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 - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By stockey - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The best mini van at any price,and i have tried them all,i reaaly love it.

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  Still in love!! - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By BrightSilver - December 14 - 4:27 pm

  After testing other mini vans I decided to go with the Sedona. The interior of the Toyota Sienna look too bland for my taste. Honda Odyssey too ugly for me. Test drove Chrysler Town and Country and it felt like it was going to break down. Nissan Quest poor crash ratings so I did not bother. After two years of driving Sedona I had two issues. One was side power sliding door it would not completely close until 2-3 times using remote. Dealer greased power latch and it was corrected. Second transmission shifts harsh one time 1-2 gear when cold then it drives very smooth. Took in for inspection they found nothing and just reset trans cpu. Still have this issue. Electronics are easy to use including gps. With several kids interior is still looks new. Seats are comfortable on long trips. Leather is very nice. After a couple of road trips I still dont have any rock chips so the paint is excellent. Performance is great easy to drive 80-85mph with no effort. I have done 29.5mpg hwy in the city about 16-18mpg. I highly recommend the Kia Sedona. After owning several mini vans this one is my favorite.

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  never thought Id drive a Kia - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By sx_dude - December 12 - 5:56 pm

  Bought a Sportage SX last week. Was looking for a small SUV with some punch, decent fuel economy and a cooled seat for summer days. Only thing I sould find was the Lincoln MKX but didnt want to spend 50K. SX model has 256 hp and 264 torque - it moooooves! Still on first tank of gas so not sure about fuel ratings yet. Several comments from people at work! Kias qualty seems to have come around a lot lately. Traded my BMW 328xi and actually got better 0-60 acceleration, better gas mileage at almost half the cost! Stereo sounds great!

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  My Kia - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Marla999 - December 11 - 6:10 am

  I have not had any problems with it. I wish it had better gas mileage. I am very happy with it.

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  Love it! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By kirisma - December 11 - 5:43 am

  I traded my 2004 Ford Ranger because I needed more room. I didnt want to trade but I am so glad I did. I LOVE this 2006 Kia Sportage. It is comfortable, quiet and fun to drive. Even my large (6 ft+, 300 lb) husband was comfortable on the long drive we took this last weekend. First half of trip he was the passenger, second half he was the driver.

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  Best Kia yet - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Big John - December 11 - 5:40 am

  I got tired of buying premium gas required for my Dodge and sought a new car. Having owned a couple of Kia Rios I thought Kia might have a deal in progress. When I spotted the 09 Optima, I was sold. New sleek lines, great price/rebates, 100K warranty, large interior, great acoustics, decent acceleration for a four banger. I began using premium and got 36 miles to a gallon on the highway. I eventually switched to regular and get 34 mpg. The Rios cost 2 grand less and get 37 mpg. Bigger car, more options, excellent gas mileage. I run about 4,000 miles a month and the 2 grand over the Rio was worth every dime. Turns heads everywhere.

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  A Real Sleeper - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Pain - December 11 - 2:03 am

  The performance and styling of the Amanti is outstanding. I have driven it across country and it handles and rides like a true luxury car. Several friends have compared the styling to that of the Jaguar. The solid door closing sound, the leather seats and the interior features gives the feeling of a much more expensive automobile. One negative, the tires are wearing out too fast even though they are balanced and aligned.

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  KIA Sorrento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By DAL 747 - December 10 - 2:03 pm

  A great value for the money, interior detail nice, comfortable and fun to drive, wasnt looking for a KIA, happy with selection. I would highly recommend you test drive. I had been introduced to the Sorrento at a used LEXUS dealer. Check-one out, you wont be disappointed.

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  Nice Car! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Mike M. - December 10 - 11:30 am

  I just bought my Kia during Labor Day weekend, and I am very happy so far with it. I get way better mileage than I did with my F-150, and am spending only half of what I used to on gas. I use this car as a commuter, and plan on turning it over to my son when he turns 16 in 5 years. Best part about that is, the powertrain will still be under warranty, which is the key reason we bought this car! I compared the Kia with Toyota, Hyundai, and Chevy cars and they just dont compare with options and price.

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  love my sorento!! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By ChristineS - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I cannot say one negative thing about my Sorento. I looked at several other SUVs including the Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape and Hyundai Sante Fe before purchasing my Sorento and the decision to buy the Sorento was an easy one. Its a great looking, great performing vehicle at a gret price.