2003 Kia Spectra GSX review from North America

The trunk latch had to be adjusted prior to taking delivery from the dealership.

The weatherstripping around the rear window (on the hatchback) has shrunk over the last 40,000 miles, and started to come off. It did NOT leak on the inside, and was covered under warranty.

Overall this has been a GREAT car. The only complaints that I can really make is about the road noise, and I would like either a little more pep out of the engine or slightly better fuel economy.

Although it is slow off the line, you can easily catch yourself speeding.

All else has been phenomenal. It's reliable, affordable, and quite fun to drive.

This Spectra was our primary road trip vehicle for a couple of years, and I cannot say enough good things about the vehicle's performance.

Most people that I talk to who mention engineering problems all have automatic transmissions. I have a 5-speed, and it has been trouble free outside of what is mentioned above.

I think the bad reputation is based off of Kia's first attempt to enter the U.S. market with the ill-fated Ford Aspire. (I still get cold sweats thinking about that one...)

Kia has made some amazing strides in their product and performance. Doubters should at least test drive one before they criticize.