2002 Kia Spectra Base 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Good car for the price

Faults:

The whole fuel system had to be replaced after the first year of owning the car. The weather trim fell off all four doors.

General Comments:

I have enjoyed the car for the 19 months I have owned it.

Gas mileage is great!

It's been a good car for a first time buyer.

Thank God for the warranty, it has been much in use!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2004

2002 Kia Spectra from North America

Summary:

Reliable and good on gas

Faults:

A few recalls that never caused me a single problem before having them fixed.

The door seals at times fall off upon opening the door, leak water and squeal with the wind while driving.

General Comments:

This car is quick, roomy, excellent on gas and doesn't look all that bad to boot.

I have the 5 speed and never had a problem with it, aside from the door seals.

I would not reccommend the automatic though, test drove a few of them and seems that the trans was way off in all.

Bottom line, this is a great little car for the money, and if taken care of, I can see having this car for a long long time. There is even a small, but growing aftermarket of performance parts for this model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2003

2002 Kia Spectra GSX 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Good car, great warranty, good fuel economy

Faults:

Cruise Control Module broke at 20000 km.

Trunk release never works.

Dash lights went out at 18000km.

General Comments:

I think this car is great for someone who wants a good sporty car, doesn't want to be worried about repairs when warranties run out, and needs a good deal of trunk space. The GSX 5-door could eat a Toyota echo in the back with all the room. Not many cars around with that are mid-sized and 5 door.

I have had a few electrical problems, but nothing the dealer didn't fix without too much hassle. Plus they fixed it right the first time!

Would recommend this car to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th October, 2003

2002 Kia Spectra GS from North America

Summary:

It's a shame it started to crap out on me so fast

Faults:

Within one week of purchasing this vehicle, the check engine light came on. Took it into the dealership a couple of days later to have a recall part replaced (an ORVR valve or something like that). After getting the car back the next afternoon, it seemed to be running fine. Next morning, it won't start. Great. After trying several times (it was making horrible sounds, sort of starting and then dying. Then it started and was running rough and the check engine light was flashing, which is bad. Turned it off, waited a minute, then started it again. Started up easier this time, the light stopped flashing, but was still on) I got it to the service center and they reprogrammed something (sorry, don't know anything about cars!) which I think I saw had also been recalled. As to why the previous owner didn't take care of these recalls, I don't know. Or why the dealership didn't take care of it before selling it to me. At any rate, I've had this car for two weeks, nearly half of that without it because it's been in the shop, and it already seems like more trouble than it's worth. Hopefully they got everything right this time. Makes me wish I'd held onto my '89 Pathfinder afterall!

General Comments:

Make sure it's covered under warranty, you'll certainly need it. And often, more than likely.

Is affordable, great on gas, cute, and comfy, but still a pain in the butt.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th September, 2003

5th Feb 2004, 06:56

I have just bought a 2004 KIA Spectra GS.

I have had it for two days now, and the check engine light has came on Already! The only thing I can think of for why it would do such a thing already is- I accidentally drove with my o/d off. I probably drove for like 25 miles like that. But, I'm waiting for the dealership to open so I can call and check it out.