| Rio ▷ | from $13,900 |
| Soul ▷ | from $14,900 |
| Forte ▷ | from $15,900 |
| Forte Koup ▷ | from $18,600 |
| Forte5 ▷ | from $19,700 |
| Optima ▷ | from $21,500 |
| Sportage ▷ | from $21,600 |
| Sorento ▷ | from $24,100 |
| Sedona ▷ | from $25,900 |
| Cadenza ▷ | from $35,100 |
| K900 ▷ | from $59,500 |
Kia began as a Korean bicycle parts and steel tubing company in 1944. By 1950, they had produced their first bicycle. It took until 1974 before they were ready to produce their first car, the Brisa. Their innovation attracted alliances with Fiat and Peugeot. In the 80s, Ford developed interest in the Kia Pride and the Avella, which were rebranded as the Ford Festiva and the Ford Aspire respectively.
Kias were not sold under their own brand in the U.S. until 1994, when they introduced the Sephia. The following year, they introduced their first SUV, the Sportage, and their sales began to grow. Kia managed the Asian financial crisis poorly and created serious problems for the company. As it struggled, Hyundai stepped in and through a merger proposed a way to deal with the reliability complaints that had been a source of trouble. In 2001, both companies underwent restructuring and developed new lines of more trendy vehicles. In 2005, they opened a manufacturing plant in Georgia and focused on expanding to European markets.
Out of all the other brands, Kia ranks twentieth in overall in brand perception. The most successful models are the Sorento and the Sportage. Other popular models include the Cadenza, Forte, Rio, Rondo, Optima, and Sedona (minivan).
Kia has been focused on the midsize crossovers and compacts, but it is moving into the luxury and subcompact market segments. Specifically, they are trying to attract more rural and corporate consumers to their brand.
Hyundai owns Kia. The chairman of Hyundai’s Board of Directors is also the chairman for Kia’s Board of Directors. Kia’s six other directors are different from Hyundai’s. Like Hyundai, Kia has one Co-CEO on the board and a second co-CEO on the next tier with a CFO, COO, Head of Communications, and the Managing Director for the UK and Ireland.
Sales growth increased in 2013 for the company as a whole, but profit growth fell slightly. Combined sales between Hyundai and Kia were 6.9 million vehicles. Overall, Kia maintains a steady 3.6% of the U.S. market share.
Last updated in May 2014. All prices were taken from the manufacturer's website. They're typically suggested retail prices (MSRPs) excluding tax, delivery, title, registration, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.
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