Overview & Reviews

The Kia Sephia has officially been renamed the Spectra sedan. Got that? So now, there's the Spectra hatchback and the sedan; they've always shared mechanicals, so no big change there. The sedan will now sport some exterior styling cues borrowed from the five-door version.

• Low base price, responsive steering and nimble handling, available hatchback configuration, killer warranty.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 92.00

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  gooooood - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By jaymartin - October 25 - 2:00 am

  the car runs well in the one month of purches. im very happy so for THE ONLY THING IS THAT MY WINDOW SEALS LEAK ON THE CAR WHEN WASHING

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  To soon to tell, but - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Yas - October 14 - 10:00 am

  at least no reviewers complaining about any major problems with this car. Recently paid 10,500$, taxes included for a 2002 Spectra LS with 5600 miles on it. First foriegn car ever and its about what I expected. Bought it for my college bound daughter just for the warranty and I hope economy. Time will tell.

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  Transmissions - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Lori - April 8 - 6:03 am

  New transmission at 2000 miles - fighting with Kia at 60,000 for 2nd transmission. I like the car fine. It runs well (most of the time), gets ok gas mileage. Only problem I have is at 60,000 miles have to replace timing belt. Warranty does not cover car if this not done at 60,000. Getting ok from KIA for dealer to fix my car is a nightmare.

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  WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By VICKIE STONE - July 21 - 2:00 am

  WE GOT THIS 2002 KIA IN MAY 2002. IN FEB. 2003 PAROMOUNT KIA HAD TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION AND NOW IT IS DEC.2003 AND THE NEW ONE IS GIVING US TROUBLE. SO WE WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER KIA. WE SEE WHY THEY GIVE THE 10 YEAR/100,000 MILE WAR. . BECAUSE YOU NEED IT .

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  Been a great little car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By libertyswanson - April 14 - 7:45 pm

  I bought my 2002 Kia Spectra in 2006 with 60k miles on it. It now has over 220k. Most of the work as been regular maintenance. I just put in a new head gasket and my clutch is starting to pop. It has been great in the snow (I drive a 100 miles a day in Colorado). And has always started. Ive replaced the alternator (no big deal), scheduled timing belts, and front wheel bearings. The back struts are gone and there are a lot of rattles developing. The arm rest is very uncomfortable and my wife hates the seats. But it has been very very dependable. Gas mileage right now is about 35 to 38 mpg. Im moving up in car class, but have daughter turning 16 and it will be a good first car for her.

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  Great Car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Dorine - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 4 yrs ago, with 55K miles on it. I drive over 100 miles a day and it has never gotten stuck in snow, it starts every time and only left me stranded once (needed a torque converter). Its a great car, has been hit by deer, broken into, and hit while parked, its only let me down once. Its time to move on unfortunately as it is needing a lot more attention simply because of the miles I drive, it now has 156,000 miles and keeps on going.

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  Its a college student car but not!!! - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Monica - March 2 - 5:26 pm

  The only great thing about this car is that it only cost $26 to fill her up. My AC stop working at a certain point now my heater stop working and also my trunk is leaking water which is causing my car to smell like mildew and also my dashborad is rising!!!

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  not so reliable - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By wingnut20 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  transmission replaced at 14000 miles, exhaust system replaced at 16000 miles, at 28000 my radiator decided it had enough and blew a hole. overheated and shut the car off before I could pull over to the side of the road. otherwise its good.

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  My 2002 Kia Spectra Reliable - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By JED - January 20 - 8:03 pm

  I have 65,000 miles on it. I only have has minor issues on the car. Its pretty reliable and GREAT on gas. If someone is looking for a car thats economical and cant afford a civic or a corolla this is the car with comparable features as the competitors. I wish Kia and Hyundai would hold their value much better. Overall its been a great car and Korean have come up in the auto industry.

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  My clutch went out - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By estradac17 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I got this car new and have only put 40000 mile on it the clutch went out my goodyear did the work i have the parts they told me that the clutch was deffective i called kia no help take it to the dealer took it to the dealer just as i thought . its not the clutch it was the way i drive .. im 39years old and have had sticks all my life my nissans have all gotten 150k before they go out ... so much for the long haul warraniy