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Author: Kaitlyn Short
Kia is known for its unconventional path to the automotive industry. Kia first started as a steel and bicycle manufacturer — creating Korea’s first bicycle in 1951. Kia eventually expanded its product line to offer motor scooters. As its confidence grew, Kia continued to innovate, one wheel at a time. In the following years, Kia started offering motorcycles, three-wheeled cargo vehicles, and finally, four-wheel automobiles. Kia was the first company to manufacture passenger vehicles in Korea.
Kia was initially recognized as a “budget-friendly” car brand. Since Hyundai acquired Kia in 1998, Kia has experienced major improvements in its design, warranty, and reliability. Kia's lineup includes SUVs, crossovers, sedans, hybrids, electrics, hatchbacks, and minivans. With models starting at $16,000 MSRP, many consumers can find the right price and size to fit their needs.
Keep reading our Kia review to learn more about the pros and cons of owning a Kia or skip to the Kia Vehicle Reviews section to learn more about the customer experience.
Customers are the best indicators of a brand’s ability to deliver on its promises. Kia ranks within the top 10 car brands at bestcompany.com. Positive reviews highlight the smooth ride, good fuel economy, high value, and trusted reliability of Kia vehicles.
Customer Review: A’lea
“Very reliable car and company. Great on gas. Every time I take my car to get serviced at Kia I receive the best treatment and care.”
Customer Review: Alyssa
“Kia is amazing! I drive a Kia now, and it is super spacious and super cute! I also got it for a great price and FREE oil changes whenever I need it! I would definitely recommend this car company to all new drivers!”
When you purchase a Kia vehicle, you will receive a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is one of the longest warranty plans in the car industry. Most car companies offer an average 3-year warranty plan for new vehicles. Kia warranty also includes a 5-year/60,000 miles limited basic warranty, 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan. As long as you service your car through Kia dealerships, you can enjoy the full benefits of the Kia warranty.
Note: Kia warranty does not cover collision damage, wear and tear damage, or improper owner maintenance. The warranty coverage is not fully transferable and greatly decreases if you sell your Kia before the 10-year warranty expires.
Reduce your CO2 emissions and save on car ownership fees with a hybrid or electric vehicle. With government incentives and improved innovation, electric vehicles are becoming a popular choice for car buyers.
Kia competes against major auto manufacturers in the race to build the best fuel-efficient vehicle. Kia currently offers five hybrid/electric vehicle options. These include the Kia Niro, Kia Optima Hybrid, Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid, and the Kia Niro EV. Kia plans to release 16 more vehicle options including new hybrid and EV models by 2025.
The Niro is one of the longest-range electric vehicles on the market in 2020. A full charge on a Kia Niro EV can last up to 239 miles. Excluding Tesla models, the Kia Niro has a competitive electric mode range with other top cars lasting between 200-300 miles on a single charge.
Kia makes it easy to keep your car charged and moving. Kia has over 26,000 Level 2 outlets spread across the nation. The company continues to expand its network of charging stations each year. Charge at home, work, or nearby stations to avoid unnecessary complications to your day. Find a Kia charging station near you with an app such as Plug and Share.
Setting up an at-home car charging station is easy with Kia’s Amazon partnership. After purchasing your electric vehicle, you can order a charging cable through Amazon. Pick a date and time for a licensed electrician to install the outlet. The installation is backed by Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with the service, Amazon will correct the problem or give you a full refund.
After significant design improvement in the early 2000s, Kia has fought its way to the top of the charts. Kia has received a number of awards showcasing its excellent design and performance. Below are some of the most recent awards recognizing Kia’s fine craftsmanship.
Kia’s cars come with standard features that make owning a car simple. Connect the Kia app to your vehicle to experience the full benefits of Kia’s UVO technology, including the following features:
Kia's lineup comes with standard safety features found in similar car brands. These include features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and brake-force distribution standard across all Kia models. Kia also offers advanced safety features through the Kia Drive Wise. The following safety features benefit those who desire more confidence on the road:
In 2020, Hyundai and Kia issued a recall on over 600,000 vehicles for suspected fire risk. Companies are concerned about a brake fluid leak that could lead to an electrical short in the car. The recall is for three vehicles: the Kia Optima (2013-2015), Kia Sorento (2014-2015), and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2013-2015). These companies are also facing a class-action lawsuit related to the fire danger.
Kia cars receive the credit they deserve. Thanks to new design upgrades and the Hyundai merger, Kia has become a top competitor in the U.S. car market. If you are looking for a sedan, SUV, or hybrid, Kia is a great option for a vehicle that is both reliable and sleek. You also wont have to pay top dollar for quality. Many car companies have issued recalls within the last 20 years, so the fire risk recall should not deter you from choosing Kia. However, we recommend avoiding a used Kia model created during the recall years.
Read through our Kia reviews below to learn about customer experiences with the brand. If you are ready to take the next steps towards owning a Kia, visit a local Kia dealership to test drive and discuss pricing options.
Review Source
Maverick Denhalter Salt Lake City, UT
5 years ago
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