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 sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By sandi cyrus - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this van

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  give it a little time - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By new car buyer 2003 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  we found the kia to be very nice compared to some we test drove. also the dealer has jumped to our every request with no hassle. the only design flaw is a small noise comming from engine area. i even test drove twoo others and the same noise was there. other than that the van is great. i would buy an

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  Get the 5-speed - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Honda Guy - September 23 - 7:56 pm

  Weve had our Kia Sport, 5 speed manual, with sunroof for about a week. I also have a Civic and Cube so I qualified for the $1,000 "competitive bonus". I paid $16,700 for this car and have to say so far it looks like its a steal. The transmission is high-revving and take off is quick. Handling in traffic is a breeze, and it looks very cool. We got it in white, due to limited availability of manual transmissions. My wife and I are 47 and we both love driving this. It reminds me of my 1986 Honda CRX Si, but with a back seat. If you want something cheap and lots of fun, this is the car. Our car came with blue tooth and a year of Sat Radio how did I ever live without those? Stereo!

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  FAVORITE - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By budgie - September 22 - 10:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE OF THIS TYPE I HAVE EVER OWNED. ME, MY WIFE AND EVEN MY 19 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOVE TO DRIVE IT. MANY COMMENTS 0N THE "BENZ-JAG" LOOKS.

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  Most people believe they have a soul...but I have a SOUL! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By mazda5forme - September 21 - 10:54 pm

  And I truely love my Soul! Mine is a 2013 KIA Soul Exclaim..which is the top of th line Soul, loaded up with an unbeliveable (for this price range) amount of standard equipment not often found on this price range. All of this includes terrific quality...solid construction and stand out looks. The 10 year 100,000 mile warranty is just Icing on the cake! And the Soul has more than that going for it. Youll note that love it or hate it...people notice te Soul...and even check it out when they see one. Unlike the usual cars filling the mall parking lot...the Toyota/Honda/Prius/Nissan clones...the Soul actually stands out! And its fun to drive, handles well, has a KILLER stereo system too.

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  The Red Baron - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Jeff Hunter - September 21 - 3:07 am

  Great small car

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  Whoa! - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Greg S. - September 21 - 2:26 am

  I have previously owned a Kia Spectra. It was nice, but 2 years later, I went back to the dealership, and fell in love with the Optima. Totally surprised with the power for a four cylinder! I can hold up the parking brake, and burn out (I know, not the smartest thing to do but it does it well)! I have every option available, except for the V6, but I dont need the V6 the 4 cyl is plenty. I feel like I am driving a Lexus or Mercedes. The ride is unmatched.

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  My new favorite brand!!! - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By knightlee02 - September 21 - 1:48 am

  Just purchased a 2014 Kia Cadenza with Luxury Package and not looking back. A great all around car with a sport/luxury persona. The handling and engine response satisfies my joy of driving. The look, comfort and size makes it a very solid The interior is smooth and practical. Its old school with a modern touch. The navigation, voice command and bluetooth is key and learning(or reading the manual) is a breeze. Trunk space is awesome. I dont miss GM. I welcome my new car plus 3 year full maintenance plan! My experience with Hyundai and KIA have been through family and friends. As years pass, quality and convenience has become their calling card. I am glad I answered.

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  Much to like overall - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By D & K - September 20 - 9:36 pm

  Had just traded in my beloved Escape for another when hubby totalled his Vue. Didnt know what to get with so many automakers in financial trouble. He discovered the Borrego and was hooked Unfortunately for him, it had all the features I wanted but didnt get on the Escape so now its mine. Travel weekly Tampa-Orlando-Tampa and the ride is great especially w/ 6 CD for audio books. Few relatively minor problems include: downhill & ESC changed on their own a few times; SIRRUS reverts to weather channel when mode is changed; hwy gas mileage much less than expected; front passenger seat not as comfortable as drivers; a/c cabin air often unpleasant. Daughter just bought 08 Optima & very happy.

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  Im Thrilled with my Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By mcnick - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The most affordable minivan with the most comfort features for the price and its a great riding vehicle as well. Many people have commented that it looks more like an SUV than a minvan. Its perfect for those family trips. We have one child and can fit all of his things and ours well. ONe of the only two minivans that has a power moonroof available as an option... That was a must for me.