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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  Great Van but where is the 25 MPG - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By trove - February 27 - 8:23 pm

  We love the van but the best mileage we have gotten is 19.1 on a level road. We average about 16 MPG which is almost the same as we get with our Avalanche. Our old Grand Voyager would average over 17 MPG and get almost 23 MPG on a trip. Comfort is excellent but the second row seats are a little tall for an adult as a taller person will hit their head on the roof. A couple of minor problems but the dealer bent over backwards to make them right. All in all an excellent value for the money. We would put this side by side with any minivan made. Also dont forget this has the highest safety rating on any minivan made.

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  Suprisingly Competeitive - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By falsesmall - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This van definitely competes with the upper classmen in this field and would do so even at a higher price. I would guess this is the best car for the money bar none. Loaded with standard features, handles well for a van, very peppy and quiet engine accompanied by a smooth shifting transmission. Looks good in and out. Would not hesitate to buy this car again.

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  A stiff suspension and a bog in acceleration hurt this suvs rating. - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By bc59 - February 21 - 10:08 am

  I took delivery of my Kia Sorento with the optional V-6 a little over a year ago. After several months I noticed a bog (flat spot) when accelerating from a stop. The Kia dealership said to put gas treatment in the tank which I did but this did not help. The problem still persists. The suspension is very stiff and even the smallest bumps in the road can be felt. I driven a Ford Edge and a Jeep Cheerokee and their suspensions were much softer. Also, one of the side steps on my suv has come loose. Apparently from the factory a screww was not tightened enough. I like the looks of the Sorento but it is not a refined vehicle. Ill probably trade it in on another vehicle soon.

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  KIA, who would have known Id buy one? - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Tess - February 18 - 2:30 pm

  The only thing getting me kinda mad is; when I grab to open the door, there is no grip on the handle and its kinda made for small hands I guess. So if I dont think about it, the door handle always slip out of my grip.. For the rest, this car is full equipped + it has a 5 yrs bumper to bumper warranty, so I say, let it break. But Im sure it wont since its 5 yrs B-to-B.

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  Gotta love it - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By TXKiaOwner - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 14 months ago and have had no trouble what so ever. I have about 20,000 miles on it and will probably need tires in another 10K or so. (I drive mostly all highway). Gas mileage is about 31-33mpg. (5spd)

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  Everyone Needs a Titanium Soul (Now & Then) - 2011 Kia Soul
  By cooksley007 - February 6 - 12:59 pm

  I purposefully ordered a 2010 “plus” model with a myriad of options because the criticism of the “exclaim” model for highway noise and rattly ride (due to the larger diameter rims) was proved out in my test drives. I Love this car! I smile every time I see it parked or in my driveway (and not because of the hamster commercials). Although I view it as my mid-life, commuter, anti-sports car, it handles surprisingly well and has plenty of zip when merging onto some of our (Philadelphia area) white-knuckle highways. Interior has plenty of room for a teen, a tween, and a hockey bag !lenty of room for a teen and a tween and a hockey bag.

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  A great value - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By John H. - February 6 - 11:43 am

  Bought this for half the price of its competitors - Now have 120,000 miles with few problems. Service centers are mostly good ( one big exception & on big ticket items like air conditioning it pays to shop around ! ) Ask Kia sportage drivers you meet & almost all like their cars. Hardly ever see one for sale - people keep them until the cows come home. Recent changes to big & fancy models made the KIA SUV just like all the others.

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  Love driving it - hate the recent fixes - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Barb - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Original owner. 140,000. Other than the headlight and coolant reservoir issues that ALL 04 Sorentos seem to have, Ive replaced the throttle position sensor. Has been reliable and though mostly highway miles, it has never needed brakes (knowing how to drive a stick has helped with that). Doesnt eat tires, and get about 21 mpg. However, PCV and Catalytic Conv. need replacing now. Will be paid off next month and has NO resale value. Will drive it til the wheels fall off (fun off road), but hope I can get the parts for my mechanic for the current and upcoming fixes. Almost all must be purchased at the dealer.

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  So Far so good - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Raven - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2004 Sorento EX (4wd) for about 2 months now and have about 2600 miles on it. So far nothing has gone wrong with it and Ive had a great time driving it. The sorento has the best factory installed stereo system Ive ever heard. Im regulary being asked about the car and everyone who has seen it has been impressed. So far, its been a great pay for the money.

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  Right Stuff - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Mush - January 30 - 5:46 am

  The spectra 5 auto is fun and easy to drive. It looks great, holds the road real good and handles better than the Camry LE 2008 sedan which I test drove. I also test drove the Honda Civic 2008 but with all elements considered, I bought the Kia. Kia has good driving visibility (I am short) and the hatchback is a plus in this price range (cheaper by about $5K).