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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  Where is the space? - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By unhappy1 - January 29 - 2:46 am

  I just traded my 00 Dodge Caravan AWD in for a 06 Kia Sedona LX. I have only driven it 75 miles. I was used to having more storage space in my Caravan. No under the seat drawer to put misc stuff. Also, that fold down tray between the driver and passenger is a real waste. For moms who drive, where do you put your purse, the Kleenex box and all those little things you like to keep at hand? I like the cargo net that I had in my Caravan. I have the manual seat adjustment and am having a hard time getting the seat to fit me. With long legs and short torso, I use the lever to raise the seat but it also moves it forward cramping my legs. The sunglass holder only hold small glasses.

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  FIRE - 2003 Kia Rio
  By JJSZABO - January 26 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 RIO caught fire 3 months from purchase. Dealership found that the alternator shorted out. Fixed with some hassle from KIA. I still like it though.

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  Needs Armrests - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By gourdy - January 23 - 3:40 pm

  Like the car but dont like the fact there are no front center arm rests. Would not buy again unless they improve that feature. Like everything else, great car.

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  Happy as a Clam - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Happy Clam - January 20 - 2:40 am

  Wish Id bought 2 of these. Got the unbelieable price of $12985 (new car & delivery). Flawless experience so far. Really would buy another at this price instantly. But the new 09 are much more pricy. Complaints about lack of power are invalid. I used to be a Freeway Patrol Officer and Im happy with the power of the I4. Cant find anything wrong with the build or performance of this car. I love it. Get 20/25 mpg. My similar sized Camry I4 get 28/32. Its not sexy, but its beautiful.

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  best car I ever owned - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By waya37 - January 19 - 4:36 pm

  Bought the car as a repo, it had 33,000 miles on it. I drove it to New York and back several times, and numerous trips to Texas. The only thing I had to replace on this vehicle until this year was the power steering pump, and normal upkeep items like filters and belts etc. It still hardly uses any oil or other fluids for that matter, had to replace the the rack and pinion this year, but I feel that was due to the rocky roads its driven on on a daily basis. Over all its the best car I ever owned, and I would highly recommend it. Im no doubt going to buy another one when this one goes down for good.

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  New to Kia - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Adrian McGee - January 19 - 9:00 am

  Hey, I just bought my Sedona two months ago and I have been having problems with my sliding doors. After I close the passenger side door, the door will open by itself. I have been to the dealer three times so far. And the gas mileage is way off on the screen above the mirror. My gas light comes on when the screen will say I have about 40 more miles. Is it just me or what?

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  Unbelievable value - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By milwaukee_driver - January 18 - 5:43 am

  After researching, it seemed to be too good a value to be true. After purchasing, I cant believe that there arent more on the road. All of the amenities of a Lexus (except for the underpowered engine) at a fraction of the cost. Great ride - quiet and smooth on the highway. Controls are extensive and easily accessible. Very satisfied and Id be inclined to purchase another, especially if the engine gets upgraded (more power and/or better mileage).

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  Great Van at a Great Price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Brandt1971 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our van a few wmonths ago and this is a wonderful van at a great price. we have the LX model and this comes with excellent features. Rear air/heat six speaker stereo, dual sliding doors and excellent capacity to store and carry everything from passengers to equiptment. Great pick up with the 195HP engine and a quite smooth ride. the only negative would be the gas usage. For this price and all the options. I would recommend this van to all families on a budget looking for a great deal!

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  My First SUV - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By tandymae - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Was driving a Ford Escort and wanted something with power and attitude when driving rush hour on highway. Got both with a lot of fun to boot! Now I just nod my head as Im passin the other big boys. I was surprised at comfort in the back and space it gave my passengers and family. The front has plenty of leg space without taking any from the back from what I can see. Overall, I love it and drive every chance I get.

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  A used 4000 mi. Optima LX at $119 a mo. - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Dangelus - January 13 - 4:46 am

  Very quite and comfortable ride, the suspension is comparable to a german ride. The stock audio CD cassette combo is far better that japanise competition. The trunk is Cadillac size! I could no possibly ask more for what I paid.