2003 Kia Spectra GSX 1.8 straight 4 from North America

Summary:

A Cheap, and Reliable Student Car

Faults:

I have had one of the Marker lights fill with water because it had a bad seal on it.

There is no head room.

The radio has no reception.

The the rear passenger side speaker is blown. I do not listen t music loudly and seeing on how I listen to mostly classical music I do not see how that strains the speaker. The other 5 are perfect. And it is not covered in warranty.

General Comments:

It s a fun car to drive to school. I bought it over the summer and just fell in love with it. It rides good on the interstate, the max speed is 115 mies an hour and it races around corners very nicely. I do race it and so far nothing has gone wrong with it. I just play around in it and it catches up to other cars in its class rather nicely (ie. the Focus ZX3 and ZX5). I love it. It also holds a lot of luggage when I travel and is comfortable to sit in for a while. The only gripe that I have with it is that it is not made for Tall people. I am 6'4 and I have 1 inch of head room. If I were ever in an accident I fear hurting my neck. I believe even the Mini Cooper and the lower KIA model Rio has more head room than this car. And a tall person cannot sit in the back because they hit their head... there is plenty of leg room however.

This car also gets bad Gas mileage compared to my last car (1992 Mercury Tracer Station Wagon) which had 100000 miles on it. But they are different companies and KIA is not known for their environmentally sound products.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2004

2003 Kia Spectra Gsx 1.2 liter from North America

Summary:

The car was poorly manufactured

Faults:

Every since purchased car turning corners or turning into an elevated area dome light comes on.

Transmission went out at 9,789 miles.

The brakes do not stop the car in a very timely manner.

General Comments:

The car handles well in snow and other elements.

The car is roomy and somewhat comfortable.

It's a sporty looking car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th January, 2004

26th Jan 2004, 20:17

My Kia Spectra had many problems as well. When I acquired mine it had 1,000 miles on it. At 2,000 miles the interior lights wore out, the CD player froze (in the summer time), and the power window buttons were pulling out of their slots. The car was given back to the car lot I bought it at at about 3,000 miles, and if it had not have been, I maybe stuck with quite a lemon at the moment.

2003 Kia Spectra LS from North America

Summary:

A spectacular and sophisticated bargain

Faults:

I have not had any problems with my car. It has worked wonderfully since the day that I drove it off the lot.

General Comments:

Maintenance is the key to keeping a great Kia.

The car rides wonderfully on long distance trips and holds speed well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th December, 2003

2003 Kia Spectra GSX 1.8 Liter from North America

Summary:

Great car for the price

Faults:

The car has performed flawless so far. It still looks and drives like new and it seems as it it will last the duration of the warranty. My only complaint so far is that the carpet is a little too cheap and showing signs of aging.

General Comments:

It isn't the most refined vehicle, but it is also one of the lowest priced vehicles on the market.

While not quick off the line, it is easy to catch yourself speeding once going.

Very comfortable and fun to drive car.

The city mpg could be better.

Easily seats 3 adults and a car seat for the 8 month old.

The trunk easily swallows the stroller, my golf clubs, and groceries.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2003

30th Sep 2004, 21:52

I Have Just Purchased a New Kia. It is the best car that I have ever owned and runs great. My only complaint it that there is a rattle coming from the gear shift and from the dash. This is a very fun car to buy and I encourage everyone to at least test drive this car before making judgments.