Owners' Stories

I bought my 2004 Kia brand new. Immediately driving off the lot there was horrible whistling sound once I went speeds of 60 or greater, of course not hearing this while test driving. Was looking for something affordable, being a single mom...but this car has been just one thing after another. I can't tell you how often i have changed tail lights and headlights, which let me say is sooooo much fun..not! I have put $1100 in the ac that is constantly giving me problems now that my note is paid and there is no more warranty. today I find out $700 more for bdy control module to work(if I want air conditioning) in 100 degree weather. Oh yeah took right back to dealer ship about that noise..they said they couldn"t do anything abnout it

I bought my '06 Kia in '07 used, a previous lease I think they said with 14,000 + on it. I have really done some horrible things to that car. Threading the needle on freeways, taking it ice skating in the grand canyon and multiple cross country road trips. I drive in town a lot as well and it's been almost 70,000 miles and I'm just now needing to repair the breaks. My only complaint is a sensitive check engine light. I took it in a few times (thank god it was covered) and almost every time it was for something minor i.e. oil on the O2 sensor from getting my oil changed, unbalanced air in the tires etc. So, I'm pretty happy. Handles like a charm even with my house packed wall to wall in it when I moved. I'm keepin' this thing as long as I can make it go. I have people tell me, oh you drive a piece of $#!! Kia, but it doesn't deserve the name. Depending on how good a driver you are I've gotten 36 mpg on highway, or over 400 miles on one tank with a full car, so love it for that. Love you kia!

Bought this used in June of 2009. I've had it 14 months and it has been great. I drive it everywhere... A lot! Had a problem with the doors locking on their own. Warranty took care of it with no hassles whatsoever. Not a bad little stereo either.

I purchased this car for my 18 year old, and I now know why I have never owned a Kia. It has 161258 miles and has been an electrical nightmare since the extended warranty expired. Basically IF YOU must purchase a CHEAP( not inexpensive) vehicle then buy a KIA, they are inexpensive because they are CHEAP in every way. The brakes fade after 10 -15 mile of driving in the city and always have(even when new) the maintenance is VEEERRRY expensive. think Lexmark (printers) it will cost you nothing to purchase, but will be very costly to keep. No to be biased but Korea is doing us no favor by making these CHEAP cars in America. They are perpepuating the stereo type of poor American workmanship.

Nothing but problems for me with my '01. Spark plugs & wires have been replaced 3+ times since I got the thing in '04 - '05. CV joint is about to be replaced for 2nd or 3rd time.

run fine but idles and shake rough when in drive or reverse. what is the problem?

I have a 2008 KIA Spectra. I got it used with only 4,000 miles. I have to drive a lot in my business. I have this car serviced as required and haven't had any problems. Can't believe that this little engine and a lot of get up and go. It's terrific. Great gas mileage.

I brought car in 2007 brand new off the lot. A year later I starting having major issues. Like the cutting off after I gased up to a full tank. The car would just shake, meter lights would come on then car shut down. I have taken it in multiple times. First I was told it was the gas canister need to be replaced,and speak plugs. Did that, two weeks later it started shutting off again. Engine flushed, air filter replaced. I was told I need a whole gas tank and valves replaced. I want to get another car and just be done with the spectra. It a nice car and all but not for me. Hopefully not again

Has been very dependable car, but body is weak--you look at it crosseyed and it scratches and dents. Side door bumpers are placed too low so neighboring cars put dents and scratches just above the bumpers.