2002 Kia Spectra LS 1.8L

Summary:

Economical reliable and attractive!

Faults:

Occasionally the check engine light will come on for no reason. I was told by the dealership that the gas cap had to be clicked three times when closing it or this could happen. I "over" click it several times above 3 to make sure it is in fact closed and the problem seems to go away. But returns intermittently. There must be an odd problem with the seal on the gascap. I've inspected it very closely and see no visible abnormalities.

Also when starting up the car I have to plug in a "stargard" security module or it won't start. I see several lights on the dash emit including the "check engine" light, and "air bag" light. The check engine light and air bag lights are both intermittently coming on and off at times, this is very odd to me.

Other than the two previously mentioned items, the car seems to run well and strong and quiet. It has pretty good pep on the freeway and doesn't emit any strange noises while idling. I find the ride both comfortable and enjoyable as well.

General Comments:

The car gets very good gas mileage and was an inexpensive buy especially with the $2000 rebate. The warranty was one of the main things that attracted me as a buyer. I hope I'll not be using it for some time. This is by the way my first new car. I've always bought used cars and have always regretted it. Here's too many thousand problem free miles... I hope.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2002

2nd Apr 2005, 08:59

***just some advice regarding the gas cap issue with the engine light coming on. I had to get the e-check this year and my car failed, (gas cap) the person at the e- check station said all the Kia's have the same problem failing because of the gas cap, just needs replaced with a new gas cap. I went to the auto parts store bought a cheap $8.00 gas cap, put it on the car and went right back to e-check station and it passed. No problem with the engine lights since I replaced the gas cap.