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 Amanti - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Shephard - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Looks good! Interior is very nice with just about all the bells and whistles a person could want. Exterior is not flashy but very nice and impressionable. Power is not overwhelming but acceptable.

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  S.Jones - 2004 Kia Optima
  By S. Jones - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven to Missouri, New Orleans, Fredricksburg, back and forth to Virginia Beach, And Ive been to Winchester and the car has driven smoothly and safely .

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  My First New Car In 15 Years - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Gregory Newlande - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Starting with the auto dealership...Santa Ana Kia the professionalism there was excellent. The salesman delivered my car to my doorstep. I have received many compliments from family and friends on its design etc, A great choice...saw this vehicle at the auto show in Anaheim,California. The price was excellent for the options that this car was equipped compared with Toyota etc. Thank you.

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  Kia Sorrento Review - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By J Lade - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Most comfortable ride I have ever experienced. It looks great! I receive many complements on the looks of the vehicle.

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  Nice car for the Money - 2001 Kia Optima
  By markus - October 28 - 10:00 am

  We were skeptical about buying a Korean made car, but we have been pleasantly surprised. The car seems well built and solid. It is very comfortable and fun to drive. It has all the features of the more expensive Toyotas and Hondas. You cant beat the warranty and the road side assistance. It takes the risk out of buying a Korean car. I think the Optimas are going to hold up very well and put KIA on the map. You know KIA has to build good cars if they are going to be competitive in the U.S. We are very happy with our Optima.

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  Huge mistake - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By kidschauffer2 - October 28 - 7:58 am

  I bought my 09 Sedona new. It had 23 repairs within the first 11 months. According to Fuccillo and Kia Motors its not a lemon, so must be they are all built like this. Engine problems, electrical problems, brake problems, engine stability control problems, clamps breaking, sliding door that gets stuck and wont open, oil pools near the engine, and a tire light that comes on frequently. Mass Air Flow sensor replaced, 2 ABS sensors replaced (at seperate times) Hub ring replaced and heat shield clamps replaced. Engine sounds awful, loud and rumbly when started and sounds like a wind tunnel going down the highway. Never again will I own a Kia! Worst vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  Problems with sorento - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Sorento - October 27 - 11:06 pm

  Have only had my Sorento for 3 weeks, immediately started to have a thumping noise when starting the car. At times the car would move when started. Took to service, they had the car for 2 days and "never heard the noise". When I started the car to bring it home it made the noise. Was given a brand new Kia Sorento with 100 miles on it as a loaner- It cut off on me 2 times and the engine light was on when I returned to pick up my car! Problem still not resolved! Returning to service in a few days! So disappointing!

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  great SUV - 2009 Kia Sorento
  By dani - October 25 - 7:00 pm

  this is a great buy. seems to be solidly built. runs great both on the freeway and surface streets. i just own this for a few days but i already love it. would recommend it to anybody for its price and the car your buying. great job kia!

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  I love my little green jellybean! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By boxerz_32 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought it used with 19,000 miles on it. I drive it 90 miles a day, everyday. So far (knock on wood) I havent had any major problems. It even drove wonderfully in a foot of snow. Actually i was making it up hills that 4 wheel drive trucks couldnt make it up. I have only had a few minor problems with it...the door lock got frozen (from sitting out in the winter) and broke, also the molding between the drivers side window and the windshield keeps poping off. However, Kia has taken care of these problems for me in a very timely fashion. I would recomend this car to anyone who doesnt want to spend a lot on gas and who have long commutes everyday!!

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  Great Kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Van Daddy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got my Kia and have no problems as of yet. Runs great. About a million options come with it standard. The only funny thing about the Kia is the engine looks like a lawn mower engine, but other then that it is a great Mini van for a great price. Oh yeah It comes with a for real spare tire.