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 car! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Carl - November 28 - 5:00 pm

  Havent had the car long, but so far Im impressed. It rides nicely and seems to have good handling. It has nice pickup, but shakes ever so slightly sometimes at a stop light. (Not always, but sometimes. Not sure if its a design flaw or not.) So far, I think Id buy another one. Got away from the Fords because of their poor gas mileage. Wanted to go with American, but few have good mpg and are cheap enough to afford.

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  Best kept secret - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Wm. Howell - November 27 - 10:20 pm

  I went from an Infiniti to a Lexus to my Amanti. Hands down this vehicle is quieter and has a smoother ride than my previous vehicles. Time will tell as to whether or not it is as reliable. Even though it is a new model, I feel secure with the 10 year warranty. I get a lot of stares and thumbs up driving it. I it just an all-round beautiful vehicle.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By erns - November 23 - 4:00 am

  Have just over 22,000 miles and the cars still feels solid, no rattles. 29 mpg in mixed driving!

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  Very satisfied Kia owners! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By PaulandKelly - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Sorento! My husband has an Xterra that I cant stand! Its uncomfortable and drives like a truck and I vowed not to have that when I bought an SUV. I found everything I wanted in my Sorento and more! One thing I wish I had gotten...the luxury package!

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  Great luxury car - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By herb45 - November 20 - 6:43 pm

  After driving midsized cars for a number of years, I felt it was time to venture up. With barely 200 miles on it, I am already seeing 30 mp on the highway. I am feeling a slight vibration when I apply the brakes, but I think thats just a brake rotor out of round. Other than that, not much else to say.

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  Good car for the money - 2010 Kia Forte
  By jim - November 19 - 10:00 am

  MSRP: $18510 My cost $16562 With the cash back of $1000. going to dealer. Also got the 2.9% apr for 60 months. Really a fun to drive economical car to drive. Blue tooth, nice stereo, ride is good. Great warranty. Would highly recommend. Drove a few others, but really liked what this car offers for the money. Get the 5 spd automatic, worth the extra $600.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Cindy - November 18 - 6:36 am

  I love my KIA Sorento. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage it gets. Other than that, its a great SUV.

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  Great car - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By lsr - November 15 - 5:50 pm

  Rides great, seats a little firm, pearl white is the bomb, high teens in city drive, mid twentys on open road, replaced an 02 lincoln town car, very solid feel.

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  Just what I was looking for. - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By LJ - November 15 - 3:00 am

  Im really pleased with my Borrego. It looks great and has all the features I want/need at a great price. People tell me when they take a close look at it that they didnt know Kia made a solid mid-size SUV. The ride is not as smooth as a sedan but much smoother than my pickup truck. My city MPG is holding at 19.5. I havent been on a highway trip yet.

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  A happy Amanti Owner - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By walter - November 14 - 8:30 pm

  This car is for the money the best buy. We are extremly satisfied and are considering buying a second Amanti. It gives a feeling of comfort, safety and luxury. I can honestly recommend this car. We also love the styling.