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:

• 

  Exceeded my expectations - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Greg - January 27 - 3:16 am

  We usually buy a two year old vehicle and my last one was a Ford Explorer. Decided this time that for about the same money I could have a new Sportage. Very satisfied with my decision, nice size and good comfort and the quality seems to be fine but time will tell. Gas milage is as advertised plus a little more.

• 

  Excellent Car! - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By kiadriver - January 26 - 6:16 pm

  The car was given to me as a loaner while my Chevy was in for service and I was so impressed with how much better it was than my own car I wound up buying it. The ride is GREAT, even over potholed northern IL roads. I was very impressed that it comes with all-wheel independent suspension. Handling and ride are excellent. The interior is nicely thought out and very comfortable on long trips, and the car does well in the winter. Only issue was it needed a new radiator at 54000 miles. Kia fixed it under warranty for no charge despite the fact I purchased it used from a Chevy dealer. No other problems at all (knock on wood!).

• 

  Good Relaible Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By MommasVan - January 26 - 4:16 am

  I Bought My Van New In May 2003 after researching it for 2 years when it first came out, i was Buying My 1st new Car ever and was 41 yrs. old. I got it loaded the ex, But Not Leather seats, as I hate them, I had no problems with it Other than the Door handles Kept breaking. Odd , But Kia replaced Under warranty free. Had 2 Recalls fixed. and Have taken extra good care of it. after it hit 50,000 started hearing an Odd Noise In front wheel suspension at 40mph. still cannot figure out what it is. and engine Lights on alot, and then goes off after like 3 miles. weird. A/C quit working last year, still Not working, Have had to Buy a few relays switches for several things, Tires wear on it bad.

• 

  Kia Rules - 2007 Kia Optima
  By JK - January 25 - 8:10 am

  Smooth ride and good road feel. Quite cabin and very responsive to sudden maneuvers. Strong 4 cylinder engine...good torque. Exceptional fit and finish. Feels like quality throughout.

• 

  We love it - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By al roberts - January 25 - 4:56 am

  The ride is rock solid, fun to drive and plenty of power, seems too tight and tough, enjoying it a lot looking froward to taking a nice long trip .

• 

  Wheres the Warranty - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By bjlieffort - January 24 - 8:50 pm

  Drives well. But if you ever have to take it in for service, youre in trouble. The dealership cant do anything under warranty with out an OK from KIA. Will try any excuse to avoid doing work free warranty work. The factory demands that you maintain the van using the severe maintenance schedule no matter how you use your van. Factory Reps are available but they rule supreme ... told me a transmission chatter [tranny cant decide which gear to put itself in on a down-shift at 1500RPMs and about 40 MPH] that I have is normal operation if I use the overdrive in the city. Their suggested bypass is to drive in town with overdrive off and at about 5k RPMs higher. Just cost me more with poorer MPG

• 

  Rondo-the perfect compact people mover! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By familyof4 - January 22 - 8:56 pm

  We needed a vehicle that could carry our family of 4 easily yet have the option of more seats for the occasional in-law visit or the kids friends. Minivans and SUVs were too big and we wanted the good gas mileage and all the safety features. The Rondo surprised us nicely. Not only was the interior better than what we expected, but the ride is actually fun! Its not a sportscar by any means but the ride is peppy and smooth and handling is great. Throw in all the standard features, great warranty and low price and youve got all that youd want in a non-minivan.

• 

  New owner of a Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By day - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Reading owners manual helped us figure out the various bells and whistles. It was worth the time.

• 

  I LOVE MY KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By CHARLENE - January 22 - 2:00 am

  IT IS A COMFORABLE, SMOOTH RIDING VEHICLE. HANDLES VERY WELL, TIGHT TURNING RADIUS. GOOD VISABILITY. A LOT OF LITTLE EXTRA TOUCHES.

• 

  Best Buy for A Man On A Fixed Income - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Jay Pee - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Sorento EX 4WD 4dr in June of last year after researching it for about 6 months. This is my first SUV and I love it. I really bought it for myself but my wife has taken over it.I drive it about once a week. I love the sound of the exhaust. It makes you feel like you are driving a real truck instead of some tall wagon. The only bad thing I can say is that Im sorry I dont have two. By the way, we have over 25,000 miles on it without a single complaint. I can say that most of the Car Magazines do not give it enough credit for being such an outstanding SUV.