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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  I own one - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By michbostn - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had 2 explorers before and a mazda SUV.I went looking for another and decided that I being tall, could easily fit into this. My conclusion after 6 months is I dont see why you would NOT buy this. I have so many people ask me what is is since they like the lines. My frinds are buying them.

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  Fun and Comfort! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Loving It !! - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Im a 1st time SUV buyer and I dont think Ill ever buy another car again. I am very pleased with this vehicles performance. I feel safe and in control when driving it. Its fun and comfortable. The options are excellent for the price. Who would ever think you could walk out of a dealership with a fully loaded SUV for under $30,000??? I was hesitant about Kia at first, but with a 10 year warranty, Ill take my chances. So far, so good!

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  Great for the price - 2010 Kia Forte
  By jezdjb - September 10 - 4:04 am

  This little car is quick, comfortable, and good looking. 6700 miles so far and no issues what so ever. We avg 29mpg with city/hwy mixed. Havent gone on the "long drive" yet but Im guessing it will be fine. Like it so much we went and bought a 2011 Rio SX so it wouldnt be lonely :)

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  Kia Rio-1 sweet ride - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Merlin - September 9 - 1:06 pm

  This is a sweet, fun to drive, ecomomical and good-looking little car. I have had good service experience and am very happy with my choice of this car.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By MS - September 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has been nothing but issues since it was purchased. It had only 60,000 miles on it which is generally ok and since it wasnt a car for commuting, the mileage wasnt a big deal. After replacing the brake lights- needed new wiring harness, the brake system, the passenger side window that decided to not roll up one day. and various "check engine" lights and sensors later, the Kia WAS working. But alas, now the driver side window fell down by itself while parked in my driveway. Its not even worth the money thats already been dumped into it so at this point, Im hoping the broken window gives someone some incentive to steal it.

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  Sportage love - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By DMillinois - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to the 2011 Sportage because of its looks. The cars steering is touchy, but was easy to get comfortable with. The Sportage replaced my 99 Jeep Cherokee and feels roomier than the jeep, though Im pretty sure its smaller. The Sportage looks good, drives smooth and had more basic features than other cars I had checked out. I went for the EX model because I am vain and really wanted the big shiny rims, and also fog lights. The model with the navigation screen and panoramic roof looks amazing, but is too much to pay for a Kia. I went the last day of the month and was able to get the car at dealer cost. Id suggest everyone do the same for whatever car you are looking to buy.

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  Not so happy with that - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Melissa - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Blinker does not turn off after turning, overdrive & interior lights not connected when purchased, bumper clips broken so bumper is falling off, brakes locked up and burned out brakes. Dealership does not know how to balance tires and claimed I was in accident that is why clips broke, but no front end damage. Like some features, but others not so much. Gas mileage not what they claimed either.

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  Very good decision. - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Michael - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Kia after looking at Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, and Subarus. We thought the Kia was quieter, built better and had a way better warranty than the others. So far no problems at all. Have had it about 7 months now. And if anything does develop, Im not worried at all. It is under warranty! I could make any brand sound bad if I pick it apart. I think Kia has come a long way and I am glad we gave it a chance. The ride is fine considering it IS a crossover after all. If I wanted a luxury ride, I would have spent 50 grand on something else. But for what it is, it is a great vehicle. I would recommend one to anyone. You cant knock it until you try it.

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  Was really hoping for more - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Sara C. - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car in August, only has 1500 miles on it and Im already having issues. The transmission seems to be acting up. I live in Florida and 3-4 times now when in drive, but stopped at a stop sign on a slight hill, the car does not budge when I give it gas. Not sure what this is about. Can also feel hard shifting while driving. The fuel economy is worse than expected - at best 21 mpg. The avg mpg reading never seems to be correct. Also, being petite I am building muscles trying to close the back hatch. Its crazy hard to close. The good news is that I love driving it. Its a beautiful car. It fits the family well. I was just really hoping for better fuel and more reliability.

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  5,500 miles so far - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By ucinn35 - September 9 - 2:14 am

  and we couldnt be happier with this vehicle. the interior is spacious. We usually have the 3rd row folded which gives you tons of room for storage. The amenities interior are awesome. Love the steering wheel controls and you can operate most things(phone, radio, gps) with just talking to it so you can keep your eyes on the road. The handling is precise with a good feel of the road. The ride is average, if you are looking for a luxury car ride, look elsewhere but if you are used to a Cherokee, this thing is a smooth ride. The 6 cyl. is powerful and the 6 speed trans. is very smooth. Downshifts are barely noticeable even climbing large hills. The controls are straight forward and easy to use.