Kia Optima Hybrid: No longer just a pretty face

Perhaps the most astounding story in the automotive world is the success of Kia, which only entered the U.S. market in 1993 with the little Sportage SUV, then the Sephia, an anonymous-looking sedan. In 1997, Kia declared bankruptcy, and a majority of the company was sold to the other major Korean manufacturer, Hyundai. It wasn't until 1999 that Kia vehicles were available in all 50 states.

By Steven Cole Smith

July 28, 2011