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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  KIA Done Right - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Dave - December 14 - 9:21 pm

  Never would have thought I would have chosen a Kia, but after weeks of comparing, test driving all the options out there and comparing some more Kia was the clear choice. Not a small 4 cylinder econo box and not as big as a the full size 7 passenger SUVs, just right for usually 5 passengers with option to flip up to get 7 seats. Ride is quiet and comfortable. Visibility is good. Technology works well with clear displays and easily understood controls. The only minus is the steering. It is way too loose. We have to always select the sport option or the Kia wanders on the road. Overall a great buy.

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  Fairly Happy - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Ricky - December 14 - 8:13 am

  I got this little Rio about a month ago and so far I am pretty happy with it. I feel like I got a great deal on the car and the fact the car was going to be better on gas than my old 91 Dakota. While the fuel consumption on this car isnt too bad, I definitely feel like it could be better. The engine is a bit lethargic for highway driving and the car itself does tend to feel a little "unsafe" doing anything over 60 mph. The interior is bigger than what someone would judge it would be by the outside. Handling is pretty precise and it extremely light! Overall, this car seems dependable and practical so far.

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  Great Car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By James Wi;;iams - December 14 - 2:13 am

  Not one problem..no returns to dealer

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  what warranty? - 2013 Kia Optima
  By bobbo9 - December 13 - 8:34 am

  With less than 3000 miles, the rear bumper cover "separated" from the back side panel. A "clip" which had secured the two panels had broken. They said it was an accident, I said it was a faulty clip. Escalated to Kia regional, and still no satisfaction. I paid $500 out of pocket to get it fixed. Couple this with the fact that I am not getting anywhere near the advertised MPG and I would never buy a Kia product again.

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  I love my Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Bill Howell - December 12 - 3:30 pm

  Ok, so Ive only had my Amanti a month, but I took another one overnight to drive and fell in love with its style and its handling. The doors shut solidly, the handling is unbelievable; rides smooth. I love the leather and dash. Its got 8 speakers, and the arm rest in the backseat has a compartment with drink holders built in. I get so many thumbs up from admirers. I think Hyundi taking over Kia was the best thing to happen to them. The 10 year/100,000 warranty with 5 years/60,000 is the best in the field.

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  excellent car - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By sizzle777 - December 12 - 3:33 am

  when my wife and i purchased this car it had 26000 on it now there is 86,000.since purchase the master cylinder went and the two catalytic converters.At that time i had a 60,000partial warranty so they were covered. nothing major since then except up keep maintenance. my secret change oil and use 87 gas and once a week put fuel injector cleaner in my engine purrs. another thing keep it washed an waxed to protect the body especially korean made cars. if youre buying used make sure its good see if you can take it for a day heat it up real good big hills or take the vin off the car and run it through car fax .com

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  But I dont want a minivan! - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By Rookie - December 12 - 1:50 am

  I am a reluctant minivan buyer. With two kids still in car seats, my wife felt it was the way to go. She was right. Plenty of room, nice 3rd row folding seats, comfort, and easy to drive. The Kia came with some nice features such as the iPod dock and good storage cubbies. The ability to roll down the back seat windows for the kids is nice too. The V6 has some good pep when needed as well. Turns out I am pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoy driving the Sedona. It’s still a van, but it’s nice to know I’ve got a highly rated vehicle for safety with two small kids. Yes, Kia has a low resale value, but that allowed me to buy this for $15k. It was a great buy.

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  Alaska Highway Ready! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By tjimt2000 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Kia Sedona EX, leather, sunroof, ABS included, in May 2002. That summer I drove it from Wisconsin to my home in Alaska. The following year I drove it down to Iowa and back to AK again. On both trips I was towing a small cargo trailer and the Kia had plenty of power. My wife and I, along with two teenage girls and a dog made each trip. Believe me the Alaska Highway will test any road vehicle and the Sedona performed great. I have had ZERO PROBLEMS with the vehicle.I would make the same purchase again without hesitation.

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  What crap!! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jer455 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it was all I could afford. I wanted an upscale family sedan like the Accord, Galant or Camry but it was too expensive. The result is that people think I drive a Jag (based on the style) but laugh when they discover its a Kia. Dont get it, the only good thing about it is the price. The rep sucks and so does the ride. It is such a boring car.

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  Great Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Drdavid7 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a great value with style. Attractive and affordability without a few "extras" that the more expensive models offer. Well worth the money saved!