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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  Tickled in Tacoma - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Tickled in Tacoma - September 17 - 6:30 am

  Just purchased in July 2005. Looked around on the web and local dealerships for Nissan, Toyota, Mercury, Chevrolet, and Honda vehicles similar to this one. After researching and test driving, I decided on the Amanti. Couldnt be any happier, as its a joy to drive. The salesman has contacted me three times since my purchase to ensure I was happy, and the dealership treated me like I was purchasing a car for twice what I did. The ride is smooth and quiet, and I bought a near-luxury car, not a sports car, so I dont expect it to drive like a Miata or Triumph. Very happy with the car and purchase experience. I would heartily recommend this car (and have!) to friends and family.

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  Drive at highway sppeds before you buy! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Sierra Vista - September 17 - 1:43 am

  After the purchase, I took a drive to Tucson, and what a disappointment, the steering wheel vibrated over 70 mph. This broke my heart. Since then I have had the tires replaced three times $300.00 out of my pocket, had the wheels balanced 6 times and been back to the dealer four times. The dealer shop foreman indicated this was a driving characteristic. I do not think so. Now I am working with KIA Consumer Assistance and they have done nothing but given me a hard time. Buyers beware.

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  A WINNER - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Anglobud - September 16 - 11:30 pm

  Who cares about prestige when I get to have the last laugh? I had been looking to buy a used Jag S Type, a new X Type or Lexus GS300, but when I saw what the Kia offered (including price advantage) and after only 2 minutes into a test drive, there was no contest and 9 months after buying, am delighted with the car. A word of criticism however: there is understeer and the vehicle wallows a bit on tight curves.

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  Best Car Ever - 2012 Kia Optima
  By schadaz - September 16 - 6:13 pm

  Very impressed with gas mileage and safety features.

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  I will never own a Kia again... - 2004 Kia Rio
  By mcc482 - September 16 - 10:09 am

  Overall, this car lives up to its reputation; you get what you pay for. The good aspects of this car are: decent fuel economy and clutch (in a 5-speed manual) is easy to engage. However, in this case, the cons significantly out weigh the pros. Performance wise, this car lacks any kind of power. You have to put the gas pedal to the floor just to merge onto the highway. The exterior of the vehicle is weak; its extremely easy to dent and can be done with a fierce shove with the palm of your hand. As for the interior build, this car is a complete nightmare, believe me.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Jana1 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Kia ha finally done it! The Amanti is an outstanding vehicle for its class and price.The interior is luxurious, the exterior timeless. A wonderful carfor someone who loves value for money.

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  my kia van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By ejewelia - September 16 - 2:00 am

  very good and comfortable van.cheaper than others and with a lot more features for less of a price.very reliable.love it !!

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  1st SUV...best decision ever made - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By shawn1972 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the 1st SUV I have ever owned, test drove many, but settled for the KIA becuase of all the great features for the price.

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By wfahey - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt this is the smoothest riding SUV I have ever been in. I have owned a Mercedes ML320 and the Sorento is smoother. It takes rough pavement very well. The interior is well appointed and quite comfortable. This vehicle is still too new to make a comment on reliability but with a 10yr/100K mile warranty, Im not expecting any trouble. I did not opt for the Luxury package as I couldnt justify $1500 for a leather interior a 6cd changer. Is the EX worth $3000 over the LX? I think so.

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  I Love My Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Kristine Glidden - September 16 - 2:00 am

  EX model with leather and climate control. The vehicle exceded my expectations. Fun to drive, comfortable on long trips, quiet ride, excellent sound system with a six CD changer and gas mileage on the highway came in around 30 miles to a gallon. PLUS you cant beat the warrenty, 10year/100,000miles on the vehicle itself, and the factory installed Michelins are guarenteed (for the entire time you own the vehicle, if purchased new) as well. Purchsed my second Sorento 1/2004, same EX model,simply because I wanted to add the option of heated front seats. The 2004 model seems to have a tighter suspension and rides a bit firmer which is good.