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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  harsh ride, otherwise ok - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Steven - December 9 - 6:20 am

  Just purchased this car two weeks ago, mostly based on ratings at this site coupled with the cheap price and good gas mileage. I did not notice on the test drive how noisy the ride is. Every pebble feels like a pothole and need to have radio on to drown out the engine noise. Am told by mechanics that this is how they sound and you get what you pay for. Would rather have an older Corolla.

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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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  Kia Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By maui - September 9 - 10:16 am

  I have owned my Kia for 2 years and have been very pleased with the handling and driving capabilities of it. I am satisfied with the service provided and would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a 4 door sedan, with all the toys, for an affordable, reasonable price. I am less pleased with the ride but feel that better tires than those initially provided would improve this. Overall, this car has been a wonderful addition to our family.

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  KIA Spectra GSX : A Pleasant Surprise - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By EarlA - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2003 for my daughter, who was moving to Arizona. She flew out, but I drove the KIA, hatch loaded to the gills and a fully-stuffed roof carrier, 2500 miles from NJ to AZ, averaging 31 MPG at speeds of 70-80 MPH. Had to downshift a few times going over the Continental Divide, but generally the power was adequate. I think the 2003 model has more torque than the 2002. The car was comfortable, too. Only request would be for a little more "grunt" from the AM side of the AM/FM/CD player; max volume was overwhelmed by road noise at 70 MPH! The hatchback design is very versatile. Car has performed flawlessly so far.

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  Great - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Angela Martin - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had a great experience with it

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  Great Value - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Jae Kim - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up this car. Engine is a little weak but what do you expect out of a economy car? Its fine with the 5 speed. The shifter is a little hard but Im sure once I put miles on it, it will smooth out. Great car for a first time buyer. And great price. Paid $8200 cash with rebates and loyalty rebates. There is even a military rebate. Second Kia (first one a sedona, great minivan) and Im loving them both.

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  Great car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Robert Huffman - May 17 - 7:26 pm

  Best car have owned, first and only repair one coil burn out, 700 dollar repair, but this is first spent on car ever, other than regular maintenance

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  Good Car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By kiadriver21 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Kia Spectra a couple of months ago and I love it. It is comfortable for both me and my husband to drive and he is a foot taller than me. The review for this car states that it has poor brakes but I have not found this to be the case. Maybe it is made a little cheap, but you get what you pay for - I couldnt ask more paying only 11k for it after the 2k rebate. It has thoughtful features and an excellent warranty.

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  Solid so Far - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By deathsaid - December 11 - 8:08 am

  Our Spectra has 120, 000 miles on it and has been pretty reliable so far. I have it for the last 20K or so and before that my father-in-law owned it. It has gone through some brakes and needed some work to fix in the brake fluid system. Front brakes put off a lot of dirt, hubcaps are literally black at this point. All things considered this car has been great, not the sexiest car or most comfy (i am 66) but very dependable. Nothing fancy or flashy about it but it gets from point A to point B.

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  Kia Spectra a good car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By dkrosell - November 6 - 2:50 am

  Having previously owned several Toyota Camrys, we were surprised to find the Kia Spectra so reliable. We never had to have it repaired - only maintenance in the 5 years we owned.