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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  The unknown smarter choice - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Chris - February 9 - 11:33 pm

  This van wasnt on my list of vehicles to purchase. However after reading the reviews and taking many different test drives, I really began to appreciate this van. The engine performs well. The dash and controls are fantastic. Exterior design is very nice. And to top it off the price tag is fairly reasonable. Anyone wishing to purchase the Odyssey or the Sienna really are doing themselves a disservice if they dont at least test drive the Sedona first. They will come to the same conclusion that I came to and manage to keep a few bucks in your pocket.

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  Sweet car for the money - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By gogo809 - February 6 - 6:23 am

  This car was a joy to own. I purchased this vehicle used with 8,000 miles on it. It never gave us any trouble. For a little over 2 years it was a great vehicle, never had it in the shop except for oil changes. There is a difference between the "drive" of an EX and a SX, spring for the SX if you can. With the Standard Transmission there is plenty enough horsepower to have some fun. Acceptable highway passing power as well. Seems like I got about 27 MPG usually.

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  Save yourself and stay away from Sedona! - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By Lemonade - February 5 - 12:33 pm

  This has been the worst car I have ever owned! It didnt start 2-3 times a month for the year I owned it and after 38 days in the shop and 5 visits we applied for the New York state lemon law and won. The bottom feeding Billy Fuccillos service department used my car for the weekend and left it a mess Problems (power sliding doors not opening and car randomly not starting of course not fixed. This left me in many parking lots with my 3 kids under 4 counting on strangers to let me get a jump off of their car (The kia 24 hour help line would take 2-4hours to come when they picked up the phone). The radio also went the second week, Fuccillo had been painting their building and painted the car

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  Small car Big car features - 2014 Kia Soul
  By harry robertson - February 5 - 7:31 am

  Extremely easy to get in and out of ev3n the rear seat, well made well thought out vehicle

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  very good vehicle - 2009 Kia Sorento
  By lisa burns - February 4 - 9:37 pm

  I bought my kia sorento new in 2009. When I first bought it after awhile having it they had to replace the driveshaft, transmission but now it is a very good vehicle. I would suggest to anyone that wants to buy one to do it over all it is a very nice and roomy and comfy vehicle. I still have my kia and love it everyday. it is very reliable. it is now 2017 and I still have my kia. Such a good running vehicle love it everyday....

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  Optima = Affordable Luxury - 2001 Kia Optima
  By clintondee - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Our 2004 Optima Ex 4 cylinder model is an absolute rare find. For less than $14,000 we have a loaded stylish and well made car for our family. After loading in the kids there is still plent of room for me and the wife to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride. The engine and tranny are responsive and smooth and the suspension is great for highway travel as well as handling City bumps. With the long 10 year powertrain warranty and side impact airbags my family will be safe for many years in our Kia. Its also important to compare this car to others in the price range. Before you buy a smaller car for more money make sure you test drive a Kia Optima.

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  Bust with Kia - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By terri - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Was in shop 3 times before 3000 miles. Nothing but trouble at 14,000 now. Will never buy another, will not recommend anyone buy a Kia.

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  Great Value! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Nicodemus - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were second-time new car buyers and were looking to step up from the 2002 Spectra we had bought the year previous. We got the GSX, which has the power windows and door locks, power mirrors and tach. The CD player was nice, but we have our own in it. The stock speakers have been just fine, and it rides quite well for a vehicle with such a short wheel base. The small engine is our main problem, as we live in a mountainous area and have to turn off the O/D and A/C to climb the hills. Overall, however, weve had NO trouble out of this car and have only had to take it in for normal upkeep.

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  2002 Optima EX-V6 - 2004 Kia Optima
  By RobF - February 4 - 10:00 am

  For a 2002 it has had less problems than previous American cars Ive owned but more problems than my last Honda. Overlal I am happy with the fit and finish of the interior and the amount of car for the money.

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  optimal luxury for a great price - 2004 Kia Optima
  By clintondee - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The styling, comfort, quality, and performance are all there at an amazing price.