2001 Kia Spectra GS 1.8 DOHC gas from North America

Summary:

Good cheap Corolla alternative

Faults:

The remote hatch release broke and was taken care of by dealer without argument. I got blamed for it by primary driver, though.

Fuel economy is somewhat disappointing.

General Comments:

I love the feel of that big honkin' twin cam engine!

It took five and a half big people, and all of their luggage from Savannah to DC, averaging 90 mph and 26 mpg. (500 miles or 800 km.) Not as comfortable as a big minivan, but not bad either.

Pretty interior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th April, 2005

9th Apr 2005, 11:13

No offense, but I don't see how anyone could try and replace a Corolla with a Korean made Kia.. see how you like that beast in a few years.

30th Nov 2007, 16:34

Don't tell your life insurance agent you're driving a Spectra at 90 mph. 90 in a Spectra is suicide.

2001 Kia Spectra GSX 1.4 from North America

Summary:

I am scared to have my 5year old in the car with me.

Faults:

Faulty back hatch.

Spark plugs fail every 5000 miles.

Engine light turns back on within 30 miles of the repairing dealership.

Power supply weakens.

Paint chips easily.

Emission system problems (apparently cannot be identified)

General Comments:

This car is a financial wreck.

The car has wiped out my savings just on repairs not covered (but what is covered?)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th March, 2005

2nd Jun 2006, 08:12

I have not had such a bad experience with my Spectra as this person. I have driven the car now beyond 80,000 and have just today lost a spark plug on one cylinder. Other than routine maintenance I have experienced no serious issues with the vehicle. The worst of my experience has been that the rubber trim has a tendency to get out of place.

2001 Kia Spectra GSX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

I will never own another KIA!!

Faults:

- Multiple and repetitive interior molding problems (sun visors, door trim, rear view mirror, center console)

- repetitive problems with interior trunk release latch.

- Repetitive problems with rear axle (thumping)

- Paint is coming off like chips have been taken out

- Repetitive transmission problems- will not shift out of park

- Repetitive electrical problems (headlights, air bag light, dome light)

- Outside window trim (all four side windows)

General Comments:

I bought the car at a KIA dealer in South Carolina. They told me they would have a shop within 4 months and it's been 3 years and still no shop. I have to drive 100 miles round trip to get to a KIA shop. The technicians are not professional and fumble around trying to figure things out. I often have to take the car back to the shop because it was not repaired right the first time. Repairs are slow.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th November, 2004

2001 Kia Spectra 1.6 from North America

Summary:

I went cheap and got it!!

Faults:

Does not like to start sometimes. Low beams will go out every now and then when high beams have been used.

General Comments:

I am not trusting this car. Its good when not giving annoying problems (starting).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th February, 2004

2001 Kia Spectra GSX 1.8L DOHC I4 from North America

Summary:

Lots of features and style for the price

Faults:

All weatherproof Strips in door came off.

Shifter broke, wouldn't come out of park. Dealer replaced under warranty.

Back seat belts don't let go until you disconnect the belt.

Lot's of interior trim pieces have come loose or have needed replaced.

General Comments:

Car has horrible acceleration. Hard to merge in heavy traffic.

Awesome features for the cost of the car.

Awesome on gas.

Very Stylish Car for the price.

Hard to find performance parts for vehicle.

Seats uncomfortable during long road trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th July, 2003

2001 Kia Spectra from North America

Summary:

This car is a piece of trash

Faults:

Car shuts off while driving without warning.

Car stalled several times when put in reverse.

Flutters for no apparent reason.

Came with weather strip defect in all four doors.

Came with window handle defect.

General Comments:

My 2001 KIA Spectra has given me headache after headache. It has only been 1 year and 5 months since the day I purchased it.

I regret that I decided to purchase my first car from a KIA Dealership. These last seven moths have been horror for me.

I am now in process of getting relief from the NJ Lemon Law.

My car is an accident waiting to happen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2003

24th Nov 2003, 18:20

I have a 2001 KIA Spectra and I am having the same problems.

My car for the past 3 months has been cutting off on me whenever I am driving with no warning and it will rev up to 3,000 RPM while in park or neutral.

5th Dec 2003, 09:48

The 2001 Kia Spectra is a great car! I have to disagree with above comments. This is the first car I have bought on my own and it has been nothing, but great for me. I own a manual and I think of it as my little sports car. I have had no problems thus far with it and I am at 39,000 miles. I make very long road trips occasionally (400 plus miles) and the car handles great on these trips. I feel safe in it and everything is holding up very well in the car. I would recommend this car to any one, in fact I have! And friends have purchased Kia's as well!

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2001 Kia Spectra GSX 1.9 from North America

Summary:

Great value for the money, but get the top model

Faults:

The rear wiper arm needed replacement.

The front right sealed turn signal needed replacement due to moisture.

Check engine light came on once due to loose gas cap.

Rear ground effect spoiler was replaced.

General Comments:

Seat covers are of poor quality and the sun visors are starting to peel around the mirrors edges.

Great Gas mileage.

Great stereo CD and speaker system.

Rides great on the Highway, especially at 110 mph. Only tried that once.

Poor acceleration thought.

Five doors fast back is the way to go.

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

Review Date: 5th September, 2002

27th May 2005, 15:45

I just think it's funny that you said it's great at a 110 mph, only tried that once. My girlfriend has a 2001 Spectra GSX and went 111, once. She got pulled over. Anyway, I hope your's is as good as hers is.

21st Jun 2006, 22:08

I bought my 2001 Kia Spectra GSX brand new in 2002. It was great for the first few months and then I ran into major problems. The transmission went out by the time it hit 15,000 miles. It also had major front end issues. I had to replace the alternator several times. After the car was broken in it sounded very bad... very noisy!It also had electrical problems. After all of the headaches with this car I finally traded it in. It was very hard to get rid of. I ended up taking a huge loss on this car due to the fact that they do not hold value well at all. If you are look into buying a Kia make sure that you do your homework.