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

• 

  Great car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By huff - September 27 - 12:53 pm

  Simple car, no extras, never have problems. Gets from 30 to 33 highway (automatic). Easy to park. Has fantastic warranty but never have to use it. Unlike American cars no recalls to date!

• 

  Go have 10 root canals! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By dean_o - June 26 - 10:19 am

  This was the most painful vehicle I have ever owned. We bought it used, and with in the first month had to have 2 transmissions put in. What kind of car needs that? The interior is just an awful design. The alternator went 3 times! The front wheel mounts on both sides were shot. The seat belt buckle broke, come one. The cruise control worked went it wanted too. And for 3 years the check engine light was on and after numerous checks by mechanics no one could get it to turn off and stay off. If you have a choice of someone giving you a Kia Spectra or having to pay for 10 root canals... take the root canals!

• 

  Average car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Chris L - June 21 - 6:06 pm

  If youre looking for an average vehicle, this is it. It has 4 wheels, an engine, and it gets you from point A to point B. Weve only owned it for a few years, gone from about 65k to 95k miles, and weve had a few issues. The serpentine belt began squeaking during our first winter and eventually snapped, killing the power steering. Weve had the belt replaced 3 or 4 times now, and Im sure well have to do so again in the future. The AC also died in relation to fixing the belt somehow, and the muffler pipe needed replacing about a year or so after buying the car, which we finally replaced. A loud muffler is something I wish upon no one.

• 

  new car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By bill m - May 17 - 10:00 am

  my girlfreind and i seen an ad for kia with 2500 rebate and decided to check it out and to my surprise came away impressed love the body style but most of all what really convinced me was the warranty

• 

  Very disappointed!!!!!!! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Denise Abel - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2 2003 spectras in May 2003 and am very shocked at the depreciation of these vehicles. We have two identical cars but they both drive differently. Mine has looser steering and my husbands feels like manual steering. We were told by the Kia place when my husband took his car in that this was normal. We paid $13,200 for each car (in trade) and now cannot get over $6000 for them in trade. Have not been able to sell the cars to private party because no one wants to buy them!!!! Very cheaply made! My husbands whole front bumper cover fell off and cost $1400 to fix. We are getting rid of both by this Friday.

• 

  Spectra GS - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By sterlinco - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Has been extremely dependable though it does lack somewhat in comfort. Long distance driving can be tiring but all in all an otherwise excellent car

• 

  Perfect Car for the Perfect Price - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Damia - February 25 - 2:00 am

  locked my self out of the car already in 2 months. Both times Kia sent some one with in an hour at no charge under the roadside assitance warranty.

• 

  Bad credit but Im driving a new car. - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Silky99x - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical at first about buying a Kia but its an OK Car. Using premium gasoline I got 205 miles to 1/4 tank. If you run the A/C it drinks gas like vrazy. My co-workers talk about how cheap Kias are but at least Im driving a new car. Although, one co-worker said, its good quality with low price. Its growing on me.

• 

  Perfect and Light on the Wallet - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Little Red - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new Kia.I went to other name brand dealers,and was not happy with what they offered at the pice and payments that fit me.The dealership people were great,friendly and a very at home feeling.I will tell all my friends about my car and its people,who stand behind their product 100 percent and the people who buy them.

• 

  Great Around Town OR Highway Car! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By gmhummer03 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for Point A to B travel. This car will do it for you. The A/C will freeze you. The Radio / CD player will knock your socks off. Transmission shifts like a sports car. AND it looks sporty!