2000 Kia Spectra Consumer Discussions

Kia Spectra/Spectra5 Transmission Questions

• Transmission stuck in park

  Written by: glenn_60 on Apr 18, 2008 1:06:44 PM

  I have a 2000 Kia Spectra that started getting hard to move the shift lever from gear to gear. Also with that (if memory serves right) the engine light was coming on. Finally, I went out to drive it one day and the shift selector would not come out of park. I figured that the trans had given out as it has 94,000 miles. Just the other day, a friend mentioned ... Read More

Spectra Paint Quality?

• I bought a 2007 kia spectra red nothing but problems

  Written by: selbone on Oct 12, 2007 11:30:27 PM

  the 2007 red kia spectra i bought has had problems from day 1 all 4 tires were no good made car pull hard to the left took it back car sat there 2days problem still knott corrected they lied said it was fixed and had really did nothing williams kia of naples now the paint has bubbles drips paint seperation i have only had this car 30days my trade was 2000 ... Read More

Kia Spectra Sedan

• look alike's

  Written by: frisbee2 on Dec 21, 2005 7:29:25 PM

  That's interesting about the next C-class and the present Spectra styling cue's. A gal at work just purchased a 2000 Jaguar, and the lines on that are very similar to my 2004.5 too. I'm still boasting about the current Edmund's resale values of my Kia, and the super deal I got it for last March. It's worth more used! My car actually appreciated! When has that ever happened before!? I love ... Read More

Kia Spectra5

• Re: I think reports like this will help the Spectra's resale value... [spectraman]

  Written by: backy on Sep 2, 2005 9:36:56 AM

  I think that kind of report will help, but IMO Hyundai's turnaround started when they rolled out competitive models starting in late 2000 (the new Elantra and all-new Santa Fe specifically). Then the Sonata steadily improved starting in late 1998 until it racked up both stellar short-term and solid long-term reliability ratings. The Sephia/Spectra was not a very good car until the current design debuted in 2004. That's why I think ... Read More

• New Kia Spectra Ex Owner - Kinda Of!

  Written by: spmrebel on Jul 5, 2005 11:19:11 AM

  Hi all, I am kinda of a new 2005 Kia Spectra Ex owner. OK, its actually my girlfriend (I helped her with the decision quite a bit though). Anyway, we were debating between an Elantra GLS vs a Spectra EX. Both were very similiar in feel, workmanship, quality, and driving dynamics but the more modern interior of the Kia; and since this generation is only a year old, it last another ... Read More

Kia Spectra Sedan

• Spectra vs Focus ...

  Written by: darius2k on Jun 20, 2005 8:48:12 PM

  On the Spectra vs Focus discussion ... I am in the market for a new car and have pretty much narrowed my choices down to the Mazda3, the Kia Spectra, and the Ford Focus. In regards to Kia vs Focus, the Focus has a couple of things going in its favor: 1. It has more options, including the 6-disc CD/mp3 changer (important to me) and the butt-warming seats ... didn't figure ... Read More

• Nightmarish posts over on the Ford Focus forums...

  Written by: spectraman on May 31, 2005 2:52:49 PM

  /WebX?displayRecent@@.eea6dd2 Wow.... being born and raised in a "Blue Oval" family, I like to still take a peek every now and then over in the Ford forums to see what's going on. I checked out the Focus forum first, since it's the closest thing to my Spectra. Holy cow..... am I ever thankful that I followed my instincts and DID NOT buy a Focus. From ignition tumbler woes, to front brake ... Read More

2005 Kia Spectra/Cerato

• Re: Wallet Watchers: Sporty Spectra should earn Kia some respect [spectraman]

  Written by: nw1997 on Nov 19, 2004 7:48:07 AM

  Thanks Spectraman. Am I correct when I state that both Hyundai uses the Same engine and trannies like KIA? Also, what is the expected miles that one can get out of these vehicles. Reason being, a friend of ours owned a 2000 Elantra and during the 100K miles warranty the transmission was replaced at 90K, then the engine started giving problems at 101K, (wouldn't start at times). Battery was replaced recently ... Read More

Kia Spectra Sedan

• Cookguyky7

  Written by: supreme on Apr 25, 2002 7:54:03 PM

  04-25-2002 Remember Kia is at bottom end of Low End. My Spectra which is a base model at the base of the Low End includes the visor feature and all the other features I've referred to at the MSRP of $10,450 which translated into $4987 plus 2000 Kia Sephia with 43,600 miles. I think the $2000 Rebates are gone after April 30th. Supreme.

2005 Kia Spectra/Cerato

• Re: [ateixeira #320]

  Written by: backy on Jun 30, 2004 12:33:38 PM

  Look where Kia was in 2001 (did they evaluate 2000 models in that survey?): the Sportage, the old Spectra, Rio was just out (?), no Optima, no Sorento, no Sedona, no Amanti. No wonder they did so poorly in the quality survey! Remember that Hyundai's quality improvement began in 1998 and only really picked up with the slate of new models for the 2001 model year (Elantra, Santa Fe, XG300). Since ... Read More

• Re: backy [pzev #310]

  Written by: backy on Jun 29, 2004 6:30:03 AM

  Spectra does have $2000 in rebates right now, if you include the $1000 general rebate and the $1000 loyalty rebate OR $1000 competitive rebate. Many people will qualify for one of those. With those plus a discount, you could get an EX for a little over $11k + T&L. When compared to some other cars like the '04 Corolla LE and Civic LX (hard to get one for under $14k), it ... Read More

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• small cars

  Written by: alpha01 on May 23, 2004 8:18:55 AM

  Backy, thanks for the explanation. However, I am still curious as to why you find the Sentra's handling "sloppy". I would certainly agree with you that back seat room in the Sentra clearly reveals its late 90s design (introduced in Spring 2000 as a 2000). Also, the Sentra has quite possibly the most absurd excuse for a cupholder that Ive ever seen. I drove the Aerio upon its introduction, when it ... Read More

Kia Spectra Sedan

• SPECTRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Written by: supreme on Apr 15, 2002 11:41:01 PM

  04-16-2002 Supreme is back. Check my low end posts. Check my Kia owners posts. With 43650miles on Sephia we recyled it in the sales process for a Spectra. That Sephia gave me 33mpg religiously. That Sephia traveled from Green Bay to NYC and GB to Ft Lauderdale. Two months ago I spent $220 for a new set of tires. One month ago I tuned it up for $66. Other than GOF ... Read More

2005 Kia Spectra/Cerato

• Test drive

  Written by: backy on Mar 27, 2004 2:09:08 PM

  I drove a '04 (need to change the title I guess) Spectra today--the New '04 Spectra vs. the Old '04 Spectra (that will be interesting to sort out in the car ads and pricing guides). It was an EX 5-speed with mats as the only option, MSRP $14,370. Silver with grey interior. Inside and out, the new Spectra is lightyears beyond its predecessor. The exterior reminds me of a plumped-up Protege, ... Read More

• Ray

  Written by: backy on Feb 28, 2004 9:43:50 AM

  Congratulations on your new Spectra! How does it drive--ride, handling, performance, noise etc.? What other cars did you shop before buying the Spectra? Did you get any discount off MSRP? I ask because the price of a Elantra GT with the same engine but more equipment (but just SABs vs. curtains) would be about $2000 less than the sticker price of the Spectra, and I can't see Kia selling many Spectras ... Read More

• 2005 Kia Spectra EX vs. LX

  Written by: ptshpboy23 on Feb 14, 2004 5:48:04 PM

  One of the posters on here was confused about the supposed 'body kit'. After reading the post and looking through the various photos provided, I am under the impression that the body kit will be an upgrade to the EX model, or maybe part of the EX model in and of itself. In the 'blue'-colored photos and 'silver'-colored photo you can see there is a bit of a perceptible difference. To ... Read More

Kia Spectra GS, GSX (hatchbacks)

• 2000 Spectra, Long Island to Florida

  Written by: alfisti1 on Mar 15, 2002 9:24:32 PM

  Just got back from a nice vacation to Florida in my Spectra. Put on approx. 3,000 miles. No problems at all. Driving south on I-95, did 75-80 mph in the Carolinas, handled confidently, even in rain. Car averaged 29.8 mpg. Driving home northbound, took my time and drove 60-65 mph, and the car got an amazing 36.6 mpg! Never expected that, considering EPA says 29 on the hwy. Only had to ... Read More

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• MTE: ECHO/SPECTRA/COROLLA

  Written by: supreme on May 4, 2002 7:44:07 PM

  05-04-2002 MTE: KBB ZIP 54914 TOYOTA 2002 ECHO 1415 SEDAN 4D RETAIL: $10585 + 485 (DESTIN) + 1020 (UPGRADE#1)= $12,090 {+22%} KIA 2002 SPECTRA 24401 SEDAN 4D RETAIL: $10995 + 495 (DESTIN) - 2000 (REBATE)= $9,490 TOYOTA 2002 COROLLA 1711 SEDAN 4D RETAIL: $12568 + 495 (DESTIN) = $13,053 (+28%} Your allegation of quoting Spectra before destin & Echo after is not valid. I did not originally' quote destination; however, I ... Read More

• Auto Trader had 500 2000 Sephias listed...

  Written by: csandste on Apr 19, 2002 11:58:40 AM

  ranging from $2550 to $66600 and averaging $8257. I did check the high price, thinking it was some dealer getting carried away with making the big score. It was a private seller who inadvertantly stuck an extra 6 in the price. Hope he's happy. Obviously asking price isn't selling price, but this kind of indicates to me that depreciation of Korean cars, including Kias might be improving. I did take a ... Read More

• SEPHIA RULES. SUPREME

  Written by: supreme on Apr 18, 2002 12:19:24 PM

  04-18-2002 Remember when I shared purchase of 2000 Kia Sephia 4-28-2000 @ $8650 T&T? Remember when I traded to 2002 Kia Spectra for $4987 @ 43,650 miles? Puppy White Sephia w/o its 4 dings is sitting on the new car lot at $9995, folks. And by the way, when I was cleaning out the puppy, I dumped everything into a shoe box. Well, I came across the original sticker for the ... Read More

• Sephia/Spectra

  Written by: supreme on Apr 15, 2002 10:31:00 PM

  04-15-2002 Listen up. A Sephia is not a Benz and Spectra is not a BMW; however, each vehicle is styled and marketed. My old neighbor owned a baby Benz and the Sephia sat next to it. Maybe, the Benz model was older than 2000, but from the rear there were reasonable semblences. And we were both meticulous in caring for our puppies. Perhaps thats why I got almost $1000 more in ... Read More

• 2nd Generation Kia

  Written by: supreme on Apr 13, 2002 10:05:37 PM

  04-13-2002 Celebrated my birthday with an update of 2000 Kia Sephia purchased 4-29-2000. After 2 years of flawless performance, no speeding tickets, and 43650 miles with trips from Green Bay to NYC and GB to Ft Lauderdale I did the dirty deed. When I first entered discussion of Kia lots of nasty comments were flying mostly by folks who had no experience with the car. I have consistently chalked up 33mpg ... Read More

Kia Spectra GS, GSX (hatchbacks)

• Differance

  Written by: 02_spectra_r on Apr 4, 2002 2:41:33 AM

  The 2001 Spectra was a betta tester for Northern American market to experince a fun and sportier Sephia. But with more stand features, sport and performance for the price. The new 2002 Kia spectra is a Half redesign or Refreshment of the first spectra introduced in 2000. The 2002 Model has a new and heavier/thicker block to reduce noise and vibration while offering a boost in Horse Power (1hp) From 125hp ... Read More

• Trouble

  Written by: 02_spectra_r on Mar 14, 2002 8:47:05 PM

  First the sorento suv will be mated to a standard 3.5liter V-6 barrowed from the hyundai XG350 and the Kia sedona Van. Second i might be leaving the specta to get a 2002 kia optima se I-4cylinder, a 2002 suzuki vitara, or the all new 2002-2003 Suzuki Aerio GS/SX Sedan and wagon. the reason why is because my transimisson slipped again, but this time the drive gear (D) for automatics, Turned ... Read More

• 2002 Kia Spectra Jr. Type K

  Written by: 02_spectra_r on Jan 1, 2002 4:08:12 AM

  I just got my 2nd kia spectra gsx hatchback, back, i'm loving it. i plan to fix it up as soon as i get enough money, but take my driving a lot more serious to realize the limits of the spectra, but it does remind me of my 2000 sportage that i trade in for the 2002 spectra gsx, it was the top of the line ex, but for 2003 i ... Read More

• RE: 2000 Spectra

  Written by: majorthomecho on Nov 28, 2001 9:17:05 AM

  About your suggestion that Kia take Consumer Reports to court for slander. Just an FYI, but the word you meant is libel. Remember that slander is spoken while libel is written. For what it is worth, I think it all right that Consumer Reports is printing a review of a 1999 vehicle. It is not like they have singled out the Kia for that. There are a number of other reviews ... Read More

• 2000 Spectra @ 20,000 miles

  Written by: alfisti1 on Nov 3, 2001 2:17:29 PM

  I am happy to report that I have just crossed the 20,000-mile mark on my Spectra, and I couldn't be more pleased with the car. It has far exceeded my expectations and I would definitely purchase another Kia. The brakes make a little noise but are holding up well. The trunk release is still sticky at times. Other than that, I have no complaints. It runs well, handles well, gets 34 ... Read More

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• NHTSA recalls 2000-2002

  Written by: bjfrank42 on Aug 28, 2001 8:53:09 PM

  Recalls for low end cars (none for 2002 yet) 2000 2001 Mazda Protege 1 1 Honda Civic 0 2 Kia Sephia 0 0 Kia Spectra 0 0 Kia Rio n/a 0 Toyota Corolla 0 0 Toyota Echo 1 0 Hyundai Accent 1 0 Hyundai Elantra 1 1 Nissan Sentra 0 1 and for anyone who says that this doesn't distinguish between major and minor recalls, neither does the JD Power and ... Read More

• Quality scores

  Written by: majorthomecho on Jul 30, 2001 6:50:09 AM

  I agree that the info from J.D. Powers is well hidden. They are supposed to have a consumer oriented site, but it was always down when I tried to access it and the link to it on the commercial site has been removed I noticed. Fortunately, I have written down some company wide and individual results. This was from some time back so I am not sure where the posts are ... Read More

Inexpensive new hatchback wanted

• 2000 Kia Spectra and 2001 Kia Rio

  Written by: trsrjs on Dec 28, 1999 4:21:40 PM

  For those you are asking when is Kia bringing these cars here in the U.S., Kia will bring the 4-door Sephia hatchback known as the Kia Shuma in Korea here starting in March 2000 based on their press release dated December 21. It will be called the Kia Spectra here in the U.S. and will be introduced at the L.A. Auto Show and the North America Auto Show in Detroit in ... Read More