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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  Its the Bomb! - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Noodles - May 17 - 7:20 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 4 years. In town and on the road its been nothing but comfortable, reliable, smart-looking and eye-catching. Ive had lots of compliments. Ive done regular maintenance and NEVER had a problem. For a 63 year old.....its the bomb. Some have thought I was driving a Lincoln. Go ahead and think I paid 40,000,,,,,I didnt even pay half that! Before I drove only Honda Accords.

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  Genes new car opinion - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Car Lover - May 17 - 6:00 am

  I have the forte ex model with the fuel economy package.Package has five speed automatic and silica tires smart alternator and electric power steering.First tank of gas was 38.37 mpg.This is one of the nicest compact cars i have ever driven and i am very impressed with the overall quality and fit and finish of this new kia product.Car handles well and is very quiet.I dont believe there is any other make car that has so many standard features at forte price point.Car has anti lock brakes traction control stability control satelite radio full air bag package,and many more features.If reliability is good on this new model which i believe it will be kia has a hit in the compact class.

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  Really Fun Car! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By helenk49 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Sportage for three years and I love it. It has a remarkable turning radius and is so much fun to drive. It has a tow capacity of 2000 pounds so it easily pulls my small tent trailer.

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  Not good enough - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By No Please - May 17 - 2:00 am

  10 yr warranty? NOT!! I WAS CHARGED $1,000 FOR IT!! Want more? When I start it in the mornings, it makes weird sounds and TURNS OFF. I have to start it again! In the dealership they told me that Kia Motors knew about the failure and would fix all the cars...they never did. Headlights offer incredibly poor illumination...thanks to that, my husband crashed one night. Car design is ugly...it looks old. Too little features for the price. While accelerating, it jumps and feels weird. But the car build is very strong. One day, I crashed...nothing happened! Same thing with my husband. Cool storage spaces and interior lights. However, it’s not good enough.

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  Very nice car/ tremendous deal! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Kevinthelucky - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping for the cheapest car that would hold 4 decent sized adults. It had to have 4 doors/auto/air and a decent warrantee. I bought the car without checking road tests in magazines etc. . What a nice car! Good balance of fuel economy and speed. It looks nice. The GSX in black looks really nice! Rides pretty good. Doesnt handle like a sports car-more like a smaller Taurus. Feels solid, doors shut with a solid sound. Good controls and really nice standard drivers seat with some worthwhile adjustments. In short a smallish car that work well and doesnt fell cheap.

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  Good Car For The Price - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Navydad54 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I think its a good car with a killer warranty.

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  Unexpected - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Mark - May 16 - 8:50 pm

  Just bought the car a week ago. It was a executive demo. It came with all the options. The car is very comfortable and the fuel economy is good for a car of this size. The onboard trip computer is telling me I am averaging almost 27 mpg on the highway. With mixed highway and local I am averaging almost 24 mpg. The trip computer is great, because I adjusted my driving habits to achieve the best mileage. My parents and grandparents saw it and they were just amazed.

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  Pros and Cons - 2011 Kia Forte
  By 2011kiaforte - May 14 - 6:27 pm

  I purchased my 2011 Forte EX in January and there are some things I like but others I dont. It is a great city car. If you drive daily on the highway be cautious of strong winds especially when behind an 18-wheeler. It seems to be too aerodynamic and lite in my opinion. I have already been in an accident that cost the other driver about $1,500 to fix a small dent in my drivers door that wasnt hit very hard to begin with. I downgraded from a Volvo S60 so Im not as happy with this car as I was my last, but for a college student driving to and from work and school it is a very reasonable car, although I am looking to trade it in for the Optima at the end of the year.

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  2 years - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By jc - May 14 - 10:23 am

  I have had this vehicle for over 2 years and could not be more satisfied with its quality. It has a great towing capacity for its size, its rear wheel drive, and the interior is holding up great. The only down size is the gas mileage, but its worth the extra fuel cost to have such a great sturdy vehicle.

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  Great Sporty SUV - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Kim - May 14 - 3:16 am

  As a previous high end car owner, I tried a more reasonably priced car with a better warranty for my new car. I enjoy my Sportage so much,;rides well, lots of comfort items inside, and great on gas. I am very happy with this vehicle.