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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  3 years and still love it! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Bakersfield Joe - July 18 - 6:00 pm

  I have not had any probs with this car whatsover! Total confidence in it! Drive it to Vegas from central California all the time and never ever worry! I did have the brakes replaced once at 40k now with over 60k everything still runs awesome! I have the 6cyl and mileage ranges from 18-22mpg. And its really stylish!

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  Retirement Car - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Eugene Brown - July 18 - 5:56 pm

  This car is excellent in value and price

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  Review on 2003 KIA Spectra - After 6 Yrs - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By David S - July 18 - 2:06 am

  I am writing a quick review on my 2003 KIA Spectra. I purchased this car brand new, only 4 miles on it, in March of 2003. 6 Years and 110K miles later, the car is in great shape! No mechanical issues, no leaks. Paint is in excellent condition and it still drives great! I have only had to replace the battery and get new tires. Otherwise, followng the maintenance list, this car has held up wonderfully!

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  TOPS !!!! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By bonrox - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owner a jaguar in the past. I recently purchased this Kia. It it perfect in every way. It compares much the same to the jag in hugging the road and overall comfort.I not only would not trade it for anyother make or model; but I do intend on buying another when ready.!!! Two of my very close friends have also purchase the same car after riding in mine! Great Car !!

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  I wish I didnt buy one - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By mad at kia - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 kia and I hate it .. I have so many problems with it .. First with a bad motor now the 4x4 drive dont work at all .. its a 100% lemon car and kia will not fix it ... Its been in the shop 4 times in less then 6 months ...I will never buy another kia as long as I live

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  MY KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By RAMJET - July 18 - 2:00 am

  THE SORENTO IS ONE OF THE FINEST QUALITY VEHICLES,IVE EVER OWNED,THE BODY AND PAINT IS FLAWLESS,THE LOOKS ARE GREAT ,THE RIDE AND HANDLING IS OUTSTANDING,I AM IN THE PROCESS OF OUTFITTING MINE FOR TOWING BEHIND MY MOTORHOME,WITH NOT MUCH EFFORT.THE DEALERSHIP SUPPORT IS ALSO A VERY PLESANT EXPERIENCE.

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  Very Nice SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By llvdrivers - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned in over 40 years of auto ownership. It is well equipted, well built, and fun to drive. We really like the all wheel drive in Northern Oregon both summer and winter. Will be back when this one wears out.

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  my car - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By tytu - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i have this kia sorento and its the perfect suv, it comes with an excellent warranty and there has been no problems with this suv since i had it. it so comfrotable and affordable, it looks sheek and is very rideable, had great pick up and very roomy,

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  Dont buy this car unless you are sure!!!!! - 2012 Kia Sedona
  By abeinoregon - July 17 - 11:09 pm

  The quality of this car is much worse than I expected. Seat material is thin, electronics unresponsive and unpredictable and the brakes are a safety hazard Kia will not own up to. They allow small pebbles from the road to get into the calipers and impede proper braking application. They call this an environmental situation and will not address it as a design flaw. The dealer wont fix it on his dime either. I have only 1800 miles on the car and it has been in twice for repairs. I live on a paved road! I cant afford to keep paying for brake repairs. Be ready for some disappointments if you buy this car and have previously owned a quality built vehicle,

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  Second car, Love it! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By carmansam22 - July 16 - 4:38 pm

  Great Car! Bought it Oct. 11, 2010. Havent had any problems with the car. Its the first 5 speed Ive owned and I love it. Its pretty quick and fast, I can downshift to third and pass cars with no problem. I once had a loaded car (at least 800ibs extra weight), driving up steep hills and still got 25MPG. I feel I got a lot for what I paid, just a little over 12,000.