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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  Great family vehicle - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Sawyer - March 27 - 5:13 am

  We bought our Van 2 weeks ago and love it.We have three small children and when looking around for a van we wanted one with a lot of storage/room as well as an affordable price.The Sedonas inside design allows for plenty of storage and I love all the cup holders and A/C Adaptors.We also liked that the dual slide doors comes standard on all models.The one thing I would change would be the width of the van.We have the model that has captain chairs and it is a little difficult to walk between the two seats.I have noticed on other vans the body is much wider.Other than that we love this van.We intend to keep it a long time.The great thing about Kia is the warranty! 100K/10years.You cant beat it

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  Great Car - 2017 Kia Forte
  By DMtampaFL - March 26 - 4:14 am

  Recently purchased a 2017 Kia Forte EX and I love it. From the second I started the test drive I knew it was the car for me. It has great handling and is pretty quick for a 4 cylinder. The interior has nice materials and easy to use controls. Even though it’s a new car and needs to be broken in, I have been getting around 30-32mpg almost all city driving ( but I do tend to drive a little fast.) The only con I have with this car is that even on the EX model (without the premium plus package) the drivers seat isn’t electric and there is no auto dimming mirror. It’s not a deal breaker but they would be nice without having to pay ~$5k more. Overall this is a great car and offers great value for what you pay for.

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  Solid vehicle, great pricing used. - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By newaccent2007 - March 26 - 3:18 am

  We purchased our Pacific blue LX 2.4L with 43k on the odometer. Since that time, weve only had very minor issues. The factory battery went bad at 48K, and now with 81K the sway bars need to be replaced which were cheap to order. I use the vehicle as my company car (contractor) and it now has 81K on it. The factory brakes are still about 30-40%. Its been an incredibly reliable machine, and its used on and off road and down Amish township roads daily. Tough, durable, and reliable, and cheap to obtain too.

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  great cars - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Theo Hughes - March 25 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car

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  One Awesome Minivan - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By JeremyK - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great minivan that has definately changed my mind about Kia. I look forward to owning my Sedona for a long long time.

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  Defective Vehicle - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By NCASE - March 25 - 8:18 am

  Loved my 2012 Sportage. This 2017 has a major defect that is apparently a recall in the waiting. The transmission is worse than bad. Mine has locked into a gear and would not change. It constantly downshifts when it has no business shifting...thus, planting you into the steering wheel. It has a proclivity to slip into neutral while driving causing the RPMs to redline for no reason. The dealer has no idea what to do about it because Kia hasnt come up with a fix. I am aware of three other cars just like mine with the same issues.....all brand new. Ive had strangers come up to me in parking lots and ask if my tranny is screwed up too. Kia has to be aware they are selling cars with a defect.

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  Kia Sorento 4x4 - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Kristine - March 25 - 2:50 am

  This is a great SUV. The 4 wheel drive is outstanding! Only negative thing about this SUV is the gas mileage. Gas mileage needs to be improved, otherwise this is an excellent, affordable vehicle that is fun to drive.

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  The best van - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Rehrer - March 24 - 12:46 pm

  I had a van for sixteen years and knew it was time to start looking for a new one. We looked at Ford, Honda, and then Kia. We stopped looking! We bought our Kia in December 2004. We love it. I went from hauling my children to hauling my grand children. I just cant say enough good about this vehicle. Great gas mileage(especially with the gas prices),the price paid for the van was heaven sent(affordable). Thank you, Sandy & Eddie Rehrer

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  Engine Light - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By jacques - March 24 - 8:50 am

  Only problem we have is the engine light that keeps blinking (three times already), and every time you need to drive it to your dealership or get it towed (once). Had the same problem with the sliding doors in very cold weather. Cant find air bags for the rear end! Do you know anyone who has installed some? Thanks

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  Good Van For Price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By jam - March 23 - 6:06 pm

  Plenty of power. Good handling. Excellent seat comfort for long drives. Great options. Can hold 7 adults. Average fuel economy. Built in garage door opener. Rear air/heat that can be controlled by the person setting in the back seat.