1997 Kia Sephia LS review from North America

Replaced the brake-pads and rotors at 39000 miles. Replaced Oxygen sensor at 48000 miles. Replaced spark-plugs and wires at 48000 miles.

My particular vehicle has been very reliable, requiring the barest of routine maintenance, other than the replacement of the O2 sensor. I consider it a great value for the money, in comparison to other foreign autos, which I don't believe are any better and cost much more. I purchased an after market bumper to bumper extended service contract for 150,000 miles, fearing the worst. What other 3 year old car with the manufacturer's warranty still in effect plus a comprehensive aftermarket extended contract could I have purchased for $5500 total? I must mention that the automatic transmission appears crude at times lurching forward and back at a standstill when accelerating at a stop light. This is an occasional circumstance, but performs well on the road and at highway speeds. Wind noise at highway speeds is rather loud and could have used some improvement. If you want basic transportation, decent gas mileage, and are on a tight budget this may be the car for you.