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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  Better than expected - 2006 Kia Rio
  By jequines - June 26 - 9:46 pm

  Bought second hand for my wife and she loves it, I sorta like it. Has heated front seats which was surprising for a car like a rio. Gas mileage is excellent performance is adequate and comfort is adequate also. I was expecting this car to be horrible but she loved it so we got it. It has 60,000kms on it now with only 2 problems, spark plugs died at 40,000km no big deal, but timing belt slipped around the same time and had to be replaced for $800 not under warranty! Metal body is poor quality every stone chip begins rusting immediately unlike domestic galvanized cars. Overall I would buy again(for the wife).

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  Very nice little minivan - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By stockey - June 26 - 1:20 pm

  Very sturdy and trouble free van, nice build quality inside compared with cheap American minivans. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  get what U paid for, maybe - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Key-uh - June 23 - 12:47 am

  Bought new, a lot of Dealer gimmicks, Dealership has since been sold. Michelin tires (new) wore out after only 27K miles, probably hot, rough roads to blame. First time on a very steep mountain downhill brakes became very hot, nearly failed. Otherwise, good MPG at first, 89 octane best for freeway speeds. Went to a dealer in another state for 30K maint., less zip but better MPG. Local Dealer replaced some power steering hoses and pesky doorjam lock dented by dangling seat belt. A high-end shop did the 60K service, after 4K miles, loud noises. i parked this Kia for a few years. Now running nicely. Great handling, good turning radius, smooth solid feel. Has been an awesome snow vehicle. Versatile storage, car-camper. Check service records and have a mechanic verify.

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  Fun, functionality & a bargain to boot - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Anjay - June 22 - 5:46 am

  I bought my Rondo off-lease 15 months ago with just under 16k on the odometer. Ive driven it on the interstates, urban byways, country lanes, mountain roads, etc., and have no performance issues. No problems at all beyond the scheduled maintenance. Its well made, well equipped and is very functional--a terrific little multitasker at a bargain price.

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  My Kia Forte SX Koup - 2012 Kia Forte
  By rskipk2 - June 20 - 11:05 pm

  This is a short review of my new Kia which I have had for several months now. I am still getting to know the car but these are my impressions so far: First off, I know the Koup will be completely changed for 2013 but I love the look and style of the one I have, light silver with black leather interior w/red stitching. About the interior: It is well built and very comfortable however some of the materials used in the door panels are just average.The car is quick, good looking, and very easy to live with on a daily basis. Average mpg is about 23, it likes to be driven and that is what I love. There are no rattles or noises, it feels solid and is very fun to drive, especially on two lane roads.

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  Bang for the Buck Truck - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Rodney Allen - June 20 - 10:26 pm

  After looking at lots of V6 midsized SUVs, I bought an `08 Sorento LX two weeks ago and have been very happy with it--once I tracked down a rattle up front and a chain-like jingle coming from somewhere in the rear. The rattle was caused by the garage door opener compartment. I fixed it by putting two washcloths in it, which put some pressure on the plastic door, as well as providing some sound baffling. The chain-like jingle was coming from the latch on the rear hatch. Some silicone lubricant put an end to that. With those initial annoyances out of the way, I was free to enjoy the refined character of the Sorento--great looks, good performance, unmatched value. This truck is a real deal.

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  Roomy & Right-sized. Thumbs up overall. - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Jimmer - June 20 - 5:30 pm

  Really like my Rondo. Getting 21 city 26.5 hwy. Good power/very roomy. Front of vehicle looks a little plain, but I like the back end and side views. I did a 20% tint on the back windows (not driver, passenger-front or windshield) and it really increases the exterior appeal. Suggest you spend $150 and do the same. Also drove a 4 cylinder Rondo; seems even more peppy in city driving than the 6 cylinder! Wouldnt shy away from buying a 4-banger. Both pull 2500 RPMs at 70 MPH. But the tranny on the 4 seems a little smoother shifting. Great dash set up; lots of rear leg room; sits higher up than sedan and slightly lower than an SUV - a happy median. Drivers seat height good for long legs.

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  Worth The Price - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By R Tronick - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new 1-1/2 years ago. 5 speed manual transmission, AC, Rear Wiper, CD Player. Ive never had any problems. I did get the letter about the cracked ORVR Valve problem, and had my deler replace it. Im getting good gas mileage (25 city/35 hwy). Tires could be better, but I really havent had much trouble driving in snow (Wisconsin) or rain. My Spectra is comfortable and fun to drive. A reliable car for the price.

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  01 Kia Rio - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Nate812 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  For the price - you get what you pay for. No dragging in this car! Ive gotten it up to 110mph but it started feeling light so I backed off. The only real complaint that I have is that the car needs atleast 5 (more like 10) more HP. Getting on the highway is not bad, but acceleration from 45-65 is sluggish in 5th and not recommended that you dowshift to 3rd. On high mountians with sharp climbs the car gives off a "odor" what I think is just the engine working too hard. Pluses!! Lots of trunk room and great gas mileage...

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  2013 Kia Sportage LX AWD - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By rottensox - June 18 - 6:53 am

  I bought a brand new Sportage a few weeks ago. It had less than 400 miles on it from the dealer driving it from a different state. At 800 miles I noticed the rear differential leaking fluid. I took it back to the dealer and they are currently replacing the differential. I hope this doesnt represent the overall quality of the car as I paid over $20,000 for it.