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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  Bought A Beauty At a Bargain Price - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Albert J Gonzales - April 11 - 1:03 pm

  Having owned a 1998 Spotage I was anxious to get my hands on the new and improved model for 2005. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I get plenty of looks and questions about it. It has plenty of power for my needs, which includes many long hills to climb, with camping gear.

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  No problems-fun to drive-economical - 2001 Kia Rio
  By ldusich - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I won this car in May 2001 and have never had it in the shop. (over 17,000 miles on it now)I get good gas mileage but I do wish it were earier to handle on rain and snow (it does do some sliding). I also wish you couldnt hear so much engine noise when doing highway driving (although I do realize that it is only a four cylinder). This car has been reliable, fun to drive and cheap to maintain. It would be great for a college student or as a going to work car. If you do a lot of traveling you might want to buy a car with a little better ride. I personally recommend this car for short trips or in-town driving.

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  STILL A NICE CAR - 2003 Kia Optima
  By KEITH C. - April 11 - 10:00 am

  After having my new KIA OPTIMA 2003 for over a month, I find it still worth the money. Still enjoy driving the car. Mine is a 4 cyl, so, when driving onto a Dual Highway, the pick up speed is bad. And when you are using your AC, you can really feel the difference in pickup (not good). But all in all, the car is still worth what you pay for it. Just remember, if you want a car that has a good take off onto a dual highway, for passing, or running your AC and doing the above,you should go with a 6 cyl. But if I had to do over again, I would still buy the 2003 KIA OPTIMA "BUT" I would get a 6 cyl.

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  Great Van Great Price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By W Whicker - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought LX 3 only days ago and we love it. Great price (around 18k with rebate) on a van with the best warranty and high safety rating. What else can I say! The LX is the lower trim level but still has all the major goodies we could need. Easy to put baby in (no crouching like in a car), very nice layout, good ride, feels solid, comfortable, excellent AC, good power from the V6, and good looking, too. Cant beat it for the price/warranty. Talk about peace of mind. Highly recommended.

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  Kia rules - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By dman94 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Price and features is great not to mention the warranty. I had a 02 and traded for an 03 we liked it so much and Kia had great incentive to do so

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  8 Month and No Problems! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By briankiser - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy so far. Hate the grill design, poor mileage, and stiff ride, but everything else is great. No problems whatsoever.

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  excellent - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By tammy scott - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I am so glad that they have made and affordable SUV. The vechile drives great. It has alot of standard features that you would have to pay extra on other SUV. I love my Kia. I would recommend this vechle to anyone. Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  I love my Kia - 2005 Kia Optima
  By brenda mutcherson - April 9 - 11:20 am

  Comfortable, smooth ride. Great deal for the price. Seats are soft and comfortable. Love the easy opening sunroof. I Love the fold down back seats. I love my Kia Optima. This car comes with free car mats!

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  Quite a Value....And Fun, Too. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By John S - April 8 - 4:40 am

  I highly recommend this KIA, especially considering the cost. Something I never thought Id say. Ride and steering is nice and tight. Comfort is very good, though a taller person has nowhere to fully straighten out the right leg when on cruise control. A minor concern. Car looks sharp, good clean lines/curves. Brakes feel solid. The interior looks very nice. Climate controls are easy to use. Keeping in mind that this is not a sports car; the engine has no power issues, unless you have more than one passenger, and are going up a steep hill. Overall, this car is a terrific value. Add in the incredible warranty, and I couldnt pass it up. More than a commuter car, its a fun ride.

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  Minivan vs Suburban - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Mrs. M - April 7 - 3:00 am

  Weve always had SUVs since we started our family. But decided to downsize from our 07 Suburban to this minivan. I was kinda sad b/c the Suburban looked "cooler" but WOW! I love this car and so does my husband. We have 4 small children and the Sedona is hands down the most convenient and comfortable auto weve had. I love almost everything about it. Almost. There are only a couple things to bring up. The interior cloth is cheap looking. Wish we got the leather. And although it seats 7,if you have to seat 5 kids I wouldnt recommend this car for you. The back bench seat is narrow so 3 kids in the back is tight. And the poor kid who has the middle gets an uncomfortable seatbelt