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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  So far so good - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Scott - September 2 - 5:16 am

  My wife just traded her 2014 Mustang for a base 2017 lx Sportage front wheel drive. So far havent missed the Mustang at all. The Sportage rides extremely comfortable and has been getting 26 to 27 mpg in town. The A/C will run you out. The visibility is terrific with little to no blind spots. The 4 cylinder has ample enough power around town and on highway for a SUV. Negatives? Stereo sound is wimpy and do miss the hid headlights the Mustang had. Overall we are satisfied with the look, ride, and performance of the 2017 Sportage.

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  the best suv ever - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By still luv my kia - September 1 - 6:10 pm

  I purchased my Sorento almost three years ago, and it is the best SUV I have ever bought. I get more compliments on the styling of the outside and inside. I have over 50,000 miles on it, and have not had any major problems of any kind. I am now in the process of purchasing a 2006. I have sold many Sorentos in my neighborhood. Keep up the excellent work.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By SMA - September 1 - 12:06 am

  In 2006, our family purchased our first Sportage. It was Jade Green and I loved it so very much. Due to rising gas prices, we recently went on the lookout for a better commuter vehicle and, while impressed with the looks and mileage of the Kia compacts, we went right back to a new Sportage. This one is silver gray and happily accepted by the whole family. We love the safety it offers, the height, and the roomy interior. Im sure we will always go to the Kia Sportage as new vehicles are required by our family. My only issue is the ESC Off light came on as we drove it home from the dealership. Will call immediately to have it fixed.

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  117,302 a well built minivan - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Semaj Ricks - August 31 - 7:04 am

  Bought it used, it has over 117,300 miles on it... only 1 issue, fuel economy is just OK.... avg 17mpg mix driving. Too much city driving and it drops to 11 mpg avg, Highway driving 21 mpg avg mix speeds Otherwise, drives like its still new,

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  Outstanding, Made in USA ~ Sorento - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By John L. - August 30 - 4:46 am

  Weve had five Kias in my family and our new 2011 is the latest. Nothing compares to the value and quality of this vehicle. The standard ABS, Stability and Traction control, the six speed A/T and the power of the 175 HP 4cyl engine, make it an even a better value! The standard roadside assistance (5yr/60k) make it a great choice for my wife to drive...

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  A Real Honda Pilot Beater - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Stu - August 30 - 12:13 am

  We recently purchased a new 2011 Kia Sorento EX with V6 and leather, navi, panoramic sunroof, etc. I did a good deal of research and test drove a Santa Fe, a CRV, a Pilot, a Murano and a Ford Escape. The Sorento offered more value/features for a lower price than any of the vehicles I seriously considered. In the few weeks we have owned the vehicle, it has proven to be great. We are very happy with it. We have owned 6 Honda Accords (we still have one) so I was disposed at the outset to buy a Honda product. Kia simply offered more features, better warranty and a good design (from my subjective perspective)at a lower price.

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  The Kias are Alright - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Sam/Hain - August 29 - 10:23 pm

  As of this writing, the Kia is a good little car. A smooth ride, and cheaper than the competitors. (Learn to love that word folks, its great.) As a commuter, I give a thumbs up.

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  This Time Kia Got It Right - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Mark - August 28 - 12:16 pm

  We had originally considered a 2002 Sportage, but were concerned they were discontinuing the model. Now Im glad I waited. My previous experience with Kia came from owning a Ford Aspire (built by Kia), which gave me 60,000 trouble- free miles, so I knew Kias were reliable. The new Sportage is everything its namesake wasnt: Stylish, safe, well-built and a kick to drive. Not to mention a killer sound system (although a bit heavy on the bass, something classical music doesnt always need). The interior feels upscale, and is more comfortable than the more-expensive competitors I tested. With another New England winter coming (probably next week), I feel confident my Sportage will get me home.

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  Cheap, Fun 4x4 - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By aleksg - August 28 - 10:02 am

  I bought my Sportage for 350 dollars, so I wasnt expecting perfection. It has 228k km on the clock, and the manual transmission is noisy, the synchros are worn, so it shifts hard when cold, but still works. All of the door handles were loose or broken when I got mine, but these problems are easy to fix for a weekend warrior because the door panels are a cinch to remove. The window switches are a common problem, but also very easy to fix. Basically this is a car you can buy for REAL cheap from someone who doesnt know how to fix small problems. Then you fix them yourself and boom, perfectly good car.

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  great for the money - 2003 Kia Optima
  By joesue - August 28 - 2:00 am

  car came with problems but the dealer fixed then without questions and quickly