1996 Kia Sephia GS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

It was reliable for me and my family

Faults:

I have had to replace the dash board it had started out with burn marks and eventually it came up.

I also had to replace the oxygen sensor.

I had to replace the rotors.

The head lights are very foggy on the inside.

General Comments:

I have gotten more use out of the car than I have had problems with it.

I don't know if I would recommend one.

It really hasn't given me too many mechanical problems for the mileage it has.

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

Review Date: 30th March, 2003

1996 Kia Sephia RS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Not as bad as I thought it would be

Faults:

I have had to replace the front brake pads quite a few times already for the short time that I've had the car.

Dash has has gotten dark spots all over it and in the center it has peeled back, I have never seen anything like it before-

Check engine light comes on often.

General Comments:

Not really that bad of a car, I mean its nothing great or even close to it, but it gets you where you need to go, and so far its never broken down. I only paid $1800 cash for this car so I'm not expecting much. Sometimes the transmission grinds and the car itself puts off some odors at times, but I don't regret buying this car, a lot of people with these cars are having horrible problems thankfully mine seems to be one of the good ones-

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

Review Date: 17th March, 2003

1996 Kia Sephia 1.8L DOHC 4c from North America

Summary:

Good if you have lots of money for repair

Faults:

Things That Have Gone Wrong

1. Water Pump had to be replaced

2. Timing Belt had to be replaced

3. Radiator had to be replaced

4. Windshield had to be replaced

5. Most light bulbs have been replaced

6. Thermostat has been replaced

7. The dash board has many burn spots despite good care

8. Transmission has to be replaced.

General Comments:

This car has been a nightmare. I am a 19 yr old college student with a really tight budget. This car had been repair after repair. There is still things wrong with it that no mechanic can figure out. It seems that my Check Engine Light has a mind of its own. No matter what I do or anyone does it idles extremley rough.

At this point I am giving up on this car. It has been more of a headache then it has been worth. Repairs have been expensive because nothing minor has gone wrong, or so it seems. Parts are hard to find few people will work on the car because its not a well know car so I have had to go to specialist which has cost more.

Overall this car has been anything, but pleasurable to own. I'm happy to say I'm getting rid of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th February, 2003

1996 Kia Sephia 1.8 from North America

Summary:

A high performance, money saving, long lasting car

Faults:

Just recently I need to get the belt tightened.

I just changed the oil every 3000 miles and changed the tires when needed.

Floor mats get a bit worn.

General Comments:

This car is very fast.

Has great get up and go power.

The ride is very comfortable.

It is not the quietest ride in the world, but pleasurable.

I have heard a lot of people had problems with their KIAs, but it seems that each one was an Automatic.

I have never had a problem with this car and neither did my parents before they gave it to me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th January, 2002

1996 Kia Sephia RS 1.6 L DOHC from North America

Summary:

Too difficult to fix due to the lack of parts availability

Faults:

Brakes went out after 6,000 miles.

Alternator went out 19,500 miles.

General Comments:

It is very expensive to fix due to lack of parts sold after market.

Dents easily.

Has lots of suspension problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th September, 2001

27th Jul 2003, 11:49

I have a 1999 Sephia and I have also had suspension problems. Specially with the links that support the strut. Unfortunately I have not been able to find much more information on this. If anyone has some useful information please contact me at coloncesar@hotmail.com. I will appreciate all the input I can receive. Thanks.