Used 1999 Kia Sephia Consumer Reviews
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This car is A lemon from day one !
troy49, 06/10/2011
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I originally brought a 1998 Kia Sephia, that car was even worse then the 1999 it was taken back by Kia after a five month long fight with them. Let me first start with this fact, the 1998 Kia Sephia is the same as the 1999. The 1999 uses all the same parts, all the parts are dated on the 1999, 1998. Event the engine and the body of the car were made in 1998. The first problem with the care was in all of the electrical connections. A monkey with a soldering iron could have done a better job at soldering the connections. All of the electrical connections on the car needed to be re-soldered, the wiring harness needed to be replaced, The car has broke piece by piece costing more the it was worth
Great Little Car
John, 09/17/2005
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great little car, very dependable. Ride was a little rough at times on long trips. Biggest complaint was brakes needed to be replaced every 30,000 miles. Great on gas 32+ mpg, plenty of pickup. Over 135,000 miles and still in great shape, no rust and exterior finish is still excellent -- unusual for a vehicle that lives in Rochester, NY. Son drove to school and college all year round.
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See all 0 listingsIt is an economy car
Michelle, 06/01/2006
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Kia in February of this year. I needed to get a vehicle with better gas mileage (I was driving a Explorer). I really enjoy the fuel economy but the vehicle is a very lightweight vehicle, not sure what would happen in a accident. If treated well these cars will last but you can't beat on them that is for sure. I would not put a teen in them; they may not last ( I have a 17 year old). He would destroy this vehicle not avoiding potholes etc. The one thing that has already needed to be replaced is the brakes. They go through brakes quickly, not sure why. I am already trading it in for a Mazda B2300. I don't believe it would last with my family long term.
Kia?
grammylorrie, 09/10/2006
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 1999 Kia in 1999. I have had nothing but trouble with it and would never buy another one. I had a crash at 50mph and the airbags never deployed!
Goes from A to B
VAKia, 02/27/2002
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've driven the car 33000 in 3 years and have not had a problem what so ever. It's been very reliable, especially considering I had to do heavy city driving for the first year that I owned it. There are no frills or excitement to driving the Kia, but it is reliable and averages for me about 36mpg highway.
it's reliable despite some issues
mike a, 09/21/2008
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Worst Car we have ever owned.
Ady, 10/15/2008
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Too many flaws, cheaply made
Carbuyer101, 10/28/2008
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Love my economy car
danielajr1, 05/09/2002
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven my car for three years and so far it has been wonderful to me. I have kept doing my normal maintenance and the performance has been satisfying to me.
Not a bad car
daritari, 08/11/2009
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Kia is made by Coke can
delden, 07/12/2002
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have been driving Kia Sephia for 3 years. After first 10 months (20000 miles), the battery went to death. at 36000 miles, the water pump had leakage. front brake rotors were changed at 56000 miles. there are tints all over my cars. Exterior is made by Coke can.
Cheap but surprisingly reliable
Kalev, 10/28/2010
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been the most basic of basic cars: no A.C., manual windows and locks, and no power steering with the manual stick. Mechanically, other than routine maintenance, very little has gone wrong with this car in 12 years and 140,000 miles. I've been through 3 starters and had to replace both the front left and front right axles (totaling about $800 for both, including labor charges). Even now, the engine is still going strong and burns little-to-no oil between changes. Given its age and mileage, I've been somewhat surprised at its reliability. Cosmetically, the interior dash has curled around the air-vents (common problem), and the paint is beginning to peel on the front bumper.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
fingers, 07/19/2002
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE KIA SEPHIA HAS BEEN A SOMEWHAT RELIABLE CARE EXCEPT FOR THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS THAT THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCE SINCE BUYING IT. MY INTERIOR DASHBOARD HAS A CRACK IN IT BY THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CARE IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD(PURE INTERIOR MATERIALS). THE INTERIOR SEATS HAVE FADED AND THE CRAFTMANSHIP OF THE VEHICLE IS ALL AROUND POOR. SO FAR THE CAR HAS HAD JUST MINOR MECHANICAL DEFECTS, IN WHICH THE DEALERSHIP WAS ABOUT TO FIX WITHOUT CHARGING ME.
Worst Car I Ever Owned
Dennis Nolan, 08/27/2002
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After suing Kia and settling for a few thousand dollars, I still was thoroughly disgusted with this car. It was the LEAST economical car I ever owned. In three years, 20 sets of brakes, 4 batteries and a new transmission, 3 radios, cracked door panels, headlights filled with water, original tires only lasted a few months, trim fell off, doors would not work properly. The dealer gave me 900 dollars for it in trade and really did not want it. We owed much more than that on the car loan but I did not care I had to get rid of it for health reasons. Junk, Junk, Junk, it should be banned from the United States. Without a doubt the last foreign car I will purchase.
Never had a problem (knock on wood)
Nito, 10/25/2002
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Sephia for over 3 years now and the only problems I've ever had were that my airbag light stayed on (faulty wire:fixed) my console dial got stuck (fixed) and my door seal was coming off (fixed). I have never had a major mechanical problem with it. I take it for scheduled oil changes and tune ups and it runs great. I think it's a really good car for the money, but it comes with a bad rep.
Great suspension & space, quality horror
hwyhobo, 11/09/2002
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Comfortable, peppy with a stick, *great* suspension, and a quality control disaster. Poor mpg (23/29). Brake rotors replaced after 10K miles, interior sounds like a circus marching through town with all the squeeks and noises, and at 30K miles clutch release bearing failed with a high-pitched whine. I've driven stick for 20 years and didn't realize that such a part existed, but according to Kia it's a "normal wear item." The bearing costs a few dollars, the repair $500+. Their "customer service" will NOT take responsibility. So much for their warranty. Forget this POS. For a few thousand more buy a Honda or a Toyota that will serve you unerringly for many, many years.
Piece of S%#$ car
tooshort, 11/13/2002
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 2 years now and I've had more trouble with it than I have with anything I have ever owned. these forign cars a really a piece of S@#*. The check engin light has been on for about 4 months and we take real good care of the car.
Ready for maintenance always
Rahul, 01/10/2003
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought used car and having problems from first day. Coolant fan, brakes, electric fuse all changes. I dont know what will be next change. It's better to buy used Honda Civic, Toyota corolla or Nissan Sentra.
Piece of Junk!
kmac, 08/31/2003
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing but problems after the warrenty ran out. Sencor on speedometer had to be replaced, can't fill the thing up with gas. After you get to about 3/4 of a tank gas starts splashing out and this is after a recall to fix the problem. Mysterious problems that no one can seem to find. Transmission will work fine one day and the next will shift spontaniously in and out of overdrive or will not shift at all. Also problems with interior breaking. Glove conpartment latch spontaniously broke, seat belt on drive's side comes unlatched while driving, center console latch broken. Can't even get out of it what we own.
I hate Kia
kiahater, 08/27/2003
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a 99 Sephia and an 01 Optima. The Sephia now has 62,000 milesand is falling apart. A few weeks ago the horn stopped ringing. The dealer (who also sells and services Fords) estimated $100 but then revised it to $800 because Kia integrated the horn into the airbag assembly and the horn cannot be fixed without installing an entire new airbag assembly (clock spring, etc.) The car has had many, many other problems in the past year. The moral of the story is: DO NOT BUY A KIA -- NOW, EVER.
1999 Kia Spephia
papa1999, 12/08/2003
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ONCE AND MAY NEED TO CHANGE IT AGAIN. I REALLY HATE THIS CAR. IT SUCKS! DO NOT BUY IT STAY AWAY. BETTER TO SPEND EXTRA MONEY ON A TOYOTA COROLLA OR CAMRY.
Read before you buy a KIA
patience, 02/20/2004
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had a horrible experience with this vehicle. The dealership was not very helpful either with the car they sold me. Having to replace breaks every 8,000 miles and them telling me that was normal. I spent over a third of what the car was worth repairing the vehicle in the first 3yrs. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone!
Not your best bet
korelinlakes, 03/30/2004
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for 5 years now and it has been a perpetual nightmare. I have replaced the brake rotors and pads 4 times. The dealership, which no longer sells kia's, told me that was normal. It has been recalled at least 4 times that I can remember. The O2 sensor went out. It has had numerous electrical problems that have conflicted with the aftermarket alarm I had installed. The battery died after 2 years (I'm on my third). Do yourself a favor and don't buy a Kia.
Sephia poor Quality and Reliability
Vision, 04/02/2004
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been the biggest headache. In the last 4.5 years, I have replaced the breaks 4 times, the axel, and now the transmission that comes just 1,000 miles outside of the power train warranty. I am faced with a $2,000 repair which is barely what the car is worth. Don't take this care even if its free! I have had many cars before this one. All cars have their little idiosyncracies - but this one...Well all I can say as a word to the wise - buyer beware. Even my dealer doesn't sell Kias anymore.
NIGHTMARE ON KIA STREET
WENDE11, 05/05/2004
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR HAS TRULY BEEN A NIGHTMARE. THIS HAS BEEN MY FIRST CAR AND WITH REPAIRS I COULD HAVE BOUGHT A QUALUTY USED CAR. TO ANY ONE OUT THERE MAY BE ONE OR TWO (LITERALLY) HAPPY CUSOMERS OUT THERE BUT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CAN'T BE WRONG.
Kia Sephia LS
bdunca01, 06/01/2004
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car has been a reliable, economical car to own and drive. One aspect I like is that oil only needs to be changed every 5,000 miles; not that I wait that long but I don't feel guilty if I go over 3,000 miles before it's changed. Approximately 25,000 miles have been road miles and, while it's not that quiet on the road, the ride is not bad at all.
kia sephia p.o.s. version 1.0
jtjokerb, 08/04/2004
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
okay any vehicle that would require a hole next to the shifter to put a screw driver to over ride the transmission has got to be a sign not to buy this crap on wheels. we have had to change the brakes 2 times within the first 2 years (could have been more if i continued to drive it regularly). 5 recalls 3 within the first 6 months of owning it. All the problems we have had battery dying, refusing to shift gears, wipers breaking, center console falling apart, interior falling apart, and various levels of squelling and shaking all happen after the warranty ended, of course. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T BUY A KIA.
Kias Are Cheap
Finewoman, 09/13/2004
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car brand new and including the orginal transmission I have had 3 in the car. The brake shoes keep going out and I have to spend 200.00 to redo the entitre brake system.
great
oliver32474, 09/25/2004
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been extremely reliable. We have had it for 3 years and have had nothing wrong with it rather than annual maintainance, i.e. oil changes and air filters
Not a bad car
Nada Chance, 12/19/2004
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wasnt my first choice, but it's been a really good and reliable car.
65 K and counting
stealthnv, 03/03/2005
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this as a gas saver for the wife (35mpg). In 65 thousand miles I have replaced rotors and pads with parts from Kragen. (No more brake problems). Had to replace the horn, push the heater cable back on the control lever, lube & oils. That's it. Better than most other vehicles I've owned. Liked the Sephia so much we just bought a Kia Sorento (kept the Sephia).
Not recommended
raymr, 12/07/2006
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you really baby this car, it might reach 100K miles. During the first week, a rear shock dumped its contents on the driveway. We have had almost all the mentioned problems - dashboard curling up, door seals falling off like spaghetti, cracking and disintegrating interior plastics, blown door speakers, and of course the brakes. The metal is very thin or soft, so most of these cars now look like they were used on a target range. The seat fabric sometimes leaches something brownish from the foam below and is hard to clean. The drivers seat has a big mysterious letter "R" outlined on the lower cushion. At 71K miles now, the car is pretty much shot.
Cheap car, Good value
Ling, 02/15/2007
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Kia is JUNK
stumpy497, 05/12/2003
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a piece of crap. Thought it would be a economical vehicle for the price but it causes more headaches than anything. I've had three transmissions in the last 2 years of owning the car. One had to be replaced after just 3 month. Junk, Junk, Junk. Looks great but I will never own a KIA again in my life. They give you a 60,00 mile warranty because you need it.
great cheap car
ront, 05/22/2003
1999 Kia Sephia 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great if you like cheap car that you can rely on. I had reservation about buying it but after 4 years I love it and I've had little to know problems. This car will walk thru the snow and ice and frisky when on the highway. Great young crowd looking to show off there car but do not have alot of money. Very fun car to drive(manual) and will turn heads if you keep it clean.
If you are looking for an economy car
lisset, 03/20/2002
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this vehicle for three years and it has served its purpose of an economic vehicle. The only thing I have done is fill the tank, rotate the tires and change the oil. It has been speciall terrific when gas prices have been high.
Good around town car
Tony Wosnjuk, 08/13/2004
1999 Kia Sephia LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for commuting. The car never gave me mechanical problems. I had two issues: 1. Brake pads are now changed and had a hard time finding the "old" style brake pads. IF you don't find the "old" style pads, you must change the rotors as well. (around $150). 2. Console plastic is cheap. Started to come up and I had to Glue it Down. But at least the car doesn't make a whole lot of noise. The A/C works well and the overdrive is really cool when on the freeway with some traffic. Push the button and you feel like you are on a different car. Cost me around $30 to fill the tank ($2.15/g) but I go long ways with it. LOUD road noise