1996 Kia Sephia LS review from North America

Front brake disc rotors replaced at 25K miles due to warping.

Fuse box melted at 50K miles. Expensive fix.

Passenger side air bag failure. VERY expensive fix. Happened soon after warranty expiration, darn.

Master cylinder started leaking at 65K miles after a 2nd brake pad change.

Battery replaced at 70K miles.

Alternator noisy at 80K miles.

The early Kias were about 75% Japanese, with only some parts made in Korea. This keeps my review somewhat favorable as I know which parts are Japanese... the ones that didn't break. I used the 60K mile bumper-bumper warranty often but the bigger problems came after that. While it isn't a basket case, it isn't the bulletproof wonder like my 1984 Honda Accord which lasted to 134K miles until I sold it. I imagine it's still going strong.

Comfort is good. A/C is good, controls are logically laid out. Road noise is rather high but not unexpected in a sub-compact. Dashboard looks good but the sunlight has taken its toll... the dashboard is lifting in places and is now misaligned with the plastic dash panel instrument gauge insert. Radio is OK, was replaced soon after buying the car with an aftermarket one.

Despite the problems it has been reliable transportation and starts every time.