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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  First Impressions on the Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By candjfields - October 23 - 1:26 pm

  Purchased my 2005 Kia Sportage (EX w/ V6 and 4WD) late August w/ 66k mi. Very impressed by the interior quality. Leather seats (heated) are comfortable and controls are easily accessible. Impressed by the engine, as it has a good amount of power for 2.7 liter. "Sport shift" shines when upshifting. Downshifts w/ the Sport shift seem to be overly harsh in lower RPM ranges (under 3K). Two car seats fit easily in the back seats. So far, a good purchase.

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  Great car and a great value - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By qcspectra - October 23 - 5:23 am

  Bought new last summer. Great build quality and materials, especially at this price. Have previously owned 8 Hondas and 2 Mazdas, and this Spectra easily compares to them. My EX w/manual transmission has averaged 31 in mixed driving (65/35 city/hwy), well over the 23/30 EPA rating. Shopped the 08 Civic, Mazda3, Corolla, Elantra, and Cobalt.

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  Good so far - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Bill B - October 22 - 10:00 am

  We have about 1,600 miles on her. She drives great. You can end up going too fast on the interstate because she rides very smooth and quit. My wife loves it. Kids think there riding in 1st class seat of a airliner! Cant beat for the money. Great warranty!

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  Good car - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Kevin - October 22 - 7:59 am

  Very small car(Im 60) but reliable, mines had the navigation system, fast to go around small/tight corners, felt like a sports car! so those was the best part.. had issues with the brakes(pads, disc, etc) but once i got them fixed it was great again! also had problems with the power steering but it was just one of the belts was to tight. Surprised how WELL it drove in the snow also (Live In Massachusetts).. Had a couple more issues with bearings and control arms and stuff like that but it was because of all the potholes around my area and sometimes my crazy driving when late to work, etc.. GREAT MPG ALSO! Overall its a great car but for people that arent to big/tall or even with family of four, to crowded/small and uncomfortable especially going on long trips! Bought this car when i was single so it helped out big time! Now having a family of four had to get rid of it and get something bigger! I would definelty recommend this car but only if single or just in a relationship with no kids lol... (Had it for 2 full years)

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  Very Impressed New Buyer - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Dave - October 22 - 2:30 am

  Recently purchased a 2016 Kia Sorento SX after thorough review on this site and several others. Opted for the SX trim since we really wanted the UVO navigation package and other features that came standard at that trim package. Very impressed with the acceleration of the V-6 3.3L engine, smooth handling, and solid suspension. I think that there is incredible value in this vehicle and that it compares favorably with luxury SUVs that command prices 10-20K higher. Of the very few criticisms that Ive read regarding the 2016 Kia Sorento, one was the limited available interior space with the 3rd row. I think its important to keep in mind that this is a mid-sized SUV that is not intended to constantly haul 7 people around but rather provides you the option of extra seating when youre in a jam. Went for a test-drive at Cowboy Kia of Conroe and was very impressed. I was able to negotiate a great deal and am a highly satisfied customer and new Kia owner.

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  best value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By rhamblen - October 22 - 12:16 am

  Looks like a car costing thousands more. fit, feel and ride are outstanding. performance is exceptional. Optima has exceeded what I had even hoped for. KIA has a winner..

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  Great SUV - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By SC Dan - October 21 - 6:43 pm

  A great SUV with bad timing. Compare this with Honda pilot, Ford explorer, or the pathfinder and you will find that the borrego is inside and out. A better buy. Add to that the warranty and you cant go wrong. I hope Kia brings it back in 2011.

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  Never Ever had a problem - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By clash9898 - October 20 - 1:40 am

  The Kia Sportage is great. I have had mine since it came out and never had a single problem with it. its fun to drive especially when i use the manual with the auto clutch. it gets great gas millage and performs great in snow with its 4wd. all around a great vehicle and i respect Kia because of its performance and reliability.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Hskr - October 19 - 5:23 pm

  Bought with the Luxury package. Everything but DVD. Fully loaded at the price ($20K) of most competitive models that were 2 years old. With warranty, roadside, etc, hard to go wrong.

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  Amanti - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Mike_R - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the $s