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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  Whats not to like? - 2010 Kia Forte
  By gman63 - June 19 - 3:29 am

  My Jetta diesel wagon is my all time favorite car, buit I love the Forte also. Great looks, in and out. Was not expensive to move up to the SX trim. The car is loaded with features, fun to drive, and hope will be reliable. Mileage could be better, but I enjoy the more peppy 2.4L so it is a fair trade off. The safety features, electronics, design, and the price is why bought this car. Love it!

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  2nd Time Around - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By cph0857 - June 18 - 7:19 pm

  I totaled my 07 Spectra about 3 weeks ago and was heartbroken. This car had been flawless with no problems. My collision was at 40 mph, with an immoveable object. (Tree) Yes, I was sober. My Kia took great care of me in the accident, crumpled all around me with no serious damage to the passenger compartment. I wish the exterior panels had not been so damaged, but I will trade the totaled exterior for the protected interior any day. I walked away with just a tiny cut on my finger from the broken glass. I found an Â’08 with 5,000 miles and we are settling in nicely. I expect to have a long and happy life with my new Spectra.

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  Passenger side air bag issues - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By redmymail2 - June 17 - 4:40 pm

  My Kia is fun to drive, handles like a dream, I just wish the passenger side airbag sensor light wouldnt come on when there is someone in the seat. I too have had the seat repaired only to have the light come on again. My service tech has recommended that I call Kia directly to ask for help. The 5 star crash test rating, a main reason for buying the Kia, obviously doesnt account for a defective sensor. I would heartily recommend the vehicle to anyone if not for this issue.

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  2 day review - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By peep554 - June 16 - 9:42 pm

  I formally had a 04 Mercury Mountaineer, loved the vehicle, hated the mpg (12-14, on a good day.) We decided on a Kia Sorento, so far its great. Driving it home on the interstate it was a smooth ride with mpg at 27-28 with only 40 miles on it. City driving I am averaging about 24.4-25.6. Seats are comfortable, dashboard is laid out great. I wish I had held out for an EX but apparently they are very hard to get with 4 cylinder engine. However we got a such a great deal on it this model, I can hardly complain. Kia has a special this month for their extend 10 year warranty Complete wrap for an additional 1300.

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  near perfect - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By belepo - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The fit and finish are second to none every bit as good as any mercedes or bmw. The smoothness of ride and handling are top notch, and interior room is spacious as well as comfortable. The amenities offered,in relation to the price of this vehicle make it anextremly good value.

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  2016 KIA Sorento - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Mike B - June 14 - 3:47 am

  Compared to numerous other makes. Got the best band for the buck with the KIA.

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  I bought one for me and for my daughter - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Michelle - June 13 - 3:06 pm

  We just love our new Kia. It drive great. Its actually fun to drive. Lots of power and great gas mileage.

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  Highly recommended car - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Joseph Lee - June 12 - 11:55 pm

  I would get the 2016 Kia Sedona. It is an awesome car. It has the highest safety standards. Very comfortable. The blind spot detection, rear view parking camera, and rear cross traffic alert are a must when you drive a minivan. It does not have navigation, but you can get it on Amazon and hook up on your car without any difficulties for $130. One thing my wife loves about the Kia Sedona is that it is not as ugly as the Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey. I have not driven a Honda or Toyota equivalent, but I like the Kia Sedona because of the price and its highest safety ratings. I think a Toyota or Honda equivalent is around $3000 more than the Kia Sedona. Korean technology is going to be one of the best in the world. It will be ranked in the top 4 with the United States, Japan, and Germany. Already, Korea has the best wireless technology in the world since many of the components in the Apple iphone is made by the Samsung group. Koreans are a very jealous people. Kia does want to be like the Samsung group as a global renowned company in automobiles manufacturing. I am very sure Kia will catch up with Honda and Toyota in a short time frame.

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  2016 Kia Optima, boom, youll love this car - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Jamie - June 10 - 10:05 am

  The car is worth the price. Shop around for best pricing. Dont settle, get the options you want.

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Seguin - June 10 - 2:00 am

  You get a lot for your money. Appears to be very well built and very quiet on the road.