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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  Happily Surprised! - 2006 Kia Rio
  By LL - December 19 - 9:13 pm

  I was on a very tight budget and looking to buy a new car, almost certain that I couldnt get a "real" car. After researching a lot I bought the Kia Rio SX and let me tell you, this car is amazing! Drives very smooth, looks good and feels like an amazing car when you drive it. I highly recommend it. It is a very Fun car to own, and wonderful when its time to go to the pump.

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  2004 KIA Amanti - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By James DiStefano - December 19 - 3:36 pm

  I needed the dealer to put a new transmission in my vehicle after less then 10000. They put one in with no problems at all, but I was surprised that I did need one in such a short period of time. I did hear that they did have transmission problems.

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  2005 Kia Spectra5 - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Josh - December 19 - 11:16 am

  Thoroughly impressed with the build of this vehicle. Very fun to drive. After researching all of the cars in the class, the Spectra5 definately has the most for your money. Stereo is mediocre, and the engine could benefit from a bump in horsepower, but everything else is great.

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  a nice Touring car - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By cottonwoodkoi - December 18 - 8:08 pm

  I bought an Lx, fwd, with all the toys.. just so that people understand that there is a large difference between the lx base and one that costs 10000 more. The suv is smooth and quite. no wind noise, little road. previous was was a 2007 cr-v, that had lots of road/wind noise.What a difference.I cn hear the music on low volume .4 cylinder engine has no problems going up steep hills and is showing 26.5 mpg verses the CR-Vs 28.

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  best around!!! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By paul - December 17 - 6:24 pm

  Absolutely love this vehicle, did a lot of research, drove a lot of cars,this IS the small SUV to have, makes my commute so much better, base engine could be a little more powerful,but is more than adequate,has everything. Zero complaint s, I love it.

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  best purchase ever 4x4 8cyl. EX Limited - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By timotheo - December 17 - 4:33 pm

  I was considering an Explorer or 4Runner. The first car has failed everything: price, reliability, comfort handling etc. 4Runner limited is... didnt want to pay for another mortgage. Kia Borrego EX Limited has everything but listed at a great price. After research (and tons of positive reviews) I(63") test drove it and was amazed at the vehicle. I have the 8 cyl. It has great turning radius, power, rides smooth, size, comfortable heated seating for 6 or 7, 7,500 towing capacity, BMW transmission & other tons of bells and whistles. I drove it for over 3K with no problems by now. I think the Borrego is a great car for the price. Mileage is 16.7 mpg combined avg but I don’t drive HW much.

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  Great Van - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By TEC - December 17 - 1:40 am

  We shopped for two months and tried all makes of vans. After driving the Kia we were sold. I liked the Honda but comparably equipped it was 7000 dollars more and they drove identical-- actually I thought the Kia was more comfortable. I have not had to return to the dealer for any factory defects. I have back trouble and what amazes me is my ability to drive long distances without getting the back ache like other vans Ive owned. Anyone shopping for a van would do them selves an injustice to not consider the Kia. I get 19 mpg around town and up to 23 on the highway.

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  Happy with KIA - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Jimbo - December 16 - 7:03 pm

  I have only driven 4200 miles since bought this car. Most of miles on a trip to Las Vegas. It drove really good and was fun to drive. Around town I drive my l995 Geo Tracker just to save using the Kia. I hope to take another trip soon. The only thing I think is crazy, they say to change oil at 7500 miles. All my cars get changed at 2000 - 3000 miles. I have always done this and have never had any engine trouble with any car regardless of the make.

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  Not worth having - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Marty - December 16 - 8:53 am

  We got this vehicle. I wished we hadent. The dealer didnt tell us that it would only get 14 miles to a gallon. The sticker says over 21 mpg. He didnt tell us that we had to pay $300.00 to get it servaced at 30,000. It keeps on dieing on us. So please spread the word dont buy kia.

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  Kia review - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By bepell - December 14 - 10:06 pm

  Overall a quality vehicle. May not be a popular brand, but gas, comfort and reliability is very good. My wife hit another car, messed his car up pretty good and all we messed up was our bumper, which can be replaced. After the accident, the car doesnt shimmy, shudder or ride funny. Its a well built car. I havent had one problem mechanically. I even went more than 6 months without changing oil to see what would happen and the car didnt skip a beat. Maybe a more sleek design, but thats stretching.