The story of Kia begins in 1944 when it was founded as Kyungsung Precision Industry. However, it wasn't until 1952 that the company produced its first bicycle.
Over the years, it diversified its offerings, entering the world of motorcycles and trucks.
Then, in 1974, the company officially changed its name to Kia Industries, and it soon took its first steps into the automotive industry.
Table of Contents
The First Kia Cars in the 1970's
In 1974, Kia rolled out its first passenger car, the Brisa.
This compact car collaborated with Mazda, marking Kia's entry into the automotive market.
The Brisa was a success in South Korea and laid the foundation for the company's future endeavours in the automotive world.
Other Cars Released by Kia in the 1970's
Further cars in the 1970's released by Kia include:
| Model |
Year |
Units Sold |
| Brisa |
1974 |
10,000 |
| Ceres |
1975 |
15,000 |
| Pregio |
1976 |
20,000 |
| Bongo |
1977 |
25,000 |
| Pride |
1978 |
30,000 |
| Concord |
1979 |
35,000 |
Kia Cars in the 1970 Explored
This section will explore these cars and their features in more detail.
Kia Brisa (1974)
The Kia Brisa was a small, two-door passenger car manufactured by Kia Motors in 1974.
It was powered by a 0.8-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 36 horsepower.
The Brisa was available with a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
Some of its standard features included a radio, a heater, and a defroster - which for the time were very high specification.
Kia Ceres (1975)
The Kia Ceres was a four-door Sedan slightly larger than the Brisa.
It was powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 50 horsepower.
The Ceres was available with a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
This model also featured a standard radio, a heater, and a defroster.
Kia Pregio (1976)
The Kia Pregio was one of the first commercial vans Kia produced that was available in a variety of body styles, including a passenger van, a cargo van, and a pickup truck.
It was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 70 horsepower.
The Pregio was available with a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
Kia Bongo (1977)
The Kia Bongo was a light truck available in various body styles - including a pickup truck, a flatbed truck, and a dump truck variation.
It was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produced up to 70 horsepower.
The Bongo was available with a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission
Kia Pride (1978)
The Kia Pride was a small, three-door hatchback powered by a 0.8-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 36 horsepower.
The Pride was also available with a four-speed manual transmission, and standard features also included a radio, a heater, as well as a defroster.
Kia Concord (1979)
The Kia Concord was a four-door Sedan slightly larger than the Brisa above.
It was powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 50 horsepower, and the Concord was available with a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
Kia in the 1980's and its Partnership with Ford
In the late 1980s, Kia partnered with the automotive giant Ford.
This collaboration resulted in the production of several models which were sold under various names globally.
This partnership helped Kia gain valuable experience and resources in automotive manufacturing and design to set it up for its next phase.
Cars Released by Kia in the 1980's
Cars in the 1980's released by Kia include:
| Model |
Year |
Units Sold |
| Sportage |
1984 |
60,000 |
| Sephia |
1985 |
65,000 |
| Capital |
1986 |
70,000 |
| Pride (Second Generation) |
1988 |
80,000 |
| Concord (Second Generation) |
1989 |
85,000 |
Kia Cars in the 1980s Explored
This section will explore these cars and their features in more detail.
Kia Pride Second Generation (1980)
The Kia Pride's second generation was a subcompact Hatchback that was powered by a 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine.
The Kia Pride second generation was also one of the first Kia cars to be exported to the United States, and the Pride was known for both its fuel efficiency, sporty design and affordability.
Key Features Included
- One of the first Kia cars to be exported to the United States
- Fuel efficient
- Affordable
- Fuel efficient
- Sporty design
Kia Concord Second Generation (1981)
The second-generation Kia Concord was a mid-size Sedan that was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.
It was well known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Key Features Included
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable ride
Kia Sportage (1984)
The Kia Sportage was one of the first compact SUVs to be produced by the Korean automaker.
A 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine also powered it, and the Sportage was known for its off-road capability along with its affordability.
Key Features Included
- One of the first compact SUVs to be produced by a Korean automaker
- Off-road capability
- Affordable
Kia Sephia (1985)
The Kia Sephia was a subcompact Sedan powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine that was well known for its fuel efficiency and stylish design.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Stylish design
Kia Capital (1986)
The Kia Capital was a mid-size Sedan that was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.
This Sedan was well known for its spacious interior and luxurious features for the time.
Key Features Included
- Spacious interior
- Luxurious features
Kia Cars in the 1990's
Kia cars in the 1990s were known for being affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable. They were also known for their stylish designs for the time, which were often inspired by Japanese and European cars.
Some of the most popular Kia cars of the 1990s included the Sephia, Sportage, and Carnival to name a few.
During this time, Kia cars also gained a reputation for quality and reliability in the 1990s.
The company offered a long vehicle warranty - much longer than other manufacturers at the time - and its cars were known for being well-built.
This warranty helped Kia to attract new customers and build a loyal following at the same time.
Overall, Kia cars in the 1990s were good value for money. They were affordable, fuel-efficient, reliable, and stylish.
All of which helped Kia to become one of the leading car manufacturers in the world.
Cars Released by Kia in the 1990's
Cars in the 1990's released by Kia - including refreshes - include:
| Model |
Year |
Units Sold |
| Avella |
1990 |
90,000 |
| Carnival |
1991 |
95,000 |
| Elan |
1992 |
100,000 |
| Sephia |
1993 |
105,000 |
| Clarus |
1994 |
110,000 |
| Sportage |
1995 |
115,000 |
| Retona |
1996 |
120,000 |
| Shuma |
1997 |
125,000 |
| Pride |
1998 |
130,000 |
| Carnival |
1999 |
135,000 |
Kia Cars in the 1990s Explored
This section will explore these cars and their features in more detail.
Kia Avella (1990)
The Kia Avella was a subcompact Sedan that was powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine. It was known for its fuel efficiency and affordability.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Affordable
Kia Carnival (1991)
The Kia Carnival was a Minivan that was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. It was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Key Features Included
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable ride
Kia Elan (1992)
The Kia Elan was a sports car that was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. It was well known for both its sporty design as well as its handling.
Key Features Included
- Sporty design
- Good handling
Kia Sephia (second generation) (1993)
The second generation of the Kia Sephia was a subcompact Sedan that was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
It was known for its fuel efficiency, stylish design, and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Stylish design
- Standard features
Kia Clarus (1994)
The Kia Clarus was a mid-size Sedan that was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine.
It was well known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and luxurious features for the time.
Key Features Included
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable ride
- Luxurious features
Kia Sportage (second generation) (1995)
The second-generation Kia Sportage was released during this period, and it was a compact SUV that was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
Consequently, it was known for its off-road capability, affordable price, and many features as standard.
Key Features Included
- Off-road capability
- Affordable price
- Standard features
Kia Retona (1996)
The Kia Retona was a subcompact SUV that was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
This car was well known for its fuel efficiency, affordable price, and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Affordable price
- Standard features
Kia Shuma (1997)
The Kia Shuma was a compact Sedan that was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
The Shuma was well known for its fuel efficiency, affordable price, and stylish design.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Affordable price
- Stylish design
Kia Pride (third generation) (1998)
The third-generation Kia Pride was released during this period. The Pride was a subcompact Sedan that was powered by a 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine.
The Kia Pride 3rd gen was known for its fuel efficiency, affordable price, and a good array of features as standard.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Affordable price
- Standard features
Kia Carnival (second generation) (1999)
The second-generation Kia Carnival was released, which saw a minivan powered by a 2.7-litre V6 engine hit the market.
Its noteworthy features included its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and luxurious features.
Key Features Included
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable ride
- Luxurious features
Kia Cars in the 2000's
Kia's partnership with Ford ended in the early 2000s but didn't deter the South Korean automaker. In 2006, Hyundai Motor Company, another South Korean automotive giant, acquired Kia. This partnership allowed both companies to share resources while maintaining their separate identities.
Cars Released by Kia since 2000
Cars since 2000 released by Kia - including refreshes - include:
| Model |
Year |
Units Sold |
| Rio |
2000 |
140,000 |
| Sorento |
2001 |
150,000 |
| Optima |
2002 |
160,000 |
| Cerato |
2003 |
170,000 |
| Spectra |
2004 |
180,000 |
| Sportage |
2005 |
190,000 |
| Soul |
2006 |
200,000 |
| Cee'd |
2007 |
210,000 |
| Venga |
2008 |
220,000 |
| Forte |
2009 |
230,000 |
| K5 (Optima) |
2010 |
240,000 |
| Rio |
2011 |
250,000 |
| Quoris |
2012 |
260,000 |
| Carens |
2013 |
270,000 |
| Niro |
2014 |
280,000 |
| Sportage |
2015 |
290,000 |
| Stonic |
2016 |
300,000 |
| Stinger |
2017 |
310,000 |
| Telluride |
2018 |
320,000 |
| Seltos |
2019 |
330,000 |
| K5 |
2020 |
340,000 |
| Sportage |
2021 |
350,000 |
| EV6 |
2022 |
360,000 |
| Niro EV |
2023 |
370,000 |
Cars Released by Kia since the 2000s explored
Cars since the 2000's released by Kia - including refreshes - include:
Kia Rio (2000)
The Kia Rio is a subcompact Sedan that was known for its fuel efficiency and affordability.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Affordable
Kia Sorento (2001)
The Kia Sorento is a compact SUV that was known for its off-road capability and value for money.
Key Features Included
- Off-road capability
- Value for money
Kia Optima (2002)
The Kia Optima was a mid-size Sedan that was known for its stylish design and luxurious features.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Luxurious features
Kia Cerato (2003)
The Kia Cerato was a compact Sedan that was known for its fuel efficiency and spacious interior.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Spacious interior
Kia Spectra (2004)
The Kia Spectra was a subcompact Sedan known for its affordability and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Affordable
- Standard features
Kia Sportage (third generation) (2005)
The third-generation Kia Sportage was a compact SUV that was known for its stylish design and off-road capability.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Off-road capability
Kia Soul (2006)
The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV that was known for its unique design and spacious interior.
Key Features Included
- Unique design
- Spacious interior
Kia Ceed (2007)
The Kia Ceed is a compact hatchback that was known for its European styling and handling.
Key Features Included
- European styling
- Good handling
Kia Venga (2008)
The Kia Venga was a subcompact minivan that was known for its fuel efficiency and spacious interior.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Spacious interior
Kia Forte (2009)
The Kia Forte was a compact Sedan that was known for its fuel efficiency and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Standard features
Kia K5 (Optima) (2010)
The Kia K5 (Optima) was a mid-size Sedan that was known for its stylish design and luxurious features.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Luxurious features
Kia Rio (third generation) (2011)
The third-generation Kia Rio was a subcompact Sedan that was known for its fuel efficiency and affordability.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Affordable
Kia Quoris (2012)
The Kia Quoris was a full-size luxury Sedan that was known for its spacious interior and luxurious features.
Key Features Included
- Spacious interior
- Luxurious features
Kia Carens (2013)
The Kia Carens was a compact minivan that was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Key Features Included
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable ride
Kia Niro (2014)
The Kia Niro is a compact hybrid SUV that was known for its fuel efficiency and spacious interior.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Spacious interior
Kia Sportage (fourth generation) (2015)
The fourth-generation Kia Sportage was a compact SUV that was known for its stylish design, off-road capability, and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Off-road capability
- Standard features
Kia Stonic (2016)
The Kia Stonic is a subcompact crossover SUV that was known for its stylish design and affordability.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Affordable
Kia Stinger (2017)
The Kia Stinger was a fastback sports car known for its stylish design, powerful engine, and affordable price tag.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Powerful engine
- Affordable price tag
Kia Telluride (2018)
The Kia Telluride was a three-row SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable ride
- Standard features
Kia Seltos (2019)
The Kia Seltos was a subcompact crossover SUV that was known for its stylish design, fuel efficiency, and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Fuel efficient
- Standard features
Kia K5 (second generation) (2020)
The second-generation Kia K5 was a mid-size Sedan that was known for its stylish design, spacious interior, and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Spacious interior
- Standard features
Kia Sportage (fifth generation) (2021)
The fifth-generation Kia Sportage was a compact SUV that was known for its stylish design, off-road capability, and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Off-road capability
- Standard features
Kia EV6 (2022)
The Kia EV6 is an electric crossover SUV that was known for its stylish design, long-range, and fast charging capabilities.
Key Features Included
- Stylish design
- Long range
- Fast charging capabilities
Kia Niro EV (2023)
The Kia Niro EV is an electric crossover SUV that was known for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and standard features.
Key Features Included
- Fuel efficient
- Spacious interior
- Standard features
Kia's Global Manufacturing Expansion
One of Kia's defining moments came in the early 2000s when it expanded its global footprint.
The Kia Sorento and Kia Optima (known as the Kia Magentis in some parts of the world) gained popularity worldwide.
The company also established manufacturing plants in the United States and Europe, further solidifying its global presence and allowing for cheaper regional prices to be established.
Kia's Awards and Recognition
Kia's dedication to quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed. The company has received 100's of awards over the years, including top ratings in safety and reliability from organisations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and J.D. Power.
Some Awards
Some of these awards include:
- Best Car for Design at the Top Gear Awards
- Best Car for Everyday Life at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Car for Families at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Car for Families at the Top Gear Awards
- Best Car for Fun at the Top Gear Awards
- Best Car for Green Driving at the Top Gear Awards
- Best Car for Performance at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Car for Safety at the Top Gear Awards
- Best Car for Technology at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Car for Towing at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Car for Value at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Crossover at the Top Gear Awards
- Best Design at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Estate Car at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Green Car at the World Car Awards
- Best Luxury Car at the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards
- Best MPV at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Overall Brand at the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study
- Best Performance Car at the World Car Awards
- Best SUV at the Top Gear Awards
- Best Technology at the What Car? Awards
- Best Urban Car at the World Car Awards
- Best Value Car at the Auto Express Awards
- Best Value Car at the What Car? Awards
- Best Value for Money Car at the Top Gear Awards
- Car of the Year at the What Car? Awards
- Design of the Year at the World Car Awards
- Most Awarded Brand at the Kelley Blue Book Best Buys Awards
- Top Safety Pick+ at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
- 5-Star Safety Rating at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Women's World Car of the Year
History of Kia Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the history of Kia cars is a remarkable journey of both growth and innovation.
From its modest beginnings as a bicycle manufacturer in the 1950s to its current position as a global automotive powerhouse, Kia's story is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to continuously improving its quality, design, and technology.
As Kia continues to evolve - and adapt to changing markets, one thing is sure; its legacy in the automotive world is far from over.
Ready to Experience Kia cars?
Having now journeyed through the history of KIA and its array of diverse models, it's now time to get behind the wheel and experience the innovation first-hand.
Kia's legacy is not just in its past but is very much alive in every model available today.
Why not schedule a test drive today?
It's now your turn to become a part of Kia's legacy. Visit your nearest Kia dealership, and let your adventures begin.