2000 Kia Spectra GS 1.6L 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
Mediocre, at best..
Faults:
Dash lights tend to blink on and off, and sometimes go out completely, until I kick the fuse box.
At around 10,000 miles, it started to make a funny "vibrating noise" from the front of the car.
Trunk needs to be slammed hard in order to close properly.
General Comments:
This car isn't the worst I've owned, but certainly not the best. A car having electrical problems at less than 20,000 miles is unacceptable. the factory stereo system leaves a little to be desired in the speaker department. If you're a fan of Techno, Industrial, or Hip-Hop music, don't expect good quality bass, or overall sound for that matter. It's OK for Rock and Classical, I suppose. Overall, the car gets me through my 40 mile commute to work and back, but for the $10,000 price tag, I should've bought a Toyota Echo.
On the plus side, it handles well, although it leaves a little to be desired in the acceleration department. The air conditioning and heat both work superbly. The seats are moderately comfortable, but don't expect luxury (then again, it is a Kia). In hindsight, I wish I had bought that Toyota Echo I was looking at. A friend of mine just bought one, and it's great. Don't let the 100,000 mile warranty on the Kia sway you!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd July, 2002
28th Mar 2003, 09:46
Mediocre at best? What do you expect from a KIA-it's an entry level car. For my money, it does what I need it to. It gets me through my 56 mile round-trip commute, takes to from Michigan back to Maine to visit family in comfort (don't have any problem with my "cheesy" CD player) and has been reliable (2001 with 77,000 miles-nothing but routine maintenance.) I guess we just have different opinions. (Unless you happen to be one of those review types who tries to compare their entry level base Rio or Accent against a loaded Focus or Civic. That's like trying to compare a Civic to a Lincoln Town Car.)
19th Aug 2002, 02:24
I have do disagree with a comparison with a smaller over priced Toyota Echo. Toyota Echo's are far from perfect as well. A vibrating noise from the front? Maybe you should investigate to see what is loose. A simple tightening of a screw may fix it. Also Dash lights and sockets are not made by Kia or Toyota and sometimes act up in all makes and models.
As for the stereo I agree they could be better, but go to Price Club and get a 80 watt Blaupunct for $125.00 and it will blow away that cheesy Echo stereo and the cheesy stock Spectra one as well.
And last the Echo is a smaller car for more money. I don't see a quality difference. Kia does keep it simple and Toyota does trim out there cars a little better. But the Kia is more for the bang. I you want bells and whistles I would go and get perhaps a Chevy Cavalier for $17000 dollars and get 120 hp stock. Or get a Honda Civic and pay a couple thousand dollars more yet.
But for the price the Kia is fine in my opinion.