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 1 through 10 of 98.00

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  Nothing but problems - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By msbolshevik - October 16 - 2:34 am

  I bought my 03 Spectra new from a dealer, and I have driven it for 9 years. When I drove off the lot, IT DIED at the 1st intersection. They had to replace the entire computer system because it was faulty. Luckily, that was covered under warranty, but everything that followed was not. The entire engine seized up for no reason about 3 months later. I had to replace the transmission within the first couple years (and then a second time about 3 more years down the road). There have been several other smaller issues, but these are the majors. I dont know why I kept it so long. I guess the last 3 years it was somewhat more dependable (because I had replaced everything inside)!

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  Very disappointed!!!!!!! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Denise Abel - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2 2003 spectras in May 2003 and am very shocked at the depreciation of these vehicles. We have two identical cars but they both drive differently. Mine has looser steering and my husbands feels like manual steering. We were told by the Kia place when my husband took his car in that this was normal. We paid $13,200 for each car (in trade) and now cannot get over $6000 for them in trade. Have not been able to sell the cars to private party because no one wants to buy them!!!! Very cheaply made! My husbands whole front bumper cover fell off and cost $1400 to fix. We are getting rid of both by this Friday.

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  The worse vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By silky99x - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I mistakenly gave this vehice a good rating back in June 2003. Now just 6 months later, Im about to take it in for a warranty repair for the 2nd time. The brake Master Cylinder went bad in NOV 2003. Now the Power Steering unit is leaking. So far, all is covered under the warranty. I gave the local service center a poor rating since it took them 4 days to get and replace the Master Cylinder. They told me to take my care somewhere else in the future to get warranty work. How bad can a major car dealer be. The worse. Never again, will I buy a Kia. I should have stuck with a Toyota.

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  bad car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By furball - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We bought our spectra in january 2003.we have had nothing but problems with it this is the list of problems we have had.(the tires were bad, the sterio didnt work,paint is peeling,front seat broke,glovebox was broke,mirrors broke,gas tank recall,check engine light the car shakes when we get to a certain speed) There is No room in the car for any thing i would not buy another spectra.

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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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  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.

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  Poor review on my 03 Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Myers712924 - February 21 - 7:56 pm

  My Spectra is on the verge of being a lemon. I have had the transmission replaced twice. The rotors have been chewed up by the brake pads and they werent even 60% used up and the dealership didnt want to cover that one. They say more than 50% and its not covered. After haggling with them, they FINALLY agreed to replace the rotors, which Im not sure they did, because 10 months later, I am needing new ones again. They put that they wouldnt cover rotors any longer in the computer last time there was a problem, so now Im hung out to dry. The pads are AGAIN about 60% used. The driver seat replaced due to springs popping out of it, the seat belts replaced for not working properly, and much more.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By lissal - June 18 - 6:26 am

  I purchased this car new, and owned it for 5 years. In that time, I replaced the serpentine belt 3 times, the alternator once, the radiator twice (the replacement from the Kia garage had a hole in it, though it was supposedly a new part), and the alternator belt 4 times. The electrical system started acting wonky after three years, and after spending 2 months in the Kia garage, I got it back but the internal lights never worked after that. I cut my losses and gave the car to a friend, who told me that the engine died at 78,000 miles. I would never again buy a Kia.

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  KIA Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Robin Skipper - February 1 - 9:56 pm

  This car has been a nuisance since I bought it. I liked the look of it but I wish the people who sold it to me were a bit more honest. I think it had been in an accident and they didnt tell me. It was not detailed very well. The car itself has been nothing but trouble. I have put quite a bit of money into it. I will have it paid for in Oct. However, it now needs a catalytic converter. Its time to get rid of it. I hope I can get a decent price as I do not want a car payment. Thank you