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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  Good value but in the shop a lot - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By Lucasbonner214 - March 25 - 1:17 pm

  Its a great value however before my car even had 55,000 miles on the odometer I had the fuel sending unit and oxygen sensor replaced. The rack and pinion also failed all repaired under warranty. I wasnt expecting all these things with such low mileage. The car has never stopped running at all despite the problems. I had one issue where the entire car just died and needed a jump. The car turns head everywhere I go. I love the look and functions of the car. I think youll love the car as if repairs do arise they are a lot cheaper than the other luxury brands. The car is excellent on the highway and very comfortable on long trips. Ive enjoyed this car despite the few issues and I think you would too.

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  Spectra -economy and practicality - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By spectra owner - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in late 2001, it is my first new vehicle. At the time I was a single mom carting around two boys and all of their junk as well, the car has been reliable and who would not love the 10 yr. warranty. The only problem I have had lies in the hatch release, it works sometimes other times it jams completely. It has been serviced twice relating to this issue and continues to be a problem. All in all I am very happy with the Spectra, it was in my price range and has served me well.

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  Beautiful Car Excellent Value - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By mstee - March 25 - 10:00 am

  My car is outstanding. I have been stopped a red lights, gas stations and shopping, with people saying how beautiful my car is and asking what is it. Many time I have been asked if it was a Benz or Jag.

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  Optima ex - 2004 Kia Optima
  By advci - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great value with the rebate. For 13K I find it fun, and a fantastic deal. The main selling for me point was the warranty.

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  Get what you pay for - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By hatemycar - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for the same reason everyone else does, the price is great. BUT, BUYER BEWARE!!! The car will work fine, but it will rattle, and other little things will come up. If you can find a service center that is close you MAY get the problem resolved. There is a reason the others cost more money, theyre built better. My keyless entry works when it feels like it, the back seat rattle constantly and the noise level is high to beging with. Will never buy a KIA again!

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  Great van for the money - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By SoCalSedona - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased our Sedona EX. No leather, but did get the moonroof. Lots of interior room, fits in the garage, perfect for our family of four, sports and school bags, wetsuits, surfboards, groceries, etc. $200 portable 7" DVD player from Costco works just fine, no need to spend $1200 for a factory-installed system. Nice, solid feel to it, strong engine, shifts smoothly, captains chairs with armrests are great, factory tinted windows, pop out rear windows, reclining seats, etc.

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  miasedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By mddrive - March 25 - 9:03 am

  A nice car.Great value.Does not have all the "must have" features but has a lot nicer stuff than many comparably priced Fords, GMs and Chryslers.

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  Saying Goodbye to my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Michelle - March 24 - 1:43 pm

  I have had my Kia for almost 5 years now. I really loved my Kia, it was a lot of car for such a reasonable price. I replaced my headlights and tail lights twice a year. A/C has never worked right (which can isnt good when you live in AZ). Dealership always tells me that its running fine, so I have given up. The last two years I have put in a lot of money into the vehicle (I cant even remember all the things I have had done and of course not covered by warranty any longer).I am afraid that I will only be putting more into it the near future, so it is time to say goodbye. Dealing with the dealership was a joke and the overall cost to own this vehicle was much more than I had expected.

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  love my sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By SUSAN CLOPPER - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortable vehicle i have ever owned. I switched from being a long time Chrysler owner and I believe the Kia Sorento to be far superior in quality. The interior is well thought out (everything is easy to get to for the driver) It is solidly built. I love the sound system and cruise control in the steering wheel. Myonly complaint is the mediocre fuel economy. I get around 16 mpg. I understand the weight is a factor.

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  One great SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Byron Erickson - March 24 - 2:00 am

  If you are interested in a true SUV look at the Kia Sorento. This is not a "crossover" but a vehicle capable of real off-road fun. I have had mine for a year now and have never had a problem with it. It is a good looking SUV and often mistaken for one that costs much more.