Overview & Reviews
For 2003, all Spectras will come with a CD player and body-color side moldings. Kia has attempted to make the cabin environment more hospitable via additional sound insulation in the roof and floor, an illuminated ignition and revised climate controls. Also, all hatchbacks get a standard rear wiper with an intermittent feature. Finally, note that engine specs have been revised this year -- the Spectra is now rated at 124 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque compared with 126 hp and 108 lb-ft for 2002. The four-cylinder engine itself is unchanged.
- Low base price, nimble handling, available hatchback configuration, killer warranty.
- Lackluster engine performance, weak brakes and tires, mediocre build and materials, poor offset crash test score.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 98.00-
Five years later! - 2003 Kia Spectra
By lovemykia! - July 6 - 6:00 amI bought this car new in 2003 and I still love it! One review said it doesnt have child locks, but it does! Only a couple repairs and this car has been driven to death with very little maintenance. Had to take it to the dealer early on, forget what it was for but they fixed it at no charge. At 100K mi I just replaced the belt. Its needed five or six new headlights, brake pads at 60-70K, a new battery earlier this year, and only fully replaced tires once for wear. And my sun visor is broken. The car sucks up gas with the AC on high, even on the highway. Other than that, no trouble whatsoever and I give it a dependable rating of "10"
-
Spectra 2003 LS - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Jack Napeles - June 15 - 10:00 amI bought this car about a month ago. I have had no problems with it. Power is sufficient and ride is comfortable. The car has easy to use controls and I think the looks are great. If you review cars for a living apparently this is not the one for you. To those of us who dont I think this is an excellent choice.
-
The next Civic? - 2003 Kia Spectra
By wbishop311 - November 1 - 2:00 amSince my purchase, I have been exceptionally pleased with my Kia Spectra. With tight handling, good pickup with a 5-speed, smooth riding, and sleek style, my Spectra has pleased me beyond my expectations. I have most options and would definitely recommend this car in a 5-speed style to my friends and family.
-
Spectra review - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Tracy Lewis - May 9 - 2:00 amI have been extremely pleased with the KIA vehicles... I purchased a Sedona Mini Van 8 months ago and LOVE it...I appreciate alot of the standards that come with the KIA vehicles (air conditioning, CD player, etc..) I just purchased the Spectra and love it... there is plenty of interior room for myself and my son (who sits in a car seat in the back)... its a very smooth ride on the highway... and much more pick-up than i expected. There is also alot of trunk space (which is surprising b/c the vehicle looks so small from the outside...)
-
Love my KIA Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Love my spectra - May 3 - 5:36 amThis car has been extremely reliable, the only thing it has been in the shop for is regular maintenance. The gas mileage has been phenomenal consistently near 30 mpg freeway, and mid to upper 20s in town. This is a great car I am sad to have to sell it. The one draw back on this car is that it does not work well for a growing family.
-
kias are more impresive from 02 to 03 - 2003 Kia Spectra
By renee - October 30 - 2:00 amThe kia spectra that i own now is being very good to me I have had no problems with it and when I purchase another vehicle I plan to purchase a kia optima sev6 only because I have four daughters and a wife so if you are in the market for a vehicle that is good on gas and reliable and has the biggest warrenty. If you think that kia is crap think again. They would not be able to stay in business if they always were brakeing down. Look at the quality workmanship that went into the new sorento and the price what more can you ask for and why would you.
-
Impressed - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Happy KIA owner - August 5 - 2:00 amHaving owed several makes and models of cars that fall into the same category as this KIA, I have to say that KIA is the best hands down. The features are arranged comfortably and ergonomically. The power and punch at take off is impressive and the warranty cant be beat for the price I paid. Finally, I have to say that if youre looking for a car and you dont at least test drive the KIA you get what you deserve
-
I like my Kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
By ds153 - June 1 - 2:00 amI think the KIA Spectra is a great driving vehicle. It has many good qualities, such as a sporty body style, interior has alot of leg room, and comfortable seating. I have the GSX Hatchback, which has extra trunk space. This car has alot of nice features and the reliability is near excellent, I would recommend this vehicle highly, and you cant go wrong with the excellent warranty and great price.
-
Buy one! - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Mononeo - May 2 - 10:00 amMy sister wanted me to find her a good value car, and this is what she ended up buying. The Spectra was actually cheaper than the Rio, so why not get it? We went and drove it around town (same exact one). The dealer paid for gas and didnt care how far we wanted to drive it. They fell in love with it. It rides smooth, doesnt lean too much in turns, and has lots of room. Dollar for dollar, you will be happer with a Kia than a BMW though. ONE FINAL NOTE: Buy the hatchback!
-
my kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
By cindy medlin - April 25 - 10:00 amI got my first NEW car last week. I hadnt planned on getting one but due to the wonderful price and style of the car I couldnt say no. The salesperson was so helpful and was able to answer all of my questions. I plan on my next car being a kia also.
