2003 Kia Spectra GSX review from North America

This car is possessed.

The car first acted like it had a timing belt problem (inter-mitten problem). I took it in because it seemed that the automatic shifting wasn't happening at the right times. They told me, nothing is wrong that they can see.

A few days later it does it again, I bring it back to the shop because this time it didn't shift out of the gear at all. I was on the highway and couldn't go over 30mph, I was redlining the engine. I was told they saw nothing wrong with the car. I explained this wasn't the first time, they reiterate that they see nothing wrong with the car.

I drive off, of course it is working fine.

Few weeks later, it does the same thing and it gets stuck in gear again. I take it immediately to the shop. They look at it and believe it to be low on transmission fluid, but see no leaks. They tell me to watch my fluid levels. I leave very disgusted with this treatment.

Few weeks later, happens again. Pulled over looked at fluid level of transmission fluid. It is level on the line. Fluids are fine. Tired of being told I am crazy so I give up. I now turn the car off and back on.

I get no engine light, no warning when this will happen.

This vehicle has strange problems that I am sure could be fixed and this car could be really wonderful. It is a great car when it runs properly.