2003 Kia Spectra consumer reviews

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

It's a great little gas saver couldn't have asked for a better car easy car to maintain cheap tires brakes

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!

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.