Faults:

Hood squeaks.

Defroster is sluggish.

Hmmm... other than that I am having difficulty thinking of any other problems that would be considered "model specific."

General Comments:

I've seen a lot of complaints from others about things that are simply normal vehicle maintenance issues - tires wear out, as do brakes, and all vehicles need regular maintenance to perform optimally.

My KIA has been a great car - never left me stranded (unless it was MY OWN fault), fuel efficient with great handling and superior pick-up. Even my dealership has been wonderful, very attentive - I couldn't ask more of them.

I know that with every line of cars that comes out there will inevitably be a few that seem to have constant problems, but even taking that into account the KIA line of vehicles seem to have proven their reliability and cost effectiveness - just look around at how many are on the road. I've talked to numerous other owners, and all have had good things to say about their KIA's. I am certainly happy with mine.

Faults:

I have had the brakes replaced several times in the first 2 years since I have owned the vehicle. They never worked properly, and still don't.

The battery also died within the last 2 years.

I've had it towed so many times for various problems, thank god for AAA.

It rarely starts on the first try, especially in the colder months.

And now with 40,000 miles on it, the transmission has gone.

General Comments:

I would not recommend these vehicles to anyone.

Do yourself a favor and steer clear of these vehicles, otherwise they are a money pit!

Faults:

The car had been wrecked and totaled before we bought it. When we purchased the car, with a clean title, might I add, we fell in love with it. During the 1st wreck wires to the fuse box were severed and the fuse box and wires had to be replace because it severed the engine fan fuse causing it to overheat.

The car has been through 2 accidents since we purchased the car in 2002. Currently we are waiting to see if the car will be totaled. Small accidents can add up due to fast deprecation.

General Comments:

This car has been an excellent car for me and my fiance. We have looked at several newer Kia's since our purchase.

The car is fun to drive and performs well on long distance trip.

The interior is a comfortable and very roomy space.

Full coverage insurance is a must with this car.

Faults:

My alternator died at approx 60,000 miles.

My first battery went after about a year and a half, the second one went with the alternator, the third one went approximately 5 months after the last.

Part of the dashboard is warped because due to heat, in all fairness though I live in Fresno, CA where the temps can get up to 120 in the summer... imagine what the temp is in the car.

General Comments:

I love my Kia Sephia.

It gets great gas mileage.

The interior is quite roomy, three full size adults can fit comfortably in the back seat.

This is a tough car that can handle whatever any driver can dish out.

Faults:

Engine mounts at 63800 miles.

Brakes do not last very long.

Replaced battery at 53000 miles.

Replaced all four tires at 50000 miles.

Oil changes at regular intervals, along with air filter/PCV valve/spark plugs - check belts etc.

Spark knock is a problem using 87 rated fuel-rec. of using 89 instead.

A/C manifold hose at 53000 miles.

General Comments:

Generally the car has been reliable. It handles well. We have been pleased, but have been vigilant in maintenance.