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 21 through 30 of 98.00-
Love my Kia! - 2003 Kia Spectra
By kiersten565 - October 20 - 9:58 pmIve been driving my Kia for almost four years now, it was used as my dads commuter car. I now have 220,000 miles on it and still going strong! Tires have been replaced, along with a new fuel filter and occasional oil changes and tire rotations but nothing major. I put almost 100 miles on it a day and it has great gas mileage. Im so surprised at how long its lasted for me. I will be very sad the day it gives up!
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Corolla VS. Spectra--2 months later - 2003 Kia Spectra
By vallet1 - February 26 - 10:00 amOk, I have to admit--I was wrong. I have had nothing but problems with this car. It has been in the shop 3 times (the closest dealer is 60 miles away). Luckily it has all been covered under the warranty. But, it is a hassel to be without a car and to beg for rides to pick-up the car from friends. I think that I can claim this car as a lemon soon.
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A very good car - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Clark A. Nichols - December 30 - 2:00 amLast year I bought a new 2002 Rio and I found that I loved the car, only I wanted something that had a automatic shift. I turned in the Rio and bought a 2003 Spectra. I have been very pleased with the cars ability to keep up with other cars twice the price. My Spectra is fully loaded with just about everything a person could ask for. I like the fast response I get from a four cylender, as good as any car on the road. I have driven the car to Tucson, Arizona which is only a six hundred mile trip each way, but the car didnt disappoint me in its preformance. I love the car as well if not more than The Rio that I first had.
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Cheap and reliable - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Andrew Dietz - October 16 - 8:00 pmI put almost 120,000 miles on this car before I traded it in for my new car (not a Kia). The price was cheap and for the cost, the car ran pretty reliably. I never had any major repairs needed - just normal maintenance stuff like the timing belt. The brake systems needed a LOT of repairs over the years though. I had to replace rotors with every set of brakes and I had the brake calipers replaced once as well. I was told it was due to Kias "small parts". The car was fun to drive, and I felt like I could drive rough with it when I needed to and it would hold up well. It blows around a little too much in the wind though. I did find the seats very uncomfortable, though.
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First purchases - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Jilly O - September 25 - 2:20 amMy first car. About $7500 at a Ford dealership. To work, to school, to play, it gets you there comfortably and in style. It isnt just a tool of transportation, its a great ride. Im 18 and as a first car, I am impressed. Only one blind spot (on every car) and great handling. I honestly love my little Kia and get compliments on it. For a small car, there is a ton of room (unlike Honda Civic coupe). Havent had an engine problem at 60,000 miles. Kia isnt "established" so my insurance was a pain to get. Recommended for teens or first purchase.
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pretty cool car - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Ignacio - July 1 - 10:00 amthis car is basic transportation. accelerates slowly but is good for teenagers with cautious parents that dont want them to drag race. it has nice taillights. its comfortable and looks nice on the inside. fits five adults comfortably.
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My Kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
By jenpal88 - March 26 - 2:00 amI bought this vehicle for the price. After driving it off the lot, I realized the horn didnt work. I took it back the next day and they fixed it. The check engine light comes on constantly. I take it to the dealership and correct the problem, only to have it turn on again later.
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Good Disposable Car - 2003 Kia Spectra
By vader716 - July 12 - 10:00 amI was putting a $100 here and a $100 there fixing my old 92 escort. Kia ran a special buy one get one free or one for 50% off. I decided to pick one up for a daily commuter. I paid $8200 +taxes and tags and have been very happy so far. It is a great little car for commuting. Nothing special nothing terrible. Id buy it again. Heck $130 a month for a brand new car? Cant beat it. Ill run it into the ground and then get rid of it.
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Good Buy! Lots of Pep! - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Karsushi - December 12 - 10:00 amI purchased this car for my son. Front seats are pretty roomy and the interior is nicer than I expected. Good commuter car for zipping around town. I drive a Durango and dont like small cars. However! Was surprised at the smoothness and excelleration on this vehicle. Been driving it for a week and must say Ive enjoyed it. Purchased the Spectra LS for $13,000. out the door. Purrs like a little kitten. Ill let you know if there are problems down the road. So far its great.
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Very nice car/ tremendous deal! - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Kevinthelucky - May 17 - 2:00 amI was shopping for the cheapest car that would hold 4 decent sized adults. It had to have 4 doors/auto/air and a decent warrantee. I bought the car without checking road tests in magazines etc. . What a nice car! Good balance of fuel economy and speed. It looks nice. The GSX in black looks really nice! Rides pretty good. Doesnt handle like a sports car-more like a smaller Taurus. Feels solid, doors shut with a solid sound. Good controls and really nice standard drivers seat with some worthwhile adjustments. In short a smallish car that work well and doesnt fell cheap.
