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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  Much better than I ever expected - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By typer_801 - July 19 - 7:53 pm

  Saw all the great press from the car mags, consumer reports, IIHS, etc. and then saw the massive incentives and really incredible prices at the end of the year... they seemed too good to pass up. We wanted an Odyssey, but, even at invoice it was $6-7K more than the Sedona. That pushed me over the edge and we decided to give Kia a chance. So far its far exceeded my expectations. While not perfect, for what we paid, we have no complaints.

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  Best 4 Banger for the Buck - 2011 Kia Optima
  By skyflyin - July 19 - 6:29 am

  I have to agree with the reviews so far, this is far and away the best in class. Great looks, good performance with an interior that has more standard features than some cars have features. I purchased the EX with Premium Package and I couldnt be happier. Everything about this vehicle is smooth, the steering, acceleration and braking are all refined as well as the interior features are well thought out and intuitive. The engine has ample power and if I get anywhere near the EPA estimated gas mileage I will be even happier. Kia has come a long way with this vehicle from an also-ran to a leader. Well done!

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  satisfied customer - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By bree77 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I will definitly consider buying another Kia.

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  2006 Kia Rio - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Rio - July 13 - 9:30 pm

  Kia Rio is an excellent car to drive, its comfortable and everything is within easy reach. You can drive a long distance and never feel uncomfortable while driving. I think its the neatest little car, handles great, comfortable and good on gas.

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  A great car - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Marq - July 13 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased this car with 18 miles on it. I had 1 problem -- the brake rotors had some rust and caused the brakes to grab. The dealer touched up the rotors and it has been great ever since. The seat warmers and sound system are fantastic.

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  LOVED my 2011 but onto my SECOND in a 2016 - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Joe - July 13 - 11:06 am

  What can I say about my Soul?!?! I MISS my old one; but due to health reasons, I had to update from a 5 spd to an automatic.. I LOVED and REALLY miss my old one; dont get me wrong I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new one; but I was fresh outta the gate with my 11 and was able to do SO many things and go SO many places MOST wouldnt go with a quad (MAYBE someday with my new one). BUT; off the bat, I am 6 4 300 lbs a VERY big guy, and the comfort was A++++ in getting in and out; the car was simple and VERY reliable, AMAZING in snow (in fact, first year I had it, drove through 8+ inches of snow with less than decent tires on it with NO issues at all) I took it off roading to several locations with NO issues; AMAZING on gas I avgd about 38 mpg; etc... I cant say enough good things about the car... The ONLY thing I was no fond of; was the 5 spd at speeds over 60, the engine just sounded so strained; would have been much better as a 6 spd... BUT anyway that is the only thing I had issues with... Due to health reasons; I upgraded 2 weeks ago to a BN 16.... I AM IN LOVE with it... SO much bang for the buck that I couldnt imagine owning ANY other car... ANYWAY; our family is now up to 3 Kias and will be 5 in about 2 weeks... ALL newer or BN I look forward to owning this one and the ones to follow; hopefully an AWD one in the future :) I wish yall luck in your search and hope you have an amazing time with yours as I did...

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  Kellys Kia - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Frog88 - July 13 - 2:56 am

  I have had my Kia 1 week and I love it. I have to be careful with the speed because it drives so smooth you can get caught speeding before you know it. I love the look and comfort.

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  I love my kia - 2010 Kia Sportage
  By karla shoemake - July 12 - 10:53 pm

  I love my new Kia. Its the first one I have ever owned and I would and will definitely recommend it to others.

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  Great Minivan - exactly what you need - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By dlafrancis - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After driving Toyota, Nissan, Honda minivans for year and seeing their new prices climb we decided on a new Kia because of the warranty and an endorsement from a trusted auto repairman. This minivan is great for us - we would buy another in a minute!

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  Nice SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Jeff Wells - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Super SUV, that handles well. Lots of room inside. Rear seats fold all of the way down.