By travisp11 on 06/05/07 13:31 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
We have had our Spectra for almost four years now and the only major problem we had it in for was the throttle position sensor. Yeah, it took four return trips to the dealership (175 miles away, ouch!) but eventually the throttle body was replaced under warranty. Honestly, if you follow routine service and don't treat it like a red-neck stepchild, you should get many years of good use out of it, just like any other car.
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By Bexley on 05/14/07 16:52 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
For an inexpensive car, the reliability has been outstanding, but over time the "little" things have crept up. Seat(s) have become rather uncomfortable, wind noise is more pronounced, and now a disconcerting noise is coming from the front end, as if a strut is loose ore something. Also, little bits of trim have fallen off, but mechanically, only the brakes have been replaced, at 55,000 mi. I might keep it longer if it weren't becoming so unpleasant to sit in for more than 1/2 hour or so.
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By Jilly O on 02/14/07 19:58 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My first car. About $7500 at a Ford dealership. To work, to school, to play, it gets you there comfortably and in style. It isn't just a tool of transportation, it's a great ride. I'm 18 and as a first car, I am impressed. Only one blind spot (on every car) and great handling. I honestly love my little Kia and get compliments on it. For a small car, there is a ton of room (unlike Honda Civic coupe). Haven't had an engine problem at 60,000 miles. Kia isn't "established" so my insurance was a pain to get. Recommended for teens or first purchase.
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By huff on 09/30/06 21:49 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Simple car, no extras, never have problems. Gets from 30 to 33 highway (automatic). Easy to park. Has fantastic warranty but never have to use it. Unlike American cars no recalls to date!
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By debmck on 08/09/06 21:02 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Dependable, good gas mileage. Window seal on driver side bad, wind noise. All weather strips on hatchback fell off. Had to replace tires at 30,000 miles. Air conditioning weak. Regret not getting power windows and door locks.
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By Dawn B on 03/17/06 05:01 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I must admit I was skeptical when my husband first brought this home to me. I have been greatly surprised and pleased with it. The equipment on it for the money was a very good value and the factory stereo has surprisingly good sound. It has a good amount of storage for things like sunglasses and cd's. This baby will turn on a dime, and after 53,00 miles handles well, and drives and rides well compared to higher priced cars. 2 trips from Kansas City, MO to Fort Knox, KY and a trip to Akron Ohio and all I've had to do is change oil and tires. No mechanical issues at all which surprised me. A great little car for the money.
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By BBBBombshell on 02/10/06 22:53 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This car is my 2nd Kia. The car is fun to drive and has actually held up pretty well for a car of its price range. However, this baby was in the shop 8 times for a throttle problem. The first 7 times they said the problem was the throttle positioning sensor and it was replaced, reset etc. We were fairly irate because they would reset the sensor and it would be fine for about 3 weeks then it would have no power at all and I was getting 14 mpg - yep I said 14! Finally, they changed the whole throttle body and components. We also lost a bolt out of the flywheel, and they had to remove a chunk of foam from the back door so we could roll down the window.Tomorrow I am buying a Ford! Seriously!
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By Steven on 02/02/06 05:54 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Just purchased this car two weeks ago, mostly based on ratings at this site coupled with the cheap price and good gas mileage. I did not notice on the test drive how noisy the ride is. Every pebble feels like a pothole and need to have radio on to drown out the engine noise. Am told by mechanics that this is how they sound and you get what you pay for. Would rather have an older Corolla.
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By maui on 01/29/06 12:04 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have owned my Kia for 2 years and have been very pleased with the handling and driving capabilities of it. I am satisfied with the service provided and would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a 4 door sedan, with all the toys, for an affordable, reasonable price. I am less pleased with the ride but feel that better tires than those initially provided would improve this. Overall, this car has been a wonderful addition to our family.
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By Sean Watters on 01/11/06 19:58 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2003 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have had this car for the past two years and the only complaint that I have is the fact that it is a smaller car. It is obvious that a car that performs this well on and offroad, (from my experience) that size does not matter. I am extremely satisfied with this vehicle and believe that this car is perfect for college students or the everyday on the go person. It never crossed my mind when I got the car that I would be this satisfied with it. Since I have had this car, I have put 39,000 miles on it and it runs just as well as it did when I first purchased the car. In short, this car is a very reliable car as long as it is well maintained.
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