2001 Kia Sephia LX 1.8 from North America

Summary:

I think their hearts were in the right place, but it wasn't well planned out

Faults:

Weather stripping has torn off all doors.

First transmission went. When the new one was put in, the computer went full line pressure and locked it in second, and it started to slip.

Fuses blow for the lights all the time.

General Comments:

It is an OK car; just needs to have things thought out more. I mean look at the Honda Civic that came out the same year; would you compare these cars? That year Civic was only 800 dollars more!

The seats are still stiff and very uncomfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th July, 2010

2001 Kia Sephia 1.8 from North America

Summary:

A real god send to me

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this perfect little car, excellent fuel economy, interior is mint, body perfect, glass all good.

I ran the crap out of this car tons of clay roads, the beach and even through the salt water. I give it a bath three times a day on average.

It's 4 door and roomy for its size. I've been all over the place with it to Vancouver B.C., even though that's 5000 miles one way through the Rockie mountains too. I've been to New York and even Louisiana with it.

I bought it at 49000 klm and it is still going strong. Just love this little car. Hooray for Kia. I wish they still made this model; I certainly would get a new one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2009

22nd Jul 2009, 12:23

I also have a 1998 Sephia. I bought it VERY used and very inexpensive as a first car for my teenage son. It was 9 years old and had 89,000 miles on it, but it seemed to run well so we bought it. It needed a clutch and brakes (normal maintenance), which we fixed. We've owned it now for almost three years and we have had ZERO problems with it. It has a 5-speed manual transmission and runs absolutely great. Since then, my son purchased his dream car, a lifted Jeep Wrangler, and we kept the Kia as our "extra" car. In the one year that my son has owned the Jeep, it has been in the shop about 5 or 6 times for expensive repairs, and each time he has used the reliable Kia to get around. Our Kia has proven to be economical and reliable, even in its older years.

2001 Kia Sephia 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Satisfied

Faults:

I have replaced the rear brakes once. The front brakes several times.

The locking mechanisms broke last month, along with the fuel gauge. The CV boots on both sides, and replaced the timing belt.

The car is hard on front tires. But this partly my fault since the front end needs to be lined up.

General Comments:

The car averages about 23 miles to a gallon, which I consider good because it has the original spark plugs. The only real complaint is I have gone through a lot of front brakes.

I have always changed my own oil 3-6 thousand miles, and I have never had to add any oil between changes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2009

2001 Kia Sephia LS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

We get no respect

Faults:

CV shaft started making noise, needs replacing.

It also has an oil leak, but that I think is my fault. I took the pan off to clean out the trash and I think I might have not replaced it correctly.

The dash is popped up due to sun damage.

General Comments:

The Sephia is a lot spunkier than I would have thought. Yeah it has its problems, but what car doesn't. I love my Sephia.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2009

9th Jan 2009, 07:20

Why that is easily fixable. All you do is screw it down, or when you're not in the car, put like phone books up there.

2001 Kia Sephia from North America

Summary:

Good deal and durable

Faults:

Fuel pump has been replaced twice. Once it was completely covered by the warranty.

Engine lights come on for no reason.

General Comments:

It's been a good car. My first new car and the dealership always honored the warranty.

I agree that it has been a good car for the money. It is still going strong.

I have gotten 95% of the work done at the dealership. The same guy has been the manager of the service department, and he has always been on the up and up.

I wish I could afford a luxury car, but for what it is, it has been an excellent car.

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

Review Date: 12th November, 2008