2003
Kia Spectra

Starts at:
$11,695
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New 2003 Kia Spectra
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Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Base Manual
    Starts at
    $11,695
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB GS Manual
    Starts at
    $12,120
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Base Auto
    Starts at
    $12,670
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LS Manual
    Starts at
    $12,925
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB GS Auto
    Starts at
    $13,095
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LS Auto
    Starts at
    $13,900
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB GSX Manual
    Starts at
    $13,965
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB GSX Auto
    Starts at
    $14,940
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra 2003 Kia Spectra

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Safety review

Based on the 2003 Kia Spectra base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Consumer reviews

90% of drivers recommend this car
4.3 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.7
Interior 3.4
Performance 4.0
Value 4.6
Exterior 3.8
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • By Grayson C. from Casper, WY
    Owns this car
    February 18, 2023

    An excellent little car

    I bought a 2003 Spectra GS model for a three hundred bucks as an intended daily. The cylinder head needed rebuilt as the original timing belt failed at 183,000 miles. Upon disassembly, the inside of the engine was noticeably very clean and in extremely good shape. The outside of the car is rough, due to living a relatively abysmal life in the great American rust belt. The interior is in really good shape, and all of the manual controls (windows, mirrors, door locks) all function like new. The car drives great and runs great, and my only complaint is the lack of parts availability, as I find myself rebuilding the suspension on the entire car at 200,000 miles. Trailing arms are hard to come across, and steering knuckles/spindles are almost impossible. Nonetheless, it's an excellent and fun car to drive, with the 4 door hatchback layout allowing quite a lot of interior room
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By James Curie from New Jersey
    Owns this car
    August 1, 2020

    Drove it off the lot in 2003

    I bought this car at the dealership in March 2003 it was brand new. It is now August 2020 it has over 210,000 miles on it and still runs decent. Though I still work for the same company I switch location several times so the car has either traveled short distances of 12 miles round trip or has gone as far as 100 miles round trip 5 or 6 days a week. Highway and stop and go traffic. It hasn't been garage kept so it is a little rusty especially in the rocker panels. I've changed my oil religiously at every 3000 miles. No major issues with the car. If I could get another brand new 2003 kia spectra I'd buy it. I don't know how long this car will last but I'm going to drive it until the wheels fall off.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Davy777 from Byram,MS
    Owns this car
    July 16, 2020

    Extremely reliable!!

    Exceptional vehicle to run a sales route. Great gas mileage, comfortable with cold ac. Extremely reliable.Iwould recommend Kia vehicles for sure, have owned for over 15 years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By BigGuy4U from New Hampshire
    Owns this car
    October 10, 2018

    Lasted Much Longer Than Anyone Thought

    Great, reliable car. It sat in the backyard for two years including harsh NH winters and only required a new battery to get it running again. I have the GSX and the hatchback can fit a kayak (or bicycle) if you fold down the front passenger seat. I'm 6'3" so there isn't a lot of room and you may have to slouch a little to not hit your head on the roof also it would be uncomfortable for anyone sitting directly behind me, but it's not a big issue. Handles ok in the snow, just don't take fast turns. Winters do take a toll on it, and rust only appears on the edges of the car. Roll down windows might not seat properly after winters, and may leave a tiny gap of air that becomes audible on highways. Defrosters take about 5 minutes to warm up before it starts melting ice, rear windshield takes longer. The inside has only the basic amenities and only a CD player no AUX jack, but you can use the cigarette plug for an FM transmitter. Surprisingly good stereo, though blasting bass heavy songs may vibrate your doors. It has about 88,000 miles and everyone told me that it wouldn't last me through college (I received this car in High School) now I'm a sophomore in college and this baby feels like it could go on forever. The engine light never came on until a mechanic swapped my serpentine belts (I don't blame the car). If you drive a lot you may find yourself at the gas pump often. I'm upgrading (I hope) to a Hyundai but I'm a little sad I have to let this car go.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Daniel from Moorhead, MN
    Owns this car
    September 8, 2017

    2003 Kia Spectra Review

    This vehicle is absolutely horrible; it looks horrible, drives poorly. The steering was the only thing I appreciated. Tranny blew out at around 100,000, its cheap to service but there is not much to it. Definitely one of Kia's embarrassing models. Nevertheless, it will get you from A to B. But, down expect any looks on the road or comfort in the interior.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Washington Werewolf from Milton, WA
    Owns this car
    August 21, 2017

    Good commuter car for the price.

    We purchased this car for my son to learn to drive with as a fixer for $800. We repaired the brakes, transmission, and windshield and found the car was full of pep for a little two cylinder. The car is reliable and fairly decent on gas (22 mpg with 22 mpg observed). However, if you are over six feet tall, the car is uncomfortable, especially in the back seats. The base model although automatic, did not come with air conditioning, power mirrors, power door locks, or power windows. A good commuter car provided you are under six feet and don't drive when it is hot!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Tazmaz4 from Tacoma Wa
    Owns this car
    June 21, 2017

    Best Car I ever Owned

    This has been a great inexpensive car to own. Very little work has ever had to be done to it. Bought it brand new in 2003 for wife.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By LarryW from Louisville
    Owns this car
    May 2, 2017

    Nice little car

    It's a great little gas saver couldn't have asked for a better car easy car to maintain cheap tires brakes
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By God Others Self from Muskegon, MI
    Owns this car
    July 1, 2014

    Best. Car. Ever.

    I bought a 2003 Kia Spectra back in 2008 - I have driven this car all over the country. Considering it's an 11 year old car with over 100,000 miles...I cannot believe how reliable it has been over the years. I love this car. Nothing on it breaks, I haven't had to sink a bunch of money into it, it's a solid, dependable car. I highly recommend it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Concerned Dad from Atchison, KS
    Owns this car
    August 13, 2013

    Safe, Economical & Reliable

    I was looking for an affordable, fuel efficient, reliable and safe vehicle for my daughter to drive a 120 mile roundtrip commute each day. this vehicle fit the bill perfectly.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By anat from W2OODBRIDGE NJ
    Owns this car
    February 22, 2012

    KIA SPECTRA

    I HAVE HAD VARIOUS CARS IN MY LIFE,, INCLUDING A HONDA ACCORD AND NOT ONE OF THOSE CARS CAN STAND NEXT TO MY KIA SPECTRA...I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 9 YEARS AND PUT ON BRAKES TWICE AND 2 FULL TUNE UPS, CHANGESD TIRES 2X AND NECESSARY OIL CHANGES AS THE YEARS GO BY DUE TO I ONLY USE MY CAR FOR SHORT DISTANCES, UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN MY DAUGHTER RELOCATED TO MILFORD NJ AND IS AN HOUR AWAY, I HAVE MADE ALL BUT 3 TRIPS TO HER HOUSE AND NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I HAVE HAD THAT I FEEL COMFORTABLE IN AND MIND YOU I HAVE NO POWER NOTHING, MY HONDA'S WINDOW MECHANISM BROKE DOWN AND I PROMISED MYSELF I WOULD NEVER BY A CAR WITH ELECTRONIC WINDOWS OR NOTHING THAT WILL BREAK DOWN AND COST ME MONEY TO REPLACE...SO I SETTLED FOR MY KIA, NEVER LOOKED BACK AND SO GLAD I DID THIS..AT THIS MOMENT IT HAS ONLY 61,200 MILES ON IT AND JUST REPLACE THE BRAKE FLUID PUMP..I KNOW I CAN STILL GET A FEW DOLLARS FOR MY CAR, HAPPY STILL...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Stuart from Bartlett, Texas
    Owns this car
    July 23, 2011

    Korean cars 4 ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I purchased a red 2003 Kia Spectra to replace my 1989 Peugeot station wagon. The car had 69,000 miles and a stick shift. This car was the best car I have owned. When the odometer read 82,875 miles, I had to replace the fan belt. Thank God it was part of the warranty. I traded it in when the odometer read 121,953 for a 2005 Suzuki Reno (Daewoo Lacetti)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Kia Spectra?

The 2003 Kia Spectra is available in 4 trim levels:

  • Base (2 styles)
  • GS (2 styles)
  • GSX (2 styles)
  • LS (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Kia Spectra?

The 2003 Kia Spectra offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2003 Kia Spectra reliable?

The 2003 Kia Spectra has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Kia Spectra owners.

Is the 2003 Kia Spectra a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Kia Spectra. 90.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.7
  • Interior: 3.4
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 3.8
  • Reliability: 4.6
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