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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  I love my Kia, BUT it has its problems - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Gayle W. - April 21 - 2:03 am

  Ive had very little problems with my Kia, minor things at first which were fixed under warranty. My complaint is the rotors went out at 27,K miles, I dont think this is NORMAL. I had them turned, but it didnt help, so I had to get new ones, cost me almost $500.00 to get this fixed. The old ones are all rusty looking and Im upset. Im going to contact Kia and complain.I also have terrible paint chips which seem to happen over night, my fenders look bad.Its as though the paint is "soft". I think Ill complain about that too. My Dad was a mechanic so, I do understand the general workings of a auto.

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  Dont Buy KIA - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By g5club - April 20 - 1:23 am

  We have had nothing but problems with our Kia. We have had it in the dealership 3 times because the A/C wont blow cold air, not to mention that it moans loudly. Numerous times it has been seen for electrical wiring problems which keep running our battery down. The exterior paint is coming off the chrome which is rusting. The black strip around the windows is fading and it looks really worn. The worst part is that we have to keep dealing with the Kia service department which is less than cooperative.

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  2011 Kia Rio - HAPPY CUSTOMER - 2011 Kia Rio
  By kiariodriver - April 20 - 1:04 am

  Overall the 2011 Kia Rio has been a terrific car. I bought it for better gas milage and the warranty, which Im hoping not to have to use. The steering is tight, lots of control and plenty of pick up and go. Ride is smooth, a little road noise, but not bad.

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  Think twice about a kia sportage! - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By UnhappywithKia - April 19 - 10:00 am

  im only leasing my kia & i cant wait until 5/05 when this lease is over. rear window motors replaced twice, broken again, muffler fell off, entire exhaust sytem replaced. overheated... radiator,thermostat,water pump & some gasket thing replaced, power steering belt broke. over 20 trips to the dealership in 3 yrs...more problems than my last 4 vehicles combined!

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  Love My Sorrento - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Steve - April 19 - 9:16 am

  I bought this as a demo, with 12000m. I love it and only a few minor problems the dealer dealt with. Fun factor of 12 out of 10. Front brakes will need to be turned at 15000m. Keep that in mind.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2006 Kia Rio
  By ilovemykiario5 - April 18 - 2:16 am

  I have had my Kia for almost 2 years; got it for Christmas in 2005 and it is the best car I have ever owned. I love the way it handles, the gas mileage and the roomy interior is the best ever! The stereo system is fantastic, the a/c works great as well as the heater, and I really cannot find a single thing to complain about with this car! I love it so much that the lack of cruise control, electric windows and such do not even bother me! I would rather have the good basics this car has than all of the whistles and bells that everyone else finds so appealing!

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  7,000 mile update - 2011 Kia Optima
  By ggunderson2 - April 17 - 7:58 pm

  Just finished a Highway trip of 350 miles each way thru hilly country. Average MPG of 37.8!!! Seats remained comfortable, ride was quiet. I have owned a new car every other year for at least 20 years and have NEVER gotten as many compliments for any other car. The other day a gas station attendent ran out to ask questions. Not a single rattle or any maintenance to-date. You really should look at this car as it cannot be touched at this price!

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  One Great Van - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Odyssey No Way - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my new van. I used to own a 00 Ford Expedition. It was a gas guzzling nuisance. I test drove the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Crysler T&C, Ford Windstar and the Mazda MPV and was pretty close to buying one of those but was never enthused about any of them. I cam across Kia because my mother bought a Volvo and Kia was right next to it. I figured what the hech and went to test drive one, I signed the dotted line that day. Loved it the first time I rode in it. Price was never the reason I purchased since my two previous vehicles were at the 38K mark. I just loved it!

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  Getting my Moneys Worth - 2016 Kia Forte
  By Tim C - April 15 - 1:09 pm

  Yes the car is very affordable and I was lucky enough to get a great deal but the features this car comes with are comparable with more expensive models. The interior is roomier and more comfortable than what you would expect with a compact model and Im a big guy used to driving SUVs and pickups. The engine has adequate pep and power to navigate the daily urban commute. I have been averaging around 38MPG but I do alot of interstate driving. To nitpick, the steering is slugish compared to other compacts and a little more noise gets into the cabin from the road than I would like. Still I have been very happy with my Forte.

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  KIa Forte 5 EX 2011 - 2011 Kia Forte
  By alfa0 - April 15 - 12:55 pm

  I have Kia Forte 5 for 1 months, I loved hatchbacks before I had VW Golf so I wanted to try Kia.... I didnt read the reviews before I got my car. It is rough car. Every time I get in to not even surface it seems to me that car is going to break down cause of rough and noise inside. Poor gas saving. I like those toys inside for standard trim and fun to drive. If I knew that this car is so rough Id never buy it.