed alot of rust on the frame. cheap rugged suv for people with a budget , just thought the vehicle would be better made. all repairs have been covered by warranty dealer attitude has been terrible.

• 

  Its Ok - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Juano - October 10 - 5:33 am

  Great interior space and a bunch of standard features. Excellent light clutch, braking and steering. Nice fuel economy (30 City/30.5 Hwy @70- 75mph), but I believe it could do better HWY with a 6th gear. (3000RPM @ 60mph) Very noisy at speeds over 60mph. Plenty of air bags and excellent warranty. Great value.

• 

  Worth the wait - best non-luxury mid-size SUV value - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By mhamm - October 8 - 10:12 am

  Id been waiting for some of the updates in the 2012 Sorento specifically the 4-cyl GDI engine lifted from the Optima rated at 191 HP and 22/32mpg - I dont know of another mid-size SUV that comes close. The other feature was the availability of the DFD shocks that make a big difference in the ride, which were originally only available on the SX model. Had the SUV 24-hours now and we are very pleased.

• 

  From Cadillac to KIA (WHAT?) - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By jtomo - October 8 - 2:45 am

  My last four cars were (I lease) a Lincoln Continental, Lincoln MKX, and 2 Cadillac CTS’s. I switched a KIA Cadenza. I’m not quite sure why. Price was not the issue. I really liked the car. Both the reviews and my impression of the car from a visual perspective made me lean towards making a change to a KIA. Frankly, I’m a bit of a snob and dropping down in class caused me some concern. But once I got over the status hump and took a chance on this car I have been very much pleased. This car offers everything and more. It may be a little early. But too date, I’ve found it to be a great car and not really a drop in class just name. I might feel a little hurt by not having the “Cadillac” name

• 

  Pass on Kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By usdiver123 - October 7 - 6:16 pm

  We chose the Sedona due to the warranty. I just didnt know how much we would have to use it. This bucket of junk has been in the shop on average once every 5 months. The Korean made tires have dry-rotted after less than three years of ownership. The gas mileage is horrible. Stay away form KIA.

• 

  PLEASANT SURPRISE - 2009 Kia Optima
  By JC - October 7 - 4:03 pm

  Bought this car during clunkers program.Drove out at $12k,and dealer added bonus 25k miles to warranty. Liked the look and price. I am glad I decided to check this car out. I am at 8K miles and still pleased. No issues at all. I think the KIA reputation is growing. This is a lot of car for the money. Gas mileage was as stated 24/33.Does what I got it for - to get around and save gas, add to that: cruise,sat radio,cd, auto trans, steering wheel controls, abs all round, fold down rear seats, great warranty and more - all standard. WOW!! Hard to beat! One wonders why these vehicles dont retain their value longer. No matter,plan to keep it for a while.

• 

  Best car yet! - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By michele p. - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I stopped in the dealer to "just look"- was told to take it for the afternoon- by the time I made it home, I had arranged for financing through my credit union- Went back that evening and signed the papers! I traded in a Chrsyler 300M and I DONT MISS IT at all. This car is easier to handle and drives terrific. It hugs the road. Already have 2650 miles on it, we are taking our first road-trip this weekend! I am getting better mileage in this car. I like the sun-roof, it doesnt seem to be as noisey as other vehicles.