1996 Kia Sephia RS 1.8 DOHC

Summary:

A decent engine, good gas mileage, but completely disposable car

Faults:

The alternator went out at 46000.

The dash has curled up, and is junk.

The check engine light is on often.

The headlight plastic turned yellow.

General Comments:

The car accelerates quite well, but seems very low geared.

The speedometer is off 5 mph.

I had it up to an indicated 115 mph and still climbing before I came to my senses and slowed down.

The car interior is absolute junk, falling apart, and the seats are uncomfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th December, 2003

1996 Kia Sephia GS 1.6 JARVIK

Summary:

Friends don't let friends drive KIA!!!

Faults:

The check engine light comes on going up every hill.

The brake rotors warped worse than a vinyl record left in the trunk of a car in Arizona in July.

The water pump impeller rotted clean off.

The engine overheated and seized.

The driver's side window falls out of the track if lowered more than halfway.

The key no longer works in the driver's side door.

The headlight lenses have become frosted or fogged dull yellow.

The dashboard has a huge sunburned spot in the middle, and it has curled up 4 inches high.

The weather stripping for the rear window is falling into the door, causing air to whistle into the car.

The risk/reward ratio for this car makes it a sure loser every time!!!

General Comments:

This car has been a cause of great sorrow to me and my family. It is unreliable. It is always in need of some repair. The engine is weak and easily damaged. All of the plastic in the cabin is melting and warped. This is just a very poorly made car.

It was a gift that kept on taking.

It took too much to pay it off.

It took too much to fix it.

And it makes me feel bad to pass this burden on to anyone else, but I have to get rid of this lame mule.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th July, 2003

11th Oct 2003, 14:34

I agree totally with you. Everything you mentioned from the check engine light to the frosted headlights is what I have. This car is the worst I've seen and should never have been made or sold!

23rd Feb 2009, 15:13

I like my 1996 Kia, even though I have invested 3500 dollars into it... It is reliable car if it is maintained...

1996 Kia Sephia 1.8

Summary:

Watch out for that dash it'll poke out your eye

Faults:

Nothing really lots of brake noise though I just ignore it I'm so used to it now. Check engine light comes on a lot, but once again I just ignore that as well,. If you want to see something crazy come see the dash of my car its come un-glued and curled back I have never seen anything like it and find it very embarrassing, but wait I drive a kia so that should be enough to embarrass myself I guess.

General Comments:

Decent car for the 1200.00 I paid for it. Sounds like a horse and carriage coming down the road. Radio sucks, however this thing has never broken down on me so I can't say its all bad.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th May, 2003

29th Jan 2005, 09:41

I bought my 1996 Sephia LS back in 1996, brand new. It has been an excellent car to drive around town in, and to take on long journeys without it breaking down. The paint and the interior is impressive for a 1996. The check engine light has come on a few times, but hey, it happens. Oh, by the way, the dash on all of these cars was recalled back in 1997, and the dash I have in it now hasn't curled up or faded since. It was well worth it's money, and I hope to keep it as long as I live.

1996 Kia Sephia GS 1.8

Summary:

It was reliable for me and my family

Faults:

I have had to replace the dash board it had started out with burn marks and eventually it came up.

I also had to replace the oxygen sensor.

I had to replace the rotors.

The head lights are very foggy on the inside.

General Comments:

I have gotten more use out of the car than I have had problems with it.

I don't know if I would recommend one.

It really hasn't given me too many mechanical problems for the mileage it has.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th March, 2003