The Kia Pride is one of the most underrated cars, but it has made a huge contribution to automotive history. In the 1990s, few believed that the South Korean company Kia would become one of the biggest car brands in the world. But before it became successful, it first went through many trials and collaborations with other companies.
One of Kia's first projects was the Pride, a small but fuel-efficient vehicle. It began as a result of Ford's request for a small and fuel-efficient car after the oil crisis in the '70s. With the help of Mazda, this model was developed and Kia was later licensed to build it. In the Philippines, it is better known as the Kia Pride.
The Kia Pride has two engines — 1.1-liter and 1.3-liter — with power ranging from 62 to 72 horsepower. The chassis design is simple, with MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beams at the rear, which is common in budget cars. In the Philippines, it was launched in 1990 under the government's People’s Car Program, and the units are manufactured locally. The price was around ₱350,000 for the base model, an affordable price for the first car of many Filipinos.
Apart from being practical, the Kia Pride was also produced in the country for more than 13 years (1990–2003). It was available in hatchback, sedan, and even wagon versions in other markets. It became a favorite as a taxi and family car, so it was often seen on the roads back then.
Despite being a simple car, the Kia Pride propelled Kia to global recognition. While other versions like the Ford Festiva didn't quite catch on, the Pride truly paved the way for the brand's success. From a small car, it became a symbol of a new beginning for Kia—a true piece of automotive history worth remembering.
