Kia Dealer in Houston
The South Korean automaker's journey from being a bicycle manufacturer to an international automotive giant in less than a century has been intense, to say the least. The same could be said for the brand's recent history, managing to come to prominence in America, which is one of the most competitive automotive markets in the world. All this is what led the brand to become a massive presence in the global auto industry, building all kinds of reliable cars and trucks for reasonable prices. Kias are now sold pretty much everywhere. As your trusted Kia Dealer in Houston, we at Parkway Family Kia pride ourselves in offering a wide selection of great new and used models from this acclaimed manufacturer.
These days Kia is a well-respected leader when it comes to building vehicles, having earned their place in the market through capable cars that offer reliability beyond the average and value beyond the norm. However, Kia's road to this point has seen many ups and downs, including several that would have ended less persistent brands.
Kia's Incredible Past
What would become Korean International Automotive started in December 1944 at what was then called Kyungsung Precision Industry. By 1951, the company had begun production of Korea's first domestically produced bicycle, the Samchully. The next year, the Kyungsung Precision Industry became Kia.
The company grew over time, taking on more complex and challenging industrial challenges. After bicycles came motorcycles, and finally, trucks in the early sixties, and sedan production began in the mid-seventies. Kia continued building and expanding, building up alongside the rest of Asia's economy. They began introducing new car lines, providing Koreans with more mobility than they ever had before.
Things were booming, but as the brand entered the eighties, Kia would face its first significant challenge. South Korea underwent a military coup on December 12, 1979, and the new Korean leader, Chun Doo-hwan, decided to focus his attention on industry. In 1981, he ordered Kia to stop building passenger cars and focus on trucks, abruptly throwing the company off course. For several years, Kia subsisted on light truck production, but it outlasted the reign of Doo-hwan. It was only when he began to lose power that Kia was able to restart automotive production at all. In 1986, they began building cars again, but only 26 rolled off the line. However, being Kia, they buckled down, and in 1987, 95,000 cars left Kia factories to be sold.
Pretty much immediately after Korea's pro-democracy movements succeeded, Kia began making international moves. Partnering with Ford, Kia would produce cars for export. The company then committed to entering into the American market in 1992, starting with four dealerships in Portland. The first Kia branded vehicles attracted sales due to their low cost and reliability, and by 1995, Kias were sold in 30 American states. It appeared that these boom times would last forever, and Kia remained incredibly successful in its aggressive expansion plans.
Until suddenly, the bottom fell out of Asian markets as the Asian Financial Crisis struck in the late nineties. Kia was left out in the cold with far too much invested in expansion and not enough savings to stay afloat. Hyundai came in to buy up the suddenly bankrupt automaker, brushing off attempts by Ford to buy Kia. With Hyundai's help, Kia was lifted back into a position to challenge the international automotive market, though few would see it coming.
Kia was still in the American market, but it needed something to set it apart besides being a low-cost brand. Thus, the company began pouring research and development into quality and manufacturing. The grand plan was quite simply to build a better all-around car than their competitors at a lower price. And to showcase this superior quality, they would use unheard-of warranties to showcase how capable their engineering had become. Simply put, it worked.
The little-known South Korean manufacturer is now one of the most well-respected mainstream auto companies in the American market. It now has a complete company branch in the US, including a factory in West Point, Georgia.
New Kia Models
Buying a new Kia is an opportunity to explore a wealth of fresh driving opportunities. The company has managed to chisel out its identity with sporty, fun-to-drive, visually appealing vehicles that draw the attention of many drivers looking for something stylish and fresh to take onto the road. At Parkway Family Kia, we have a great selection of brand-new Kia models. This means you have access to the latest model year iterations from the popular company, whether that be sedans, SUVs, hybrids, or electric vehicles. Kia has been keen on updating its slate of models to include the latest in technology, safety, and breakthrough features that help set it apart from the competition. Regardless of which model you go with, you're guaranteed an experience very much unlike anything else on the market.
This is one of the benefits of owning a brand-new Kia. The unique personality of the vehicle shines through when buyers purchase a nameplate that reflects the qualities of their own lifestyle. The company has also been at the forefront of keeping its finger on the pulse of what specific segments of the market are looking for out of something fun and affordable to drive. Instead of simply following trends behind other companies, Kia's new model years often include features and updates that coincide with popular desires from their target demographic, whether that be new infotainment features, alternative fuel options, or roomier interiors. When you buy a new Kia, you're buying into some of the latest innovations that the industry has to offer.
The Kia Carnival
Formerly known as the Kia Sedona, the Kia Carnival is a reinvention of Kia's iconic minivan updated for today's generation of consumers. The fourth-generation overhaul completely altered the design into more of a crossover utility vehicle rather than sticking to its traditional minivan roots.
The new name, logo, and design fit into Kia's ethos of reinvigorating nameplates to match the enthusiasm of their customer base, and the Carnival is a perfect example of that. The complete changeover of the Sedona's appearance into the Carnival includes an entirely different chassis on a longer wheelbase, larger wheels, a more rectangular body shape, a squared away fascia with Kia's iconic "tiger nose" grille, and more angular accentuation of the vehicle's pillars. This gives the Carnival a more aggressive and mature look compared to its more traditional minivan counterpart.
The visual stylings of the Carnival aren't the only major change. After switching to an all new platform, the engineers outfitted this multi-purpose vehicle with a brand new powertrain as well, delivering more power, better performance, and a more dynamic driving experience. The Kia Carnival has a powerful engine with an impressive output of horsepower and torque. The added power has enabled the Carnival to achieve decent towing capabilities to help you bring all you need on your next weekend away.
The exterior and performance are just one small part of what the Carnival has to offer. Inside, it offers exemplary passenger and cargo volume, as well as comfortable seating and customization options. The Carnival can also seat up to eight people, making it a choice selection for those who want a fully functional, full-size vehicle. With Kia's suite of driver assist features, the Carnival comes equipped with standard active and passive driver assist technologies, so you're always in safe hands. This is in addition to innovative infotainment technology featuring connectivity and convenience for every drive ahead.
The Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos brings a number of fresh ideas and technology to the table, including an impressive touchscreen display with connectivity. There are great options for trim on the Seltos as well as editions to further personalize your ride. The Kia Seltos comes with powertrain options so that you can get the power and performance you want. Where the Carnival delivers lots of interior volume and passenger space, the subcompact Seltos is an SUV that focuses on utility and fuel economy, while still providing more space for your gear and your passengers than a sedan.
In the highly competitive SUV market, the Seltos sets itself apart by mixing together a stylish exterior with a lot of functional interior components. For those who enjoy the utility of an SUV but also want something without any of the unnecessary garnishings that come with some nameplates, the Seltos fits the bill perfectly. The Seltos is also an excellent option for those who want an SUV that is designed to conveniently get you from one destination to the next with an excellent suite of tech. From the cabin infotainment options, standard safety technology, and the ability to carry up to five people, the Seltos is a great economic consideration for those who want something versatile, stylish, and affordable.
The Kia K5
When sportiness and convenience are at the top of your shopping list for a new vehicle, the Kia K5 is the perfect embodiment of what you desire. An amazing-looking exterior highlighted by sleek, arching lines and a very bold front fascia with aggressive detailing helps set the K5 apart from other midsize sedans on the market, making it an easy pick for those looking for their next reliable car. The addition of sporty wheels and clean pillars help add a sense of luxury to the K5's personality.
Different powertrains are available across the various trim options, which help you customize your vehicle the way you want. Various trims also offer optional all-wheel drive options for those who want better stability and traction control while driving.
Many new features have helped redefine the K5, including lots of standard inclusions of much-desired technology, such as smartphone integration integration. The impressive touchscreen featuring app functionality, vehicle health reports, and media options makes this midsize sedan a perfect fit for your next daily commuter.
The Kia Telluride
The Telluride has only been around since the 2020 model year, but it has made a lasting impression and a very notable impact on the market. As a three-row SUV, the Kia Telluride is a perfect vehicle for families living in Houston or those who need a large and robust SUV that offers plenty of space and multi-row seating. Whether for ride-sharing or for cargo capacity, the Kia Telluride's spacious interior and bold frame slots nicely into the segment for those looking for a thoroughly-featured SUV that is extremely versatile.
The Telluride can seat up to eight passengers across all three rows and is available in multiple trim formats, giving you different packages based on the features you want and need out of your ride. A large HD touchscreen comes standard across the trim line with all of the standard accouterments you could want out of a robust entertainment stack, including wireless connectivity, SiriusXM support, and Wi-Fi hotspot integration. Plus, with the safety system, seating comfort options, USB charging convenience, and accessible functionality, the Telluride makes for a great choice for Houston drivers whether for family driving or for daily driving.
The Kia K4
As a replacement for the outgoing Kia Forte, the Kia K4 represents a gorgeous entry into the compact sedan space for those who are interested in a sleek, sporty, well-rounded four-door vehicle. Perfect for small families or as a personal vehicle to make getting around Houston feel lively and fun, the K4 seats up to five people across two rows and boasts ample legroom. You get a lot out of the K4 without having to pay a lot to experience how much it has to offer.
The ergonomic interior features a panoramic infotainment setup, sporting a large display for the touchscreen and driver information cluster, plus built-in support for wireless smartphone connectivity. You have advanced viewing cameras both for driver awareness and for vehicular support , as well as a fully robust safety system to keep you and other passengers safe on the road. The refined performance, looks, and sports-inspired style of the K4 makes it a compact sedan that will appeal to a wide range of different Houston drivers.
New, Used, or Certified Pre-Owned?
While just about every Kia is worth consideration when it comes to buying a car, knowing exactly how to get the best deal and best experience for yourself is important. Buying new, used, or Certified Pre-Owned are more different than one may think, and each is best suited to a different type of car buyer.
Those who buy new want the extreme piece of mind that comes from such an extensive warranty. While buying a new Kia does not grant additional savings compared to any other type of transaction with Kia, Kia is typically more affordable than the competition and will give you a practical, stylish, and reliable vehicle for many miles ahead.
Used Kias offer substantial discounts over new cars, and because of Kia's general reliability and popularity, buyers of used Kias can be sure that their car won't let them down. That said, the older any vehicle is, the more maintenance it will need to keep it running smoothly. For those looking for the absolute lowest prices, this is fine, but for those looking for something of a middle ground and extra peace of mind, Certified Pre-Owned is the way to go.
A Certified Pre-Owned Kia, in effect, is an older Kia model that has already been owned by another driver but has gone through a thorough vetting process and maintains warranty benefits. On top of this, all Kia Certified cars get to take advantage of comprehensive coverage, roadside assistance, and travel breakdown coverage.
We Can Help You With Financing
The importance of a good financing center cannot be overstated. Having knowledgeable and caring financial experts willing to help you secure good financial options is imperative, and that's one of the things we can help Houston drivers with at our dealership. We have some simple ways to help you get started with figuring out where you stand with your financing, as well as how to make the most of your working conditions and financial situation so you can get the right kind of loan for the Kia that appeals most to you.
We have different financial loan packages we can put together based on your credit score and your budget. Whether you have good credit or bad credit, we can help you get a loan from appropriate lenders so you can afford the Kia you want. This includes lenders offering extremely low APR financing with loans that won't disrupt your lifestyle or financial goals, as well as loans for those of you working on rebuilding your credit. All you have to do is fill out our free credit application, and we can begin the process of helping you secure the loan for your next Kia.
Get Your Service & Parts Here
Maintaining your Kia and its performance on the road means putting time and effort into getting routine service, and for that, you need a service center you can rely on to help you with upkeep. At Parkway Family Kia, we have a state-of-the-art service center that can handle all of your vehicle's service needs, both in terms of restorative services and preventative services. Plus, we have certified technicians who are qualified to handle everything from fluid changes to part replacements for your Kia. For regularly scheduled service intervals, you need a trusted Kia dealer that covers all of the basics and then some, such as oil changes, brake replacements, wheel alignments, and fluid top-offs, and we handle all of that at our dealership.
You can also browse for seasonal or recreational tire sets and make use of our express service opportunities so you can get in and out and back to your life as quickly as possible. We also have a great parts department offering OEM parts for replacements, accessories, upgrades, and repairs. From batteries and spark plugs to rotors and mufflers, you can find everything you need for your Kia from our parts center. Order parts online or by phone, or browse through our parts specials to get the best deals available on discounted parts specific to your Kia model.
Visit Us Today
At Parkway Family Kia, we can make your experience of buying a Kia just as good as the experience of driving one. Here we have good deals and great service worthy of the Kia name. We are ready to show you our expansive inventory of both new and used Kia vehicles. Come visit us in person, or check out our inventory online to get started today. We look forward to servicing you!