Faults:

Actually it's been a great little car. Gas mileage is good.

Unfortunately We had to have a transmission put in at 14717 miles, and now at 40000 miles it needs another one. Of course the warranty ran out on a day the shop was closed. I'm beginning to think we are stuck with out it. Found out they put a rebuilt transmission in it, so go figure. The man said that's what they do at KIA.

General Comments:

2 transmissions at 40000 miles.

Faults:

At 105,000 miles - brake distribution block failed, brakes still leaking fluid. Dealer wants 1200$ for the part! I will not pay that much.

Seats worn badly.

Plastic P-R-N-D-2-1 fell from beside the gearshift and is no longer visible.

Cigarette Lighter never worked.

General Comments:

We put general maintenance ever 3000 miles on this car and it has been almost flawless. We've changed the tires twice and replaced the brakes only 1 time.

It is NOT comfortable to drive for long distances.

I was shocked that a 2002 kia would come out with a cassette player and not a CD player.

Faults:

Air conditioner quit working @ 12,000 miles - it was a faulty switch... been working great since.

Silly check engine light comes on periodically - mostly because of the gas cap, I assume.

At about 70,000 miles, I had to replace my rear wheel cylinders - as they were slowly leaking brake fluid.

Currently (96,000 miles) I am getting a full rear brake job (drums, cylinders, and shoes) - because the shop I used, replaced my leaking cylinders with RECONDITIONED ones, and they began leaking again - thus soaking my shoes with brake fluid, and also ruining my drums.

General Comments:

My KIA has been QUITE dependable.

I have a few complaints about small squeaks and rattles - and the service departments I've visited are typically awful.

The unlimited roadside assistance is awesome... I've used it 6 times.

If I knew then, what I know now - I would have gone with a manual transmission, as the automatic really hinders this little car's acceleration.

The interior is very comfortable, but I quickly replaced the factory sound system with my own... though I did keep the factory tweeters!

All in all - I've taken great care of this car. I've ONLY had my oil changed with FULLY synthetic oil - and that, about every 8,000-10,000 miles. I've had my tires rotated and balanced, approximately every 10000 miles. I've replaced the air filter a few times.

At 35,000 miles I had my spark plugs changed, and again at 92,000 miles.

I had my timing belt changed at *gasp* 75,000 miles (as opposed to the recommended 60000). I also had my transmission flushed at 75,000 miles.

I love this car! The only reason I would never (unless something changes) buy another Kia - is the UN-godly depreciation. I usually trade every 2-3 years, but I have not been able to trade out of this thing - as I owe so much more than it is "worth".

I am looking to replace tires in another 10,000 miles or so... (this will be the second time I've put tires on it.) I will drive it until the proverbial wheels fall off!!

Faults:

Trim on rear window keeps falling off.

Persistent shaking at higher speeds.

General Comments:

The car has has been pretty reliable, with no mechanical issues, however, the trim around the rear window will not stay attached.

The main drawback to this car is the highway ride. Although the tires have been rotated and balanced on a regular basis, and alignments performed on the car on three occasions, the car has a rather disturbing shaking problem. The dealer and various mechanics can find nothing wrong, and it just gets worse.

The seats can feel a little cramped after awhile, and I find the steering wheel is uncomfortable to grip after awhile.

Probably won't buy another Kia.