Friendly Kia Official Blog
Archive for the ‘History’ Category
Kia Best Decade (So Far) Summarized
Tuesday, December 31st, 2019
Kia’s Greatest Hits 2010-2019
If you’re like us, the arrival of the 20s has snuck up on you like the “clever girl” velociraptor in Jurassic Park. It’s true – we’re already looking at a new decade that has come and went with some of the most interesting, controversial and historically important moments and trends that are sure to mark our culture for decades to come.
(more…)Behind the Red Oval – Ford, Kia and Mazda’s Unique Relationship
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018
Are Kia, Mazda and Ford Related?
Kia’s slogan of “the power to surprise” says a lot about their current lineup. After all, the modern Kia brand is no stranger to delighting and impressing by introducing models that nobody in the automotive industry would have expected. Most recently, that means vehicles like the Kia Stinger and upcoming Kia Telluride. Although they’re everywhere on the road today, the Kia Soul was a surprising vehicle when it debuted ten years ago as well. (more…)
Flashback Friday: Kia Retona
Friday, April 6th, 2018
Kia Retona Model History and Photos
(Note: With Thursday being reserved for our Weekend Local Events roundups during the spring and into the early summer, we’re shifting our Throwback Thursday series to Fridays).
Perhaps a fair criticism about current trends in automotive design is that they’re trying to cram too much into one vehicle. Many crossovers and sedans are chunky monuments to compromise, doing everything okay but nothing particularly outstanding. (more…)
Throwback Thursday: Kia Rondo
Thursday, February 8th, 2018
Kia Rondo Model History and Photos
We’ve talked about it before on this blog, but in case you didn’t know we’re huge fans of the minivan at Friendly Kia. Even if you don’t have seven or eight passengers you’re looking to seat, the ability to fill over 120 cubic feet of space with material and still enjoy a comfortable and safe ride is second-to-none in these vehicles. (more…)
Throwback Thursday: Kia Borrego
Thursday, January 11th, 2018
Kia Borrego Model History and Photos
“It ain’t about how hard you hit…it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward…” This quote, from 2006’s Rocky Balboa offers a lot of insight into life and enterprise. Show me a success story without any failures along the way and I’ll show you what I was going for when I went to Bass Pro Shop for Christmas shopping last month and left $30 poorer with 0 presents. (more…)
Throwback Thursday: Kia Spectra
Thursday, December 28th, 2017
Kia Spectra Model History and Photos
There used to be a simpler time…
A time when people weren’t buried in their phones at dinner with one another…
A time when drivers had to use maps, or print off directions from the internet…
A time where your choice in music was limited to the CDs you brought with you, or what was on the radio…
Was it a better time? (more…)
Throwback Thursday: Kia Brisa
Thursday, December 14th, 2017
Kia Brisa History and Images
As we’ve discussed in the past, Kia has been kind of a late bloomer when it comes to memorable automotive design. Although their most recent designs have been nothing short of extraordinary, their old models like the Amanti, Pride and even old Optima model years left a bit to be desired from a strictly-aesthetic perspective. (more…)
Throwback Thursday: Kia Pride
Thursday, December 7th, 2017
Kia Pride Model History and Photos
When it comes to cars, most fall on a scale between “Interesting” and “Practical.” We’re not going to kid ourselves and say that Kia has always made cars that are as interesting or alluring as the Stinger or the Soul.
For a long time, Kia was known as a brand that could produce competent vehicles, competing with industrial giants like Toyota and Nissan, not on their style or tech, but on their reliability and versatility. These days, the tables have turned. Kia is producing some of the most attractive and interesting cars, while class competitors put out the same vehicle every year with a few bells and whistles added (and price increases to match). (more…)
