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:

• 

  Excellent Value - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By KIA ROCKS - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Although this is a recent purchase, I can compare it to the Dodge Caravan and by far a much better van for the money. Great pick up, interior design, and size. Although the length is shorter than our previous dodge Grand Caravan there is still enough space for luggage and anything else you want to bring along. Kia has come a long way and this van has proven that you can have quality at a great price!

• 

  great bank for the buck - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By superstark - November 3 - 6:30 am

  I researched just about everything in this class, but kept coming back to the Sportage. In terms of value, it clearly beats everything. Nice design, inside and out. Power is decent, excellent safety features. Seriously consider the 6 cylinder over the 4; theres a huge difference. I do think that the steering and brakes could use some improvement, however. I had two problems right off the lot, the turn signal shaft and a belt needed to be replaced. Still, you get more than you pay for, and the Sportage is at least $4-5k less than its competitors if you can find something comparably equipped. How can you a beat a V6/AWD vehicle for around $20k?

• 

  2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By PPower05 - November 3 - 3:43 am

  I am not very happy with this car. I only have 21,000 miles, and it has already been in the shop for faulty fuel valves and transmission problems!! Whats worse, the dealership charged me over $300 to replace the transmission fluid that KIA recommends to replace every 30,000 miles (10,000 prior to when it SHOULD have been replaced) The explanation that I was given was "Kia uses poor fluids from the factory". The 100,000 mile warranty is great, if you have another car! My first KIA (same model) broke down as my family was driving to my high school graduation. My family missed my graduation being at the KIA service center. Get something else, these are not worth your hard earned money!

• 

  My worst car ever - 2007 Kia Optima
  By IdahoFallsLisa - November 2 - 6:36 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2007 Kia Optima. The warranty is useless as you have to jump though hoops and pay crazy costs just to keep up the warranty. They recently replaced both my engine and transmission and the car runs awful. The dealership says that they have performed all the work that Kia would re-imburse them for.

• 

  Decent budget car - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Leadfoot - November 2 - 6:20 am

  This is one of the better budget cars. Decent gas mileage at a greatly affordable price. Im 61" and have no problem fitting in. With the leadfoot I have my gas is still 32 mpg. The problem I have is the power. It can not pull its own weight up a hill without having to downshift even at 65 mph and at lower speeds on a hill it searches for a gear constantly.

• 

  Gorgeous SUV with incredible handling - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By chicken liver - November 1 - 9:53 pm

  This car is hands down the nicest car in its class. It handles like a dream with superior suspension and clean, tight handling. Seven seats and way too many features to list here. This is a rock solid, high performing SUV. You wont be disappointed. All wheel drive. Awesome. Test drive one for yourself.

• 

  Big enough for the Big Guys - 2010 Kia Soul
  By FMC1 - November 1 - 2:16 pm

  When I first saw the Soul, i loved the appearance of the vehicle, but i was also concerned as i fail to fit in most Kias and i assumed this would be the case again. I test drove one and found that there was plenty of space for a big guy who loves being a big guy...as a 64" 415 lb ex-linebacker, fitment is a challenge for most cars, but since i drive over 20000 miles a year economy is a must. So far gas mileage is good at 28 mpg, considering i set my cruise on 72mph with the windows down and the sunroof open. This is my third Kia and the engines are always very tight for the first 12000 miles, after that they loosen up and the gas mileage gets even better. its a great little car.

• 

  Fun to Own - 2010 Kia Soul
  By SusanT - November 1 - 7:00 am

  This is my first "foreign car"; Ive been waiting three years for Chevrolet or someone to make a fun car that I wanted to buy and they didnt build one so when I saw the Soul I decided to buy. I have the molten sport with 18" wheels and I really like it. I get as many comments on the Soul as I get when I drive my Mustang Convertable. It is roomy and comfortable. Really like the Bluetooth and steering wheel controls. Ive had it about a month and havent filled the tank yet so cant comment on the fuel economy. I really like this car in every way and recommend it without reservation.

• 

  2006 Kia Sedona EX minivan - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Tim - November 1 - 5:36 am

  The new design Kia minivan for 2006 rivals the best sellers and employs all the neat things like stow-n-go seating, cubbys and cup holders galore, and easy to read instrument panel; however the best part is the unrivaled safety (side and head airbags, 5 star front and side rating) and the unchallenged 10 year drive train warranty and 60K or 5 year bumper-to-bumper warranty. No doubt about it, the Kia minivan is the best in safety, warranty, and price while the new design is a head turner for Honda and Toyota owners! We love ours.

• 

  3 Strikes and the Kia is out!!!!! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By mdacosta - October 31 - 2:18 pm

  Cant believe it my kia has to go back for the third time for crank polly bolt that keeps breaking off!!!! With bad service and bad attitude from there service department!!! With all the light bulbs going out at different times of the week and A/C stop working after the first year and no body knows why.... Heater never gets hot enough in cold winter weather here in Canada, I have to wear extra clothes to keep warm. Battery always needs a boost. Paint chips off. Do yourself a favor and DONT BUY A KIA!!!!! Youre better off walking, mine leaves me stranded.....