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 31 through 40 of 98.00

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  Good and cheap to fix if you Know - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Antonio Colon - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We have it since new and i am a drummer and have to travel a lot in PR the only problem that i had with it was the window that broke the power window cable and a small damage on the material of the seats that is weak.but for the rest is ok.

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  Mountain man - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Matt - January 27 - 11:51 pm

  I had a 2003 Kia spectra and I drove up Tennessees tallest mountain with it. There were no other cars on the road and I think it took me an hour to get up the mountain. I almost thought I was going to to have to turn back. I had my foot full th royal on the gas and she was doing 30 but she made it up the mountain. I was scared. And one time I lost the front bumper and she ran like a kitten. The Japanese make a really good car and they dont screw me by trying to put sythetic oil in my car. I hate my 2003 Volkswagen all Ive done since I had it is repair it.

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  Great Car - Love driving it - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Puddgomez2 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I saw an ad online for an 03 spectra for $8995, went just to check it out. This car is great. The sales people at Schaumburg Kia were really great, no pressure at all. I had a 01 Focus, this thing blows the doors off that car. It has pretty nice pick-up, its really not even that bad with the A/C on. I do alot of heavy driving and it keeps up on the Chicago express ways pretty well. Im think after a few years I might just get another kia...

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  its a decent car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Malik - August 6 - 10:00 am

  ride it to believe it .. its a nice car .. interior should be made better

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  very nice are for the price - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By darkdrone - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my first new car a month ago and it was the 03 kia. I have really enjoyed driving it and not to mention what i am paying for it was also very nice of the wallet.

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  I LOVE MY Kia Spectra GSX - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Donna Gorham - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Since Ive had this wonderful gift from my hubby to drive, Ive had *freedom* again. I can get out to do my shopping, errands, and other necessary tasks which involved driving around the city. I do not have to worry about it breaking down 2-3 times a week. The fuel use is so negligible, Im using less than 1 full tank per month. And the back seats let down so I can haul as much as I need to. It my little beauty and I am quite please with her.

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  Review on 2003 KIA Spectra - After 6 Yrs - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By David S - July 18 - 2:06 am

  I am writing a quick review on my 2003 KIA Spectra. I purchased this car brand new, only 4 miles on it, in March of 2003. 6 Years and 110K miles later, the car is in great shape! No mechanical issues, no leaks. Paint is in excellent condition and it still drives great! I have only had to replace the battery and get new tires. Otherwise, followng the maintenance list, this car has held up wonderfully!

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  Reliable Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Sean Watters - April 23 - 9:50 am

  I have had this car for the past two years and the only complaint that I have is the fact that it is a smaller car. It is obvious that a car that performs this well on and offroad, (from my experience) that size does not matter. I am extremely satisfied with this vehicle and believe that this car is perfect for college students or the everyday on the go person. It never crossed my mind when I got the car that I would be this satisfied with it. Since I have had this car, I have put 39,000 miles on it and it runs just as well as it did when I first purchased the car. In short, this car is a very reliable car as long as it is well maintained.

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  great cars - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Theo Hughes - March 25 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Hayes - December 29 - 10:00 am

  When I moved to the US from Canada I did not bring my 99 Honda Civic SE with me. I immediately went car shopping at auto dealers in my new area. While I was looking over a variety of models at a huge automall I came accross the Kia Spectra GS/GSX models and was immediately struck with its appearance especially from the back. I had actually planned on buying another Honda Civic/Accord or Toyota Camry but I decided to take a closer look at the Spectra GS. I took one for a test drive and was impressed with the ride and performance. I purchased a Spectra GS and have not regretted it for one minute.