Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  Not too bad for a cheap car - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By devs Mom - May 8 - 6:23 am

  Purchased my kia new in 2001 as a commuter car. Kia just turned over 51000 miles after I had traveled from St. Louis to Woodbridge, VA (30 miles S of D.C.) in 16 hours and only used 2 tanks of gas on a 800+ mile trip (son was impressed). Have also gone to tx, ar and ms with no problem and minimum gas besides regular maintenance, a right front strut assembly, tires and brakes, my only problem is crossed wires which make my windshield wipers come on when I turn on the a. C. (happened after jack leg body work) still not bad for a cheap small 4 cyl. Runs good but is starting to show age. Engine heat shield rattles constantly.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Dana - May 8 - 2:46 am

  I got this car new. Seven years later, the only problems Ive had are replacing the battery after 3 years ($53) and replacing one of the connecting wires (twice, first for $60 after 4 years, then for $110 at another shop after 6 years) because the plastic degraded, caused a short, and told me to check engine. The plastic started degrading before I left the dealer, so the middle console lock, both air/heat grates on the upper dash, and the window sealer have broken. But replacement parts for this car are cheap! A windshield was $212. Handles best at high speeds and has a lot of pep!

• 

  First Car - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By Class of 09 - April 13 - 2:13 pm

  This was my first car given to me by my mother.She bought a Ford and handed me the Kia. So I had nothing to compare it to. I would have to say it was and still is a good car. Its never broken down, or had any major problems. Only regular maintenance. My only complaint is that when i have the heat or a/c on the cars acceleration is greatly slowed. This may be due to its age but at times it can be annoying.

• 

  no squares allowed - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By mechell - February 17 - 10:00 am

  very dependable, the only problem that I have with this car is ac comes on for windshield defroster and the oval trunk shapes make the roomy trunk space difficult to use. The seats fold down, but the trunk to backseat oval shape is rediculous

• 

  3rd Transmission and other stuff - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By R&B - January 29 - 10:00 am

  1st Tranny was retired at 250~ miles. second lasted untill 3 weeks ago. A Tranny control module was replaced under warranty in the carolinas and Kia has yet to send reimbursment for roadside warranty. Bad thing is I like the car but this thing has had more problems overall in two years than all my cars Ive owned in 18 years driving! I do not like Kia service, sales, or their customer NO SERVICE.

• 

  Solid Economy Car - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By Rhea - January 26 - 7:30 am

  This car delivers on fuel efficiency! It is a basic car with a great warranty. I have had a few problems with the car but when I take it to the dealership they fix it with no questions asked. It is a great first time car or for those who need basic reliable transportation.

• 

  Good Second Hand Car - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Stacia - December 21 - 5:50 am

  I bought this car second hand with 56k miles on it, paid only $4k. It now has over 110K miles on it. I need a reliable and good commuter car. I got it. I drive 100 miles a day to work. My car has been great for the price. It has had a few mechanical problems but overall I cant complain.

• 

  Dont Buy! - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By vj - November 30 - 12:50 pm

  I had problems from the beginning. The car overheated at 200 miles. Started with 16 mpg, but after several gas treatments and cleaning fuel injectors never got better that 19 mpg. All parts are made cheaply. Ive had MAJOR repairs: CV joints (65,000 mi), transmission (75,00 mi), ECM (90,000 mi). This doesnt include the starter, water pump, valve cover gasket, rotors, and several batteries. I cant wait to trade out! Save yourself the grief - dont buy one.

• 

  Like a Go-Kart - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By FastWRX - November 28 - 8:00 pm

  When the car is working it drives like a go-kart. It has little get up and go but when it goes in to 2nd gear it starts to slow down. I think the only good thing about the car is the gas mileage when the car is working. One major problem Ive had with the car is the alternator belt and bracket. Ive had to replace the belt 5 times now, and the OEM bracket is such a poor design. Its a good 1st car if you have the money to keep fixing it all the time. Other than the repairs its been a great little car.

• 

  NEVER AGAIN! - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By lizzie - October 16 - 10:20 pm

  You get what you pay for. In KIA terms, inexpensive means cheaply made. The gas mileage stinks for the car size. This car will nickel-and-dime you to death! The latch on the drivers door has been repaired at least 6 times. The doors freeze and wont shut (if you can even open them) if the temperature dips below 30. The engine is so loud, it sounds like a full-size pick up on the road. The body is cheap. It chips and dents very easily. When youre driving, the doors are like tin foil - you can actually hear the wind outside whistling through the door seal. I will NEVER buy another KIA again. If you need a small, inexpensive car, go for something with more substance.