2001 Kia Sephia from North America

Summary:

Put your money in a garbage can, to save your time

Faults:

OK first, Check engine light up NOooooo!

Spark plugs wire burned out, totally the rubber was totally blew off.

Change brakes when I received it. It's OK for 100 000 kms to change the brakes...

Now at 110 000 Kms, I think the compression has run out, OK catalyst.. maybe, don't know... the more I push on the gas pedal, the slower I get :S?!?

General Comments:

OK the radio is cool, the speakers suck, but I can live with it.

My first A/C car. OK, I tried it one time before my fatal problem.

I think the car is too heavy for the engine performance.

The transmission is hard to put in speed and has a little wobble.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th March, 2007

2001 Kia Sephia LS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Do not buy it

Faults:

Transmission die after I pick up the car. Dealer spend 7 days to replace the transmission, and then they said battery is dying and cause the transmission problem. Is this the truth?

Engine makes a lot of noise.

General Comments:

Bad Transmission.

Bad brake.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th August, 2006

2001 Kia Sephia LS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Solid basic transportation

Faults:

A/C did not work when I bought the car. The door locks worked, but not properly (locks cycled when just setting in the drive; had to turn key several times to get all doors to lock). Car is still under warranty (through 60K or Oct. '06). A/C was repaired and locks were sorta fixed (still cycle at odd times) under warranty. One of OEM tires had a crack in shoulder, replaced two tires. One of the selling points was that the new car warranty was transferable for 60K/6years. The local service department seems to be competent. I have warranty work and the 45K scheduled service done there.

General Comments:

After driving a Honda with 225,000 miles, the Kia seems like a new car! However, the difference in quality is obvious: a new Accord is a much better auto than a new Sephia. Hence, pretty good prices for used Kias. The car cruises on the highway very nicely and quite quietly for a small car. With a/c on, you have to pass carefully as there is not very much acceleration available.

The front speakers are blown, but the rest of the sound system seems pretty solid. The interior is pretty plain jane, but the seats are comfortable, both around town and on long trips.

Mileage is 29mpg mixed driving and up to 34mpg highway driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2006

12th Aug 2006, 14:52

Did you have alternator problems with your sephia?

2001 Kia Sephia LS 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Pretty good deal

Faults:

Right hi beam out.

General Comments:

This car rides nicely for a small car, stiff suspension and no body noise. Road noise is pretty good for a compact. Fit and finish is pretty good, interior is cheap plastic, but reminds me of a 60's VW Beetle.

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

Review Date: 9th March, 2006

2001 Kia Sephia LS from North America

Summary:

Excellent car for first time car buyers

Faults:

My A/C compressor has just gone out.

General Comments:

Overall I think the car was a very good buy.

Although the A/C compressor just went out I attribute that to running it hard when I lived in FL and running it hard again during the winter now that I live in OH.

It's no performance sport car, of course, but it handles well for a manual 4-cylinder.

I've driven it many times between OH and FL, never with any problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2006

2001 Kia Sephia from North America

Summary:

Cute and reliable!

Faults:

I have had this car for a little over two months and this car has never given me any grief. it was a perfect choice for my first car.

General Comments:

The dealership which I bought it from inspected the car and fixed an axle problem before the delivery at no cost to me. the engine is spotless which was very helpful when my dad checked under the hood after my first long trip in it. I'm always reading in these reviews that peoples KIA's leave them stranded, but my KIA, or as I call her "Mia KIA" has never stranded me anywhere. I personally think it's very reliable!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2005