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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  Most bang for the buck - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By kiajerry - September 14 - 11:36 pm

  Best all-around and versatile vehicle i have ever owned. This is my third Kia, i already knew they are a great value. Cant wait till winter, this is my first all-wheel drive ride. The sportage is a nicer vehicle than my wifes 05 Mazda Tribute S. The only thing the Mazda has is a few more ponies. Way to go Kia!

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  Not Impressed - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By patti - September 14 - 1:56 am

  I purchased my Kia Sportage in Sept. 07 and I loved it! Within 2 months, 2 fuses blew and I had to have the brake light replaced. In April 2010, with only 36,000 miles on the car, I needed a new transmission. (Under warranty, but not the point)! Upon getting the car back, I have since brought it in for service, again, transmission related. I feel that I purchased a lemon, even though I bought it brand new!

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  Good Commuter Car - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Michael - September 13 - 11:33 pm

  I bought this purely as a commuter car, I have another fun car and I didnt buy this car to look good or have fun. For a commuter car, its perfect. Nothing fancy, cheap. Of course Toyotas and Hondas are nicer, but if you just need something cheap, reliable and has enough basic features - this car is perfect. Acceleration is good enough. I put 100 miles/day on it, and I cruise at 75-80 mph most of the way and it handles it fine. I test drove some Chevys and I liked the Kia better.

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  Sheet metal in cold weather - 2011 Kia Soul
  By srssr - September 13 - 3:01 pm

  This is the first winter in upstate New York for our Soul. The first cold snap, 30 degrees and lower, I noticed that the rear hatch had quite a bit of distortion, warped sheet metal and all four doors had creases in them. When temps rose the warpage went away. I watched this and other Souls all winter and the results were the same.. The only thing with ours now it takes until temps hit 50 to 60 degree range to go away, in the beginning they went away in the 40s. I went to my local dealer and had the Kia rep look at my car but wouldnt you know it we had freak weather that topped 78 and no wrinkles. All of my pictures and internet info from Kia Soul Forums has been put in a file for me.

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  No good on GAS at all - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Amanti - September 12 - 12:33 pm

  Overall I love the car, however it is not good on gas at all. I get maybe 12MPG. For that reason alone I do not like my car. I thought that I would get at least 15 city, 21 highway. I get maybe 12 city and 18 highway. Im not happy at all with that. I have meet other people with this car and they tell me the same thing.

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  Best van I have ever owned. - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Jerry - September 11 - 1:35 pm

  Best seats and ride. I can drive 350 miles and my back doesnt hurt. I am 82 years old! The controls are very convenient. All in all this is the best vehicle I have ever owned and I have had many. Minnesota owner.

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  2007 Sedona EX - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By crazyhorse1966 - September 11 - 6:13 am

  Road tested on inner city streets and on highways. Very comfortable feeling and handles very well on turns and curves. Like sitting on my couch driving through winding roads. Love everything about this model. Maybe a little too long for my garage, but other than that, an excellent overall vehicle. Also, the rear backing sensors are great, along with the child monitoring reflector mirror.

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  Took a chance and it is paying off! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Dan - September 10 - 10:43 pm

  I researched this car and 3 other compact SUVs (CR-V, Rav4, Escape). The Kia was near the bottom in price but head and shoulders above the others in features. The only thing concerning me was the name. Kia doesnt exactly scream reliability...yet. I took a chance thinking the 10 year warranty was a good fall back if things didnt go well. After almost a year and 15k+ miles I am pleased in my choice. Have had no problems with the vehicle, only visit the dealer to change oil every 5k miles as the filter is exotic & expensive at a parts shop. Get compliments all the time on style, people think it is a luxury suv. Didnt want to review early just in case, but after a year this is an awesome buy!

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  Something - 2001 Kia Rio
  By MATT Dunn - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Nice car with cool featurs but it should have faster engine and i wish it came in a two door sport version.

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  Good enuff - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By mountainman3 - September 10 - 10:00 am

  So far I have found my Spectra to be "good enuff"; transalation: good enuff that I dont mind a bit making that monthly payment. Its a blast to drive, gets 35 MPG in mixed driving, and in the Silver color I got, turns heads everywhere I go.