1999 Kia Sephia Review
Fuel Economy
24 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Not a bad car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
1999 Kia Sephia 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
I really don't understand why everyone has so many issues with these cars. I've had mine for four years, and it still runs and drives great. No fluid leaks. Engine is clean. I have had the problem with the rolling dash by the vents, and some of the interior plastics have taken a beating. The biggest issue I have had is with the exhaust. I have had to replace the front catalytic converter twice because of it breaking off directly below it. The second time was due to poor service by the shop I had it fixed at originally. These cars are nice little machines, if you take care of them. Run Synthetic oil and make sure you change it regularly. Maintenance cannot be passed over.
Favorite Features
I like the transmission. It has some snap to it. I must have been lucky, mine does not have a governor on it. engine and transmission allow for speeds exceeding stupidity.
Suggested Improvements
It could use a little better interior. The side rails could be built better.
Too many flaws, cheaply made
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
1999 Kia Sephia 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
I've owned one since '99. Needs too many major repairs from $300 to $600 a pop for a cheap car. Put a $600 "precat", before that cost me $300 to get the lighting system fixed. Something else was wrong and it cost me a fortune (I've since forgotten exactly what) Now the fuel system is clogged and messed up for the 2nd time. The dash warped under the hot sun. Doors freeze solid in winter. Uncomfortable back seats. I would skip Kia brands. They are poorly made and you suffer with the major repair cost. Lousy stereo/cassette system.
Favorite Features
Exterior looked nice when the car was new. New car smell. May hold its own under hail storms.
Suggested Improvements
Needs sun resistant dash and interior. Better fuel system. Probably a total overhaul. I wouldn't purchase this again.
Worst Car we have ever owned.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
1999 Kia Sephia 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
This is the 8th vehicle we have owned in 12 years. It has been awful. OD light is on, won't shift properly, replaced battery 3 times in 2 years, needs new CV joint and fuel filter, replacing simple spark plugs took 3 hours for trained mechanic, Glove compartment won't open, dash rolls up around vents, the carpet shreds in floor board, speedometer does not work, does not track mileage accurately, wiring is messed up, air has never worked right, we have spent thousands of dollars replacing parts, and we started replacing them at 50,000 miles. I have never had so many problems. I have not even listed everything we have had to fix. Don't buy a Kia. Parts are expensive.
Favorite Features
none
Suggested Improvements
Everything needs to be improved on this car.
it's reliable despite some issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
1999 Kia Sephia 4 Dr LS Sedan
Review
I purchased this car from a friend at the dealership used and so far this is the most reliable car I owned. The check engine loves to stay on no matter what you try to fix. I've had the transmission problems and all but just replaced a sensor and seems to work for now. I've had bad luck with cars but this is the best car I've ever had. It will get you from point a to point b. It's a budget car for sure. You get what you pay for. Cheap body as well wouldn't hold up in a crash
Favorite Features
reliable it starts every time i start it. good transport
Suggested Improvements
interior plastic body transmission you name it
Cheap car, Good value
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
1999 Kia Sephia 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
For the money spent on this car, it's worth every penny. It indeed is a "cheap" car. Manual tranny replaced at 33k although the stick shifts nicely. Door rubber seal fell off at 30k, center box lock broken. Leatherette tranny cover ages and cracks. Seats too low for short driver. Body is easy to scratch and dent. Paint fell off from passenger side mirror base. Front light is weak. Fancy back lights. Trunk spare tire cover (paper) bends down. No power steering is a pain at parking lot and for parallel parking. A/C is always strong as new. A lot of noise on highway. Overall it's an economical car for a student. Would last long if taken good care of.
Favorite Features
Like the stick shift feeling. Strong A/C, inexpensive, great gas mileage 24/31.
Suggested Improvements
Add power steering, parts too expensive, better steel for the body. Better quality for the interior plastic. Reduce engine noise.
4 out 5 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
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