2009 Kia Buying Guide

Kia has been selling cars in the United States since the early 1990's, but chances are through most of that decade you weren't aware or weren't impressed. Around 2000, Kia caught some attention when it started offering a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, by far the best in the industry. Still its cars were mostly forgettable. Not so anymore. Kia is in the process of introducing a slew of cars that are attractive and inviting. Even the cars in Kia's lineup that are still somewhat lackluster in the styling department still offer great value and the same industry-leading warranty. It's been a long road for Kia, but with 14 years of increased market share in the United States, the public seems to be responding to their efforts. Content by William Sidney Photos courtesy of Kia

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The 2010 Kia Soul could have easily been named "perfect campus car." With just the right proportions and style, ease-in parking and a great price, this small crossover will no doubt find a welcoming audience. : $13,995-$16,950 : Honda Element, Dodge Nitro, Hyundai Tucson

Available 18-inch alloy wheels Sport-tuned suspension EPA-estimated 26 city/31 highway

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The 2009 Kia Borrego is a new model for this year, cutting an attractive profile, and featuring some nice amenities for an even nicer price. With an available V8, the Borrego can tow as much as 7,500 pounds. : $26,995-$33,745 : Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Explorer, Jeep Liberty EPA-estimated 17 city/22 highway mpg with available 3.8-liter V6 Independent rear suspension for great handling Comfortable seating for seven passengers

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For 2010, Kia will up the ante again with its upcoming Forte and Forte Koup, bringing its growing muscle to bear on high-end sedans from Honda and Toyota. Forte is a four-door sedan with impressive and sexy lines, high anticipated fuel efficiency, and luxury features to spare. Look for it in June 2009. : $13,695 - $17,195 : Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt Available four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, 173 horsepower and 168 foot-pound of torqueAnticipated fuel economy nearing 34 miles per gallon

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The coupe version of the new Kia Forte boasts a hip-sounding misspelling of the word "coupe," but the real draw is the attractive new bodywork of this affordable two-door. Expect great fuel economy in the area of 31-34 mpg highway, as well as an athletic, fun-to-drive suspension. : $16,000-$18,000 (est.) : Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Accord, Ford Focus 156-horse DOHC with 144 foot-pound of torque on tap Lots and lots of standard features with numerous optional features Standard electronic stability control, optional moonroof Coming Summer 2009

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The updated styling of the 2009 Kia Optima breathes fresh life into the platform, as does the added 13 horses in the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. With 21 city/31 highway, this is one of the best priced family sedan values on the market today. : $17,500-$22,000 : Hyundai Sonata, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord Available DOHC 24-valve V6 engine Available leather seating surfaces on SX appearance package Also available in sport trim with up-sized wheels.

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Kia's basic transportation remains unchanged for 2009, but it's still perfect for navigating a college campus. What's the best part of this car? You get the new-car smell at a used-car price. : $12,145-$14,675 : Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit EPA-estimated 27 city/35 highway fuel economy Plenty of room for five adults Driver, passenger and side curtain airbags front and back

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For 2009, Kia's hatchback version of the Rio gets an LX trim package to add a few comforts, but otherwise, this spunky little commuter remains unchanged. : $13,795-$14,930 : Honda Fit, Chevrolet Aveo5, Nissan Versa : EPA-estimated 27 city/35 mpg highway 1.6-liter 110-horsepower engine European styling in a four-door hatchback

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Kia's Rondo, with seven-passenger seating and a more nuanced drive than big SUVs, gives you decent practicality in a fun-to-drive package that won't empty your wallet at the dealership or the pump. : $18,145-$22,945 : Mazda 5, Hyundai Elantra Touring EPA-estimated 26 city/27 highway Available navigation system and auxiliary-input jack EX V6 features 182 horsepower and 182 foot-pound of torque

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For 2009, the Kia Sedona minivan remains unchanged, befitting a dying breed. As consumers flock to SUVs and crossovers, the minivan's popularity has dwindled significantly, though the Sedona soldiers on with lots of affordable amenities. : $21,790-$31,000 : Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna Available XM radio and iPod inputs EPA-estimated 16 city/23 highway 3.8-liter V6 features 250 horsepower and 253 foot-pound of torque

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Kia's Spectra receives a few updates for 2009, most notably a sunroof, satellite radio and anti-lock brakes. While it won't park itself at the touch of a button, its price and fuel economy will leave you wanting for nothing. : $13,945-$16,750 : Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus EPA-estimated 30 city/32 highway 2.0-liter DOHC engine with 138 horsepower and 136 foot-pound of torque Available sunroof and satellite radio