2002 Kia Spectra Reviews - Page 2 of 11

The engine revs too high. I already did a full tuneup and replaced the fuel filter, but it doesn't run any better.

The check engine light always seems to be on.

The blower motor squeaks really bad, and needs a replacement.

The blower motor resistor needs replacement again after I've already replaced it once at $55.

The factory radio setup makes it very difficult to install a new CD player.

The lumbar support for the back seat broke; seat is very uncomfortable.

Tranny slips into reverse, sometimes it takes a while to fall into gear, I tried a flush, no better.

Both front struts make noises when I go over bumps.

Paint is too thin, and scratches easily.

I would never buy a Kia ever again; I've had way too many problems with this one. I'm just trying to fix the existing problems that I have now, and then I can sell it to some other sucker. One problem after another.

Luckily I know how to fix cars, or I would be in a lot of debt to Kia.

The replacement parts are ungodly expensive too. Used car buyers beware of Kia.

An O-ring on a servo within the transmission leaked, because I was able to find the leak the repair was inexpensive ($20 for parts, $55 labor)

The front stabilizer links rattle but they are deemed "safe" by at least 2 mechanics so I never replaced them.

The exhaust heat shield came loose and rattled, big deal, fixed it with a gear clamp!

Have had no other problems.

I got a 3 year old car with 58000kms fully loaded and still under factory warranty for $5900! Can't do that with a Toyota.

The only complaints are minor issues:

Doors that squeak when you close them and if you grease them they close too easy (IE when parked on an incline)

A trunk latch mechanisms that is perfect for gouging your skull.

Takes a long time for overdrive to engage when starting out cold on the highway.

The torque converter is surprisingly slow to engage when shifting into reverse.

Okay, so it is not perfect, did I mention that it was only $5900. So at that price should I expect everything?

I was leery of KIA but can say that I would buy again, because you get less but pay a lot less.

I did expect better fuel mileage (gets around 30mpg highway w/o ac).

Far too light weight. I get tossed all over the road. The slightest bump and I'm flying. Not recommended for winter driving. If I didn't actually know how to drive into a skid I'd have been in the ditch 10 times over.

It sits too low to the ground. The bottom smacks just about every speed bump I encounter, no matter how slow or fast I take them. It makes parking lots interesting!

It drives great, it's cheap, and is really good on gas which is why I bought it. I'd recommend it as a starter car, but upgrade as soon as you've got the money. Repairs have been very few and very cheap, but after only one year I understand why the previous owner let the car go. I just don't feel safe on these winter roads with such a light-weight car!

Actually it's been a great little car. Gas mileage is good.

Unfortunately We had to have a transmission put in at 14717 miles, and now at 40000 miles it needs another one. Of course the warranty ran out on a day the shop was closed. I'm beginning to think we are stuck with out it. Found out they put a rebuilt transmission in it, so go figure. The man said that's what they do at KIA.

2 transmissions at 40000 miles.