2003 Kia Spectra Review
2003 Kia Spectra Review
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Used Spectra for sale
Appraise This CarKia Spectra model years
Kia Spectra types
- Hatchback
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low base price, nimble handling, available hatchback configuration, killer warranty.
Cons
- Lackluster engine performance, weak brakes and tires, mediocre build and materials, poor offset crash test score.
What’s new
For 2003, all Spectras will come with a CD player and body-color side moldings. Kia has attempted to make the cabin environment more hospitable via additional sound insulation in the roof and floor, an illuminated ignition and revised climate controls. Also, all hatchbacks get a standard rear wiper with an intermittent feature. Finally, note that engine specs have been revised this year -- the Spectra is now rated at 124 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque compared with 126 hp and 108 lb-ft for 2002. The four-cylinder engine itself is unchanged.
Edmunds says
Though convincingly cheap in base form, decently equipped Spectras cost as much as better-performing compacts like the Elantra, Focus and Sentra. Shop carefully.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$185/mo for Spectra Base
Spectra Base
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Kia Spectra.
5 star(49%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(2%)
99 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.13 out of 5 stars
Second owner, purchased with 50,000 miles on it
kimllopez, 02/20/2014
2003 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
Purchased this car in 2009 with 50,000 miles on the engine. With the bald tires on the car, it road like a roller coaster ride on the freeway. Purchased new tires and it drove almost 100% better. Replaced the entire radiator about 2 years later. Replaced the ball joint 6 months before that. Replaced the right passenger side head light about 5 times since we purchased the car, at some … point it completely stopped working and my husband switched around the light from the brights to the regular headlight to salvage it. Parts are extremely hard to find for this car, we've usually have to purchase online and when we do find the part in store it is usually more expensive than say a honday or acura.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Solid so Far
deathsaid, 12/09/2012
2003 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
Our Spectra has 120, 000 miles on it and has been pretty reliable so far.
I have it for the last 20K or so and before that my father-in-law owned it.
It has gone through some brakes and needed some work to fix in the brake fluid system.
Front brakes put off a lot of dirt, hubcaps are literally black at this point.
All things considered this car has been great, not the sexiest car or … most comfy (i am 6'6) but very dependable. Nothing fancy or flashy about it but it gets from point A to point B.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Love my Kia!
kiersten565, 07/10/2012
2003 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I've been driving my Kia for almost four years now, it was used as my dad's commuter car. I now have 220,000 miles on it and still going strong! Tires have been replaced, along with a new fuel filter and occasional oil changes and tire rotations but nothing major. I put almost 100 miles on it a day and it has great gas mileage. I'm so surprised at how long it's lasted for me. I will be … very sad the day it gives up!
3.13 out of 5 stars
Cheap used car, wouldn't buy new
Kia Driver, 03/16/2010
2003 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I find this to be a decent used car for someone just learning to drive or looking for nothing more than point A to point B transportation. It's been pretty reliable although when things do break, they are expensive to repair. Many parts have to be ordered from Korea and it's hard to find a mechanic that will work on them. Very difficult to work on yourself as well. The "little things" … like interior trim and such start falling apart around 50k miles though. By 87K the dash was warped, interior trim always falling off, drivers seat no longer went back, and power windows only worked sometimes. The drive train itself is fairly reliable though.
2003 Spectra Highlights
Hatchback
GS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $12,120 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $185/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
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