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 21 through 30 of 92.00

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  Worth The Price - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By R Tronick - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new 1-1/2 years ago. 5 speed manual transmission, AC, Rear Wiper, CD Player. Ive never had any problems. I did get the letter about the cracked ORVR Valve problem, and had my deler replace it. Im getting good gas mileage (25 city/35 hwy). Tires could be better, but I really havent had much trouble driving in snow (Wisconsin) or rain. My Spectra is comfortable and fun to drive. A reliable car for the price.

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  Pros and Cons - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By brookeb - June 2 - 2:55 pm

  My Kia Spectra gets 35 miles to the gallon average. Since my purchase in June 2011, I have put 11,000 miles on my car, raising its total to 141,000. I have already replaced one tire, the engine damper, a shift cellanoid, two taillights and a headlight, and am currently in the process of replacing the trans relay switch. My transmission occasionally slips, and it doesnt have a "floaty" ride like some sites claim because the shocks quickly disintegrate. Overall, I do love my Kia despite severe hail damage and some minor issues. The cost of repairs thus far has cost me around 750$, less than half of what I paid for it. However, I likely wouldnt buy a newer model Kia because of poor reviews.

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  2002 Kia Spectra - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By RIpper2131 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in Jan 2001 solely as a commutter mobile...30000+ a year going from Baltimoire to Falls Church, VA all at 32+MPG for an automatic! Not the sportiest thing on the road but get me from point A to point B

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  A great car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By drummajorgeek1 - March 29 - 10:56 pm

  My Spectra an 02 and has 178,000 miles and Im shocked to say it is still running great. My dad and i bought this car over two years ago for about 2K as i was finishing high school. Everything in the interior and exterior still functions. I couldnt ask for a quicker and cooler AC, it works very well. The only set back is that mine has no CD player, but the radio and speakers are good and running. My father and I were a bit skeptical prior to purchasing a Kia, let alone a Used uncertified one, but it has definitely given us a lot to think back on. Im going into my third year of college and doing just well with this auto. It is a very reliable car and hasnt had any mechanical errors.

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  good little car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By sak713 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  so far the car has been good we had one recall something to do with something in the gas tank but we took it back to the dealer and it was fixed in less then 30 min. so far nothing else has happened. Tires are a different thing.they suck.they need to find a different kind of tire to put on the car they are fine if you dont have to drive in snow. but trust me dont drive the car off the lot in the tires that are on the car if it snowing out. but other then that it a nice car. theres plenty of room in the back for a car seat. but if you have to put two in dont plan on anyone else riding back there. but we like it.

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  Reliable but falling apart - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By jojoberry - September 20 - 9:40 am

  Ive had this car since 2002, and am the original owner. Mechanically wise, this car has run well- especially for a car with over 130K miles now. Only major mechanical problems would be that the AC compressor has been replaced twice now. The major problems Ive had are all small and very annoying things, like the dash warping and the dash vents breaking; the doors will lock and unlock without any prompting; most plastic pieces in the car have broken off (i.e., the mirror covers, the armrest, etc.); the paint faded in under 3 years (BAD fading on the bumpers); the doors wont shut on a cold morning; etc. Overall, the car is a good value for the money, but I dont think Id own another one.

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  Spectra "toad" - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By dirtyface - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car to be a dinghy for our motorhome. Can be flat towed. Easy hook-up, tows well because of its weight, doesnt bounce or sway, pulls very nice. Starts easy, runs good, drives easy, good mileage, easy to park, easy to maintain. We feel its a good choice for a "toad". G...

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  The Engine Fine, the Rest..... - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Jenns - May 23 - 3:26 pm

  This Car Runs great, only downer for my car was all the electric when out on it, and repairing it was not fun. Right now I have no Speedier, the mileage is wrong, and I have no idea how much gas I have. My heater/ac stop working about 2 year ago. It a great starter car, had a good monthly price when I bought it, and keeps it value, but now my entire repairs are worth more than the car. Their now warping on the dash board and the arm rest was just crap, I had it replace once and it fell apart on its own.

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  Shes snarky, but a good friend. - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Aenari - February 4 - 8:36 am

  It was my first car, and I was pleased. It worked, and the warranty is phenomenal. My power window motors were constantly iffy, but thats small potatoes - it drove, and drove consistently. The dash and what have you are fairly boring. The CD player developed an interesting quirk where it sucks the cd back in when you eject it before you can grab it. That was fun. But it was a dang good value with cruise control to boot. Keep up on the maintenance and shell behave. She is snarky; it never let me get too attached emotionally. But it was there for me.

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  Great car for the $$$ - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Jake Dailey - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I cant say anything bad about this car. Ive owned it for 9 months and for basic reliable transportation, you cant go wrong. I wouldnt buy it new, since it depreciates so fast, but as a used car, its not bad! Its fun to drive with the manual tranny, I took a 1st and a 2nd in the local autocrosses with only upgraded 17" wheels and kuhmo tires:) I also added a CD player.