2011 Kia Optima Ups Its Game

As far as automotive brands go, South Korea's Kia has not yet acquired the sterling reputation common in other Asian brands, namely Honda and Toyota. Though part of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group which is the fourth largest car manufacturer in the world, Kia has long played second fiddle to Hyundai, a brand who has managed to successfully transform its own image remarkably over the past decade.

New Factory

But Kia is working diligently to remake its image as well as to win the hearts of the American car shopper. In late 2009, Kia opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, a one billion dollar investment in the local community. That plant builds the Sorento, a medium-sized crossover model.

Kia has enjoyed much success in recent years thanks to the introduction of its youth-oriented Soul and its Forte portfolio now available in sedan, coupe and very soon as a five-door model.