1999 Kia Sephia review from North America
"Kia Sephia, should be named "Sophia", a Greek word meaning Wise"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Seats are cheaply made with thin fabric. The stitching has come apart, several times. Good thing I can sew.
Plastic components, from the glove compartment and storage compartment between the driver and passenger seat, have broken handles.
General comments?
The Kia Sephia was the wisest choice I have ever made, in purchasing a vehicle.
I love my Kia! I have driven from Iowa to Oregon and back, twice.
The gas mileage rocks! I get an average for 34 miles/gallon. I have an 11 gallon tank. At one point going cross country, I got 44 miles/gallon.
I have performed no (real) repairs on the car, just maintenance. I have only had the plugs changed once, oil changed every 5,000 miles, and changed the front brakes once (lifetime warranty).
I have an overhead CAM, on this car. So, as a result, when the car needs an oil change, it talks to me. I was told it was called "lifters". All I know is that whenever I change the oil, the car is rendered "speechless".
It is the quietest car I have ever had the pleasure of driving.
The Sephia is easy to handle. Great control in cornering, braking, and stopping. I have never needed chains even when driving on snow or ice (as I live in Iowa).
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| 1998 - Sephia 1.8 liter 4 cylinder A poorly designed car that needs to be treated like a lame horse |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 16900 miles |
| Most recent distance | 81256 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Explorer |
| Date of Entry | 13th May, 2005 |