As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia is the fifth-largest automaker in the world. Americans used to know the company mainly for its no-frills economy cars, but that has changed. Today, it offers a lineup of cars and sport-utility vehicles that are attractive and packed with desirable features and compelling options. From the hip, boxy Soul to the K900 luxury sedan, Kia is out to capture American hearts and buyer loyalty with plenty of new, fresh-looking designs. Shoppers looking for an environmentally friendly car will want to check out the Optima Hybrid as well as the all-electric Soul EV. Looking for a bargain? You can get a small car for well under $20,000 (Rio or Soul) or a crossover that starts under $25,000 (Sportage or Sorento). The only thing that's chintzy about a Kia these days is its price.
