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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  How did i get here - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By cvasq - March 31 - 2:36 am

  Funny how things end up. I was driving a 2004 A8,top of the line. I was in the dealer every month, and one time got a Kia Sorento as a rental while my A8 was in the shop. Well, fell in love with it, traded in my A8 and never looked back. Fantastic Suv 4x4, no issues, runs great, handle fantastic, fun to drive, good looking. Kia is a great SUV/Truck, simply great. Oh, did i mention the warranty!! WOW!

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  5000 miles in 15 days, love it! - 2013 Kia Optima
  By bikephil - March 30 - 7:46 pm

  Picked up my 2011 Optima SX with 20k miles on it on April 29. Today (May 16) I have 24,500 miles. MPG has not been below 32 for any of my trips, and has been as high as 35 even though I average 70-75 MPH (always use cruise, never use ECO button). Quiet, comfortable, stylish. Cooled seats are terrific. Nice radio. Roomy, even for a 62" guy like me.

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  SHOULD HAVE NEVER MADE THIS CAR - 2001 Kia Rio
  By BMS - March 30 - 10:00 am

  LETS SEE HERE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN THE SHOP OVER 20 TIMES NEEDING TO HAVE SAFETY AND DRIVEABLITY REPAIRS. AND THEY STILL TO THIS DAY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. THIS CAR IS A LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN.... IT ONLY GOT 36,000 MILES ON IT I SEE OTHER PEOPLE DO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I DO WITH THIS CAR. THEY NEED TO PUT CAUTION TAPE AROUND THE CAR SAYING DO NOT DRIVE

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  I am alive - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Charles_wr - March 30 - 10:00 am

  On May 1, 2003 I lost control of my car (my fault) traveled 30 feet off the road through a barbed wire fence, two tree and slammed into a utility pole head on at 70 mph and came to rest 150 on the other side of the pole. Three hours after the wreck I was at home resting with only a scratch on my elbow. Amazingly, NOTHING on the inside of the car moved from the impact. This car did save my life.

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  This Kia van is awesome!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By ALAN HONG - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I really love the way it drives and feels on the road. And the features are much nicer compared to the 99 Sienna CE I leased for 4 years for $450 per month. I am now a proud owner of an EX Sedona with leather, sunroof, ABS and even a spoiler for only $446 per month, PURCHASED!! I cant be happier. And the service department is one of the best. Overall I am very happy with the whole purchase experience and I think this is the best minivan ever made.

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  Great van at a great price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By tim L - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Kia and my first minivan and I am impressed. I walked into the dealership with everything researched and walked out with just what i wanted at the price i wanted to pay. I am impressed with the vehicle. It runs great and is very comfortable. the only thing i can see i dont like is the gas mileage. It is lower than most other minivans, but i guess you cant have everything. I would definely recommend this Vehicle.

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  Great Value and great fun! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By FN - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I own a LX470 and its a great car to use. I purchase a Sorento EX diesel as a utility vehicle and now ended up using it more than my LX470. The Sorento is such a fun vehicle to drive with good finishing, thoughtful instrumentation and a quiet and comfortable ride. Being a diesel version, I have no problem with fuel consumption (average of 32 miles per gallon). The commmon rail diesel egine also provides a surprising strong punch which is not much of a difference from that of the 3.5 L V6 engine. (i.e at least 90%). Great value and great fun to use.

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  Economically Great - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Kelly Hall - March 29 - 6:53 pm

  This minivan has all the features you need with several cupholders, compartments, and evan a locked compartment under the passenger seat.

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  LOVE THIS even after a YEAR!!!! - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By julie46 - March 29 - 9:54 am

  Waited a year and 16,000 miles to review. I love it just as much as when i bought it!! Fun to drive. I get good mpg. Depending on the gas and time of the year Ive gotton from23-33 mpg. Plenty of get up and go. Roomy back seat for 3 normal size people. Totally cool looking, my friend liked mine so much she bought one just like it. did good in snow, but dont get much snow so not alot of experience in it. The only small complaint is the blue tooth voice isnt as accurate as Id like. Would buy again and recommend again! Ps nice solid feel.

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  Great car at a great price! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By jenguinn - March 28 - 3:44 am

  I really wanted a loaded Highlander Hybrid, but it was way out of our price range. A client tipped me off on the 2011 Kia Sorento. Im so glad he did. The Sorento SX had almost everything I wanted in the Highlander for $15K less. And you cant beat the warranty either. It was a "cant lose" purchase! My husband and I both drive it as it is the main car we use to drive our toddler around in. Weve had it for almost 6 months now and its been a great SUV for in town and long road trips. Im also very happy with the service from both Kia dealerships I have been to in Portland and Beaverton.