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Kia 2013 Overview

Kia logoAT A GLANCE

TECHNOLOGY: Surprising perks abound for these budget cars, including USB ports, Sirius Satellite Radio and LED turn indicators.

HISTORY: From the 1940s to the 1970s, Kia produced bicycles and scooters. Today, it is one of the top budget auto manufacturers in the world.

FAMOUS MODELS: Forte, Optima and Rio

KNOWN FOR: Budget-friendly vehicles that are bursting with a surprising number of amenities and features.

Sporty cars to fit a budget

In many ways, Kia Motors learned the art of auto manufacturing from the ground up. Upon debuting in South Korea back in 1944, the company produced bicycle parts and tubing. Over time, it segued into manufacturing the actual bicycles themselves; later, scooters and other motorbikes came along. Finally, in the 1970s Kia made the leap into manufacturing cars.
After partnering with Ford for some time to produce Mazda-derived cars for the South Korean market, Kia became incorporated in the United States in 1992. Starting in Portland, Oregon, the car manufacturer began marketing its wares in 1994. Gradually, it expanded its radius out of the Pacific Northwest and operates more than 640 dealers in the United States today.
The first model debuted by Kia in the U.S. was the Sephia; from there, the car manufacturer jumped into the SUV craze of the mid-1990s with its Sportage model. Financial difficulties in the late 1990s forced Kia to merge with Hyundai; this also initially prompted a limitation on the number of new vehicles in the Kia lineup.
Kia has recovered from its merger with Hyundai and has emerged as one of the foremost budget vehicle manufacturers in the United States today. Enhanced warranty programs and the inclusion of several key features and innovations have made models like the Optima, Sedona and the Spectra immensely popular.

2013 VEHICLES TO WATCH

Sportage
This Consumers Digest “Best Buy” continues to be a popular choice for its design, power and fuel efficiency.

Sorento
This year brings new standard leather seating for the mid-level EX trim and a newly standard third-row seat for the LX V6 trim.

Optima
For 2013, Optima expands its popular line with the all-new Limited trim, which adds new luxury and refinement.