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 41 through 50 of 92.00

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  I Love My Kia - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By J-Girl - October 8 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Toyota for several years, I needed a new car. I ended up buying a Kia. I needed the peace of mind of the warranty and the smaller price tag. I loved my Toyota, but I have to say that I have been equally happy with the Kia performance. Sure, the inside is not a luxury car, but it drives great and really has a zip to it. The storage is incredible. I am not too impressed with the quality of the tires. I have already put about 7K miles on them and I think that I will probably only get another 7-10K by the looks of them. I think it is an ideal economy car for a college student or your first car.

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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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  Nice car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By D n P - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car, especially for the price. Compared to other car manufactures, you can get a lot of the same comparable features/options for a lot cheaper price.

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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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  Great Car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Dorine - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 4 yrs ago, with 55K miles on it. I drive over 100 miles a day and it has never gotten stuck in snow, it starts every time and only left me stranded once (needed a torque converter). Its a great car, has been hit by deer, broken into, and hit while parked, its only let me down once. Its time to move on unfortunately as it is needing a lot more attention simply because of the miles I drive, it now has 156,000 miles and keeps on going.

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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...