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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  Nice ride - 2003 Kia Rio
  By MisterT - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I went from driving a mid-size pick up to the Cinco, so there was a period of adjustment for me. The understeer from a front-wheel drive car does take a little getting used to. Two months later...I love it! The speed sensitive power steering could use a little tweaking. I have noticed low speed sharp turns have a strange feel to them. And I would say that the cabin noise at low speeds it a little louder than I would like. In general, both city and highway driving, my Cinco is a pleasure to drive. Definitely the most bang for the buck.

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  whats not to like - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By akw - April 22 - 2:00 am

  We have just over 1800 miles on our EX and it has never been in the shop. Regular oil changes and by-hand washes is all it has needed. The low end torque is great. The weight, which hurts the gas mileage sure helps it hold the road well. This is one solid, inexpensive hauler. And, those who get a ride in it praise the leather and other conveniences.

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  Great ride - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By newschaser - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The Sorento rides and handles much better than the Xterra (which I was considering). The 4WD has gotten me out of sugar sand several times already. I put a vehicle through its paces as it is used for work, and the Sorento has met all challenges it has faced so far. From orange groves to woods to beaches to city streets, the Sorento is equally at home. I an getting about 17 mpg with mostly stop and go driving.

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  Do not recommend - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Dana - April 21 - 4:00 pm

  Spent $30,000 for brand new Kia Sorento. Since purchasing it in March 2010, it has been back to the dealership on five different occassions for two different mechanical issues. Biggest issue is it feels like the car is "downshifting" constantly at speeds around 25 mph. Was just told yesterday that car already needs a new drive shaft. Second, the car has a constant rattle that sounds like its coming from under the car on the passenger side. Was told that would most likely be dealt with in an upcoming recall due to bad struts!! I find it totally unexceptable that this 2011 car has already had all these issues. Worst purchase of my entire life!

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  This is really just an update - 2012 Kia Rio
  By talanj - April 21 - 10:55 am

  Ive have a 2012 sedan and I was getting around 32 mpg. Ive now got about 12k miles on the car in 6 months. Ive had 1 minor issue. At about 11.5k mile the CE light came on. I took it to the dealer and they said it needed a software update. That did fix the CE. Ive gone through a couple tanks of gas since and It does seem that my MPG is up a few miles per gallon. All and all its a nice little car, looks good and cruises along pretty good.

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  Best Value - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By wsoxman - April 21 - 9:13 am

  I must be the only Rondo owner that has a completely loaded car. Leather, spoiler, I have everything on it including the grown effects, that make the car look much more sporty. $20,800 out the door price. The car has taken 3 2000 mile trips to Arizona. Its the most comfortable riding for long distances. My BMW seats are not as comfortable as the Rondos. The MPG and gas tank size are could be better. The optional Infinite radio upgrade wasnt worth the price.

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  Almost Perfect - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Shadow Racer - April 20 - 9:53 pm

  I bought my wife the Shadow Soul+ Auto w/ upgraded audio. Enjoyed the ride in the + over the sport, still a bit rough, but very responsive and she loves it. Dealer lied to us and said a statewide inventory search found only 1 Alien Green Soul+ in the state and it was a 5 speed. We found 7 exact matches at one dealership today. Two days after we bought this car I was rear ended in my Impala and my car was totaled. I am highly considering picking up the Ghost SE!

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  You get what you pay for - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Bob M - April 20 - 6:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle new. We needed basic car, not fancy. Manual tranny is a plus as we expected to move to the snow belt. My records since purchase have shown consistent 31-34 mpg for all driving. First major repair was brakes at 85,000 miles. Second was ball joints at 127,000 miles. Now at 149,000 and going strong; however body is showing rust and systems are starting to fail. Great car for us and worth the minimal $$. Not for all drivers, but regular maintenance gives solid transportation.

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  Very Good Deal! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Best Kia So Far. - April 18 - 1:50 pm

  I got this car for $17500 and im very happy with it, ive had it for 5 months and it has yet to break down or need work. I have 8500 miles on it and everything still seems like new! I wish Kia and Hyundai would replace the 2.7 V6, its underpowered (190 hp) and bad on gas for the power (20 city and 26 highway)! They should replace it with a 3.2 V6, more power for same fuel economy! The I-4 is enough its not that sporty but its Kia what do u suspect? I get 32mpg on the highway and 25 in the city, great milege. Kia did a great job with the design! Very modern. It was between the 09 Fusion, 09 G6, or the Optima, Optima won! Its a good deal go out and I strongly suggest you put this on your list.

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  Amazing car - 2017 Kia Forte
  By Chris - April 18 - 10:45 am

  The car is more then i could ask for my wife and daughter loves it great on gas and a incredible ride and lots of room