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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  New Kia Amanti Owner - 2007 Kia Amanti
  By Jim - August 3 - 5:06 am

  JUST traded in my 2002 Lincoln Continental for my new loaded Amanti. I have to say I am absolutely amazed that I actually did this. Im still in shock but was looking for a new car and fell in love with the Amanti. I was nervous about the size difference, roominess and comfort but after a day long test drive went back to the dealer and bought it on the spot. Never would have thought Id own a Kia and thats the best compliment I can give - it had to really impress me to buy one. I havent had it long enough to give a full - thorough review but so far so good. Drives great, fun power and more comfortable than I would have imagined. Quiet, smooth ride - that from a Lincoln owner.

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  Very Good Value - 2011 Kia Soul
  By pa_hiker - July 31 - 11:32 am

  My daughter purchased this this vehicle 3 weeks ago -- base with 1.6L and 5spd. I have driven it about 500 of the 2500 miles so far. On a trip from Michigan to Pennsylvania, we achieved 36.2 mpg over 600 miles. AC was on part of the time and there were two persons and back was loaded with cargo. I drove the posted speed of 70 most of the way and 65 in PA. Interior dash and controls are very nicely designed. I much prefer it to my 2008 Scion xB. Vehicle is very spacious, handles well, and is very practical. Driving position is ideal for shorter person, but room for large driver as well. Extensive safety features for a car in this price range. Purchase was painless at dealer.

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  WE LIKE IT ALOT - 2003 Kia Optima
  By CLAY - July 30 - 10:00 am

  WEVE OWNED ACCORDS AND CAMERYS AND THIS IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH THEM. THE RIDE IS BETTER, THE TRANSMISSION ISNT AS GOOD, THE STYLE IS MUCH BETTER AND THE WARRANTY BUMPER TO BUMPER PUTS THE OTHERS TO SHAME. 5YRS. TO SAVE $8,000 DOLLARS OVER THE ACCORD AND CAMERY AND GET A COMPARABLE CAR IS GREAT.

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  very nice are for the price - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By darkdrone - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my first new car a month ago and it was the 03 kia. I have really enjoyed driving it and not to mention what i am paying for it was also very nice of the wallet.

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  Could not have wished for a better minivan!!!! - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By CK - July 30 - 4:20 am

  We absolutely LOVE our Sedona! We spent a lot of time looking at minivans and trying to find the right one that would be safe for our family. After driving the Sedona we knew it was what we needed. It is always a little scary buying a new car but we have had it for a few months now and are still incredibly happy with it. I actually told my husband the other day that after owning this I will probably always want a minivan it is so comfortable.

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  Tough little SUV - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Gus in NC - July 29 - 7:16 am

  We traded in a 05 Sedonna, and bought this Sportage new. It is a nice vehicle, comfortable, good driving manners. It has everything we could ask for in an SUV. V-6 engine has plenty of power. Havent had any problems with it at all. We have it serviced at the dealership, and have had nothing but outstanding workmanship out of the dealership. My wife drives it daily to work, and we have taken it on several trips, with virtually no problems. Gas mileage ranges from 19 to 21 in town and 23 to 25 on the road at speeds up to 70mph. I would not hesitate to buy another one.

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  Cant buy a better car!!! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By forteowner (: - July 29 - 4:16 am

  Ok i had a Ford Escort before and i loved the fact it was american. But when time came to get new I wanted something nice. I dont make a million bucks a year and i really dont need to with this. Had this basically since it hit the car lots. I do a good bit of driving and no matter how i drive whether its pedal to the metal or soft and slow the worst mileage i had was 28. I love the radio its a blast and everyone who rides in always loves it. Everyone who saw this car loves it. Its already gotten pretty cold here already and ive had no probs with it starting. This car takes corners and just all in all drives like a champ. I have no complaints about this car!! BUY IT!!!

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  Kia Sedona EX - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Paul F. Obenauf - July 29 - 2:10 am

  My Sedona EX is exactly the minivan that we need for our travels and hauling of personal items. Visibility is excellent, road noise is minimal and it is fun to drive. Gas mileage is very bad averaging around twenty-two mpg. All controls are perfectly placed and gauges are easy to read.

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  A Very Good Deal Among Compact Coupes - 2011 Kia Forte
  By 353cathedral - July 28 - 4:39 pm

  I selected the forte EX coupe over the SX because I didnt want a sunroof and, more important, I already have a set of winter tires and rims that would fit the EX, but not the SX. I was impressed with the long list of standard features that are extra-cost options on cars like the Civic, Cruze, Corolla and Focus. In addition, compact coupes are becoming quite rare now, but the Forte fulfills my needs almost perfectly. Its 156 hp engine, 2845 lbs. weight and 6-speed manual transmission combine for lively performance and excellent gas mileage. In addition, it handles well, absorbs bumps better than my previous vehicle and brakes smoothly. Its also quite unique; Ive seen very few others yet.

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  Soul Power - 2010 Kia Soul
  By A Little bit of SOUL - July 28 - 12:50 pm

  Have SOUL Exclaim with 2400 miles, great gas mileage 26+, good view of the road and ride quality is excellent. Best cross over of the lot out there.