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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  Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Sam - October 5 - 6:10 pm

  Pros: Dealership maintenance service is superior; no appointment needed, just roll in and the service rep is more than happy to assist. Fuel mileage good, but could be better for its size. No questions asked on warranty; 10 year/100K coverage areas. Kia, in general, is a very real vehicle seen on the ordinary used car lot! Excellent value package over Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Cons: Insurance rating is higher than a 1999 Durango because of side impact risks to the driver. An occasional transmission slip upon initial startup. Not attracting a large number of mature buyers; considered the beginners car choice, not a family vehicle.

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  Not the best - 2003 Kia Optima
  By P.R. - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this is supposed to be a car that gets very good gas mileage, but what i have found is that there should be a law that makes the manufacturer state the real mileage that the car gets. over- all the car does have good looks on the exterior. i have found several rattles that are very annoying on the interior.

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  2004 kia sedona ex - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By kiamania - October 5 - 10:00 am

  just bought a new sedona with all the bells and whistles as a gift for my wife. had some problems with the service dept. at dealer from options i had installed. vehicle rides great and the leather seats are comfortable. rearview eyesight is hindered if dvd player is in use while driving making side mirrors a top priority. for a van of this weight it has good acceleration and handles well for the type driving we do. engine always seems to be in right gear. interior noise level is a little bit higher than expected, but playing the radio helps to block some of that out. door handles could seem a bit more sturdy and not have that could break any moment feel. overall love our new kia sedona ex...

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  Love At First Drive !!! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By RafaelVD - October 5 - 10:00 am

  After researching several SUVs, including the pricier ones; I finally tried a Sorento. I was still cautious of a Kia product, even though the Edmunds reviews were raving; but after one test drive .. I had to have it!! The looks, the quietness, the cd/radio, the comfort, the nice drive, the warranty .. it was all there! Plus, its $10K cheaper on avg. than the other luxury SUVs I researched. I also feel very safe with the pass. & side airbags (I also got anti-lock brakes.) I really feel that I got the best SUV available today, and that it happens to be affortable. Believe when I tell, this car turns heads and makes people rethink! You will be proud to own this SUV ... I know I am.

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  My KIA - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By homecollector - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I drove and tested several SUVs from the Lexus and Acura to the Honda and Ford - I like the design, performance and interior of my KIA better than the others. It is a great SUV. Remember to change the timing belt as instructed at 54,000 miles.

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  2005 LX, 5 Speed Manual, Sport Package - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By simon609zp - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable. Priced unbelievably competitively. Looks great, rides great, handles great. I know Im in the minority buying a stick shift SUV, but with the Sport Package its just like driving a sedan.

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  My 2003 Kia Sorento Best Car I ever have had. - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By sorento2012 - October 3 - 11:00 pm

  Minor problems like horn, clock not working. Had to replace the U-joint front and back. Everything else is fine and working. Minor leak in sunroof, was adjusted. Paint on side mirrors came off and the same for the tail hatch. Made out of plastic.

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  Kia 2000 - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By kkdt - October 3 - 2:00 am

  very good...would recommend more friends to buy it...very economical and outstanding reliability

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  The best car i have EVER had! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Elizabeth Satko - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The Kia Rio is the greatest automobile I have ever had

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  Better Than Decent Van - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By bracing - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Quite pleased, especially for the price. Looks nice, rides well, feels safe. Fit and finish better than imagined it would be.