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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  7 days of rental fun - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Owen - January 8 - 8:00 pm

  We spent about 1,000 miles driving mostly in Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park and Gardiner, MT, where roads can be very steep and very rough. The Soul accommodated ordinary luggage for two and handled all the terrain we encountered with ease. It also was peppy enough to give me no concerns on Interstates, including long hauls on grades. The looks are great and the handling is very good. Comfort was never an issue on the long haul from Bozeman to Yellowstone. I thought the fuel economy was a tad disappointing, considering the size of the vehicle. I think it should get at least 32 on highway, but it got about 27. Still, I am now considering buying a Soul.

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  2004 kia sorento 2wd - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By barski55@msn.com - January 8 - 6:53 pm

  this is a very sound car. drives great , handles as if is on rails. fun to drive - looks great ,safe top quality.

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  Give me back my Ford - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Darrell D. Pratte - January 8 - 1:22 pm

  Took this car to the dealer cause it just did not seem like the turbo would kick in, never found anything wrong. They charge $85.00 every time to do a diagnostic check, and there is never any thing wrong. Then the engine threw a rod. Paid $6000.00 for a new short block. Then I got a letter in the mail telling me Kia is extending the warranty on the engine, cause they are blowing up. Im waiting to see if the company will refund the cost of the short block. Took the car to the dealer yesterday, something is wrong with the turbo. Its doing exactly what I described before the $6000.00 repair, and now its the turbo. I do not know if the problem is the car, the car company, the dealer, the mechanics, or just a little bit of all.

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  Great car for the money - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Sal - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this car a short time, but I am very happy with it. I trade my Audi in on the Optima, and have been surprised by how nice the Kia handles. The Optima has a nice ride, and good design.

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  Great car for the money - 2001 Kia Optima
  By sal - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this car a short time, but I am very happy with it. I trade my Audi in on the Optima, and have been surprised by how nice the Kia handles. The Optima has a nice ride, and good design.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By jafarmer1 - January 7 - 9:03 pm

  This is my first Kia, and it wont be my last! I just drove to Georgia, and I couldnt have asked for more from my Optima, I cant wait for my next trip. The gas mileage was awesome, and it handled beautifully.

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  Great Value - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By fourthrowe - January 7 - 12:00 pm

  My father purchased the vehicle new, then gave it me Jan. of 05. Hes never had any major problems with it and neither have I. In fact, with 157k miles on it, the original clutch holds strong, and the vehicle runs like a champ. For some strange reason, the windows will ALWAYS be foggy / dewy in the mornings even when other cars arent. It has seen 3 rather expensive starters. There is no aftermarket (generic) for most parts so expect to go to the dealer for everything. The sheetmetal is thin and easily dented but that gives it the performance. Mazda Protege engine, Getrag designed tranny, not a bad setup. Dont buy a new Kia unless you plan to drive it forever, they are worthless for resale.

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  Year update - 2007 Kia Amanti
  By minus200 - January 6 - 6:46 pm

  20,000 miles and one year and I am more pleased than the 1st day. Not a squeak - burp - or hiccup. The car is perfect. Still a quiet smooth ride with no rattles or problems of any kind. I have done the normal maintenance and that is it. The mileage runs from 19 all city to 22 combo and 24-25 all hwy. The inside looks like the day I purchased it - quality is just amazing. Even the valet in the casinos are impressed by this car. Buy one - you will like it

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  Great Car - 2010 Kia Forte
  By paulst2419 - January 6 - 2:19 pm

  I purchased the car in May of 2010 and have nearly 25,000 trouble-free miles on it. It has plenty of pep especially since I have added a few aftermarket parts. I get awesome gas mileage, even in the city. Averaging 28 mixed city and hwy. The paint is kinda crappy though. Ive had a few cosmetic warranty issues but they were fixed immediately with no trouble from Kia Corporate or my dealership. $18,750 for a fully loaded car with leather, sun roof, and 17 inch wheels I couldnt be happier. The manual transmission took some getting used to. Overall great car.

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  I love my Kia - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By A W Black - January 5 - 9:36 pm

  I traded in a Cadillac for the Kia, and it has been a great car. Fun to drive, and much less expensive than a Cadillac. I will buy another one if this one ever wears out ... great car!