2002 Kia Spectra Base 1.8 ltr

Summary:

Still working out the bugs

Faults:

The problem I have that is always coming back is the check engine light. Within the first 3 days of owning the car I called the service department about the check engine light. They stated to me that it was most likely from were I did not put the fuel cap on tight. I informed them that I had not put any fuel in it since buying the car. I have now been back for the same problem 5 times and now they are going to run a test on the fuel system.

General Comments:

Although the car is comfortable and does what I bought it for. I feel like the dealership should spend more time trying to eliminate the problems instead of giving quick fixes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th September, 2002

27th Nov 2002, 17:35

I have had similar problems with my 2002 KIA Spectra. Now it seems that there it could be caused by transmission problems. You might want the dealership to thoroughly check the transmission.

28th Dec 2002, 10:39

When I first bought my Kia Spectra it did the same thing with the fuel cap. I went to Kragen and bought a locking gas cap for $15 and when I click it 5 times or more the problem stayed a one time issue for me. Good luck with the Service Department though. They are horrible with customer service and will try anything to get out of warranty repair. Don't let them push you around and get a second or third opinion.

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2002 Kia Spectra GS 1.8 liter DOHC 4 cylinder. 16v

Summary:

Sporty, comfy, and affordable

Faults:

I have yet to experience anything bad with my KIA. The only thing that I'm am dissatisfied with is the accessory unavailability. I've tried to find foglights for the GS (the GSX comes with these), and I have had no luck.

General Comments:

I have read some very bad reviews about KIA's in general, and I have to disagree. This is my first new car, and I am very pleased with my purchase.

The car has a lot of pep (get the manual transmission). It looks really sweet. It runs great all of the time.

The warranty is the best, and I have yet to use it after 9200 miles.

The anti-theft device can be a bit of a pain, but it's nice to know that there is something protecting your car. It's cheap, and it works.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th August, 2002

29th Mar 2004, 12:34

I just bought mine and it has 27,000 miles on it and it runs like champ. My heater works better than any other car I have ever been in, so maybe you just got a little bad luck?

2002 Kia Spectra LS 1.8L 4 cylinder DOHC

Summary:

I wouldn't donate this car to Osama bin Laden

Faults:

Two hours after driving this car off of the lot, the Check Engine light came on. After returning to the dealer with the problem, was told that it most likely the gasoline cap. After retuning a week later, tests were run, the result was getting an error code that was unknown to the service department. Three weeks and a new transmission later, I finally get the car back.

Now when pressing the gas pedal, there is a two-second delay before the car gets going.

Also, now the car fails to start intermittently unless the gear shift is cycled between neutral and park.

The car is only 4 months old, has been in the shop for over three weeks, and we are now looking forward to some more time in there.

General Comments:

While the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty is tempting, having to use it every few months does wonders for any sort of resale.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st August, 2002

11th Sep 2002, 15:04

Sounds to me like you bought a lemon (you should be able to force a buy- back from KIA). Happens to any and all car makes; my dad bought a brand new ’93 Camry, at 11,643 miles his motor seized up (probably a over-torqued oil drain plug that stripped out while he was going down the highway). The AC compressor went at 54,000, after the warranty expired…He wanted to give it to me when it reached 110,000 (family heirloom), but I bought a Spectra instead. Kia is capable of building a reliable car- look how many Ford Festivas are still running around (built in Korea by Kia).

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