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 61 through 70 of 98.00

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  Love my Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By mikewilks52 - June 2 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my 2003 Spectra used, it had 120,000 miles on it when i bought it. It now has 171,674 miles on it. Have only had to replace the water pump. Runs great, drives great. Have never had a problem with it. Keep up your maintance and ive heard its nothing to get 500,000+ miles on a KIA.. Love my Spectra.. My next purchase will be a KIA Soul.. Very happy with KIAs.

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  sAFE & ECONOMICAL - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By smulvey - May 13 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS PERFORMED WELL.IT IS ABOUT 300 LBS HEAVIER THAN THE SATURN SL IT REPLACED. IT FEELS IT. WHILE A LITTLE SLOWER TO ACCELERATE, THAT EXTRA POUNDS ADDS UP TO BIG SAFETY IF YOU LOOK AT PHOTOS OF WRECKED SATURNS AND WRECKED SPECTRA AT THE IIHS WEBSITE. WE LIKE THE SPECTRA A LOT. THE CAR HAS HAD NO SERIOUS FLAWS

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  Short Ride - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Chiefmelissa - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on October 7, 2003 and totaled it out on October 8, 2003. I took the car through 4 ditches, with 3 culverts. I can only honestly rate the safety of this car. I was able to walk away with only a bruise and some stiffness. This car was my first brand new car and as soon as the paper work from the insurance company catches up I have all intentions of buying another. Price was great, and it did look wonderful. Steering was a little touchy compared to the 1994 Chevy Cavelier I was driving.

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  Kia Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Pfri12 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car. Iwasnt sure if I would like a small car. Im used to driving a full size van. After driveing it for a few weeks I love it. The interior is nice and roomey.Everything that Edmunds has said I would have to disagree. I have had no trouble with my brakes at all.

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  My Kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By jenpal88 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I 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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  OH YA BABY!!!! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By tw5051 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  my last car was a sephia i needed an automatic...will always recomend a KIA.

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  Green lemon on the road. - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By lemonowner - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I purshased my Kia on June 1, 2003and it has been in the shop four times already. This is the worst car I have even own, drove or even been in because it is a brand new car and has so many different problems including but not limited to poor gas mileage, water pump, radiator pump going and a few more problems.

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  Even the base model is a good deal!! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By travisp11 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  After getting tired of paying GM for spare parts for our 1996 Olds wagon...we decided to go Korean. We bought our base-trim 2003 Spectra for $11,000(Automatic with A/C and a CD player)after rebates and feel like we got a great deal. It is impossible to find another car, brand new, for this price with this great of a warranty (aside from Hyundai which is similar). A friend of mine bought a Sephia in 2000 and after 60,000 miles his is still running strong and if ours should not be doing so well in a few years, who cares...Kia fits the mechanic bill on major components!!

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  Wish I didnt - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By WoodyBD - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I wish I didnt buy this 2003 Kia Spectra. This car doesnt have much pep, especially going up hills. Warm air sometimes can be felt coming out of the vents with controls in cool and off positions. My ac didnt work after haveing it for 2 hrs after purchase. Cd player broke after a week(only used it 3 times, a small reset button needed to be pushed). Doesnt seem to have the good fuel economy they claim. Sorry Kia!

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  Dont buy this car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Harald Wheeler - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a cheap car. And I found it. My friends said pay just a little more and buy the Hyundai Elantra. I wish I would have listened. This car has been in the shop twice a month for check engine lights, stalling when hot, broken window regulator and shuddering when braking. The resale is not too far off from being a write off. I am going to bite the bullet and get rid of it first chance.