1994-2004 Kia Sephia Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Kia Sephia/Spectra. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Kia Sephia/Spectra.

1994-2004 Kia Sephia/Spectra Review

Although the South Korean manufacturer, Kia, has become best-known in the U.S. for its Sportage compact sport-utility vehicle, the subcompact Sephia sedan arrived on the market first. Previously, Kia Motors had been producing the Ford Aspire minicar (from a Mazda design). Sephia debuted in Korea in 1992, and an export edition began trickling into the U.S. late in 1993. Sales began only in 11 western states, and it would take several years for Kia Motors America to establish a nationwide dealer network. Similar in size and weight to a Ford Escort or Hyundai Elantra, the front-drive notchback sedan came with an 88-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, and electronic 4-speed automatic optional. Neither an airbag nor antilock braking was available. Sephias met the federal requirement for passive restraints with door-mounted automatic front seatbelts. Early models rode a 98.4-inch wheelbase and measured 170.7 inches long overall. Until 2000, the front-drive Sephia would be the only Kia passenger car sold in the U.S. Rivals included the Geo Prizm, Honda Civic, and Saturn sedan.

Year to Year Changes

1995 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Kia continued without change into 1995, but upgraded its Sephia in mid 1995, making two new dual-overhead-cam engines available. Front ends were modestly restyled, and antilock braking became available. Three models went on sale: base RS, midlevel LS, and top-line GS.

1996 Kia Sephia/Spectra: For 1996, Sephias had standard dual airbags instead of the original motorized front shoulder belts. Antilock braking was available only on the GS model. The original 1.6-liter single-cam engine was dropped. Sephias might instead carry either a dual-camshaft 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 105 horsepower, or a 1.8-liter with 122 horsepower. The 1.6-liter engine was offered only in California on the base RS model. Standard equipment included reclining front bucket seats, tinted glass, dual outside mirrors, a split folding rear seat, and a rear defogger. Air conditioning was standard on the GS and optional on the RS and LS models. Kia's dealer network now reached into about 20 Western and Southern states.

1997 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Except for new colors and interior trim, little was new on Kia's front-drive subcompact sedan. Again, all models except the California-market RS used a 1.8-liter engine with 122 horsepower.

1998 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Three models were sold this year: a base Sephia, an LS, and the LS with a power package. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were optional, except on the base model.

1999 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Once again, three models were sold: a base Sephia, an LS, and the LS with a power package. Changes were few this year. In South Korea, Kia was purchased by its former rival company, Hyundai.

2000 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Base and LS models gained some standard equipment this year. Power steering, an AM/FM cassette stereo, and a split fold-down rear seat went into the base Sephia. Power windows and locks, air conditioning, cassette stereo, and a tachometer now were standard in the LS sedan. At midseason, Kia launched a hatchback Spectra to complement the notchback Sephia sedan.

2001 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Changes for 2001 were limited to larger front-disc brakes and longer warranties for Sephia and Spectra. Basic coverage was extended to 5 years/60,000 miles, powertrain coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles, and roadside assistance to 5 years/unlimited mileage. Corrosion was warranted for 5 years/100,000 miles.

2002 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Exterior and interior styling was slightly revised for 2002 and a driver-side lumbar support and automatic on/off headlights were among new features. Kia also added sound-deadening measures in an effort to reduce noise levels.

2003 Kia Sephia/Spectra: All Spectras gained an illuminated ignition switch, bodyside molding, and an AM/FM/CD player. Hatchbacks add a rear wiper/washer. Improved sound-deadening measures are intended to reduce noise levels, and the engine gained 10 lb-ft of torque.

2004 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Spectra sedans and hatchbacks saw no changes for a shortened 2004 model year. An all-new model was waiting in the wings for release as a 2004.5 model.

1994-2004 Kia Sephia/Spectra Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Noise

Price	Stereo location

Optional antilock braking (certain later models)	Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Sephias broke no new technical ground, but offered competent--if unremarkable--performance. Even in its latest form, though, Sephia is a mediocre performer compared to most budget-range rivals. Acceleration is so-so, as are ride and handling. Even fuel economy has been unremarkable, as a recent test LS sedan with 5-speed averaged a nothing-special 22.7 mpg. An earlier GS model, in contrast, averaged almost 31 mpg, driving 40 percent of the time on the highway. Noise also has been a problem, and refinement lags way behind that of the class-leading Hondas and Toyotas. Engine noise is moderate, but road and wind noise are prominent. Ride quality isn't bad for a subcompact, though the suspension tends to "hammer" over bumps instead of absorbing them. Sephias boast more interior space than many subcompacts, especially in back. Trunk space is also good. Except for the stereo, which was mounted low and had small, hard-to-use buttons, the early dashboard was well laid out.

Value for the Money
Prices have been attractive on the new-car market, and similarly tempting on used-car lots. Kia spokespersons claim their cars' resale value has been strong, but it's definitely not in the same league as a Toyota or Honda. That could be good news for used-car shoppers, but there's more to value than price--especially when reliability is a question mark. Refinement, too, lags well behind the class-leading Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. On the whole, we've been underwhelmed by Sephia and Spectra. But as of 2001, Kias were covered by the industry's most comprehensive warranties, which adds to owner peace of mind. When that tempting price is factored into the equation, this South Korean subcompact might be a credible choice for the budget conscious.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Kia Sephia LS	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	2

Total:	37

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1994-2004 Kia Sephia/Spectra Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Brake wear: Brake pads and rotors tend to wear prematurely. (1994-01)

Fuel odors: Gasoline burps back out of the filler pipe during refueling. (1998-99)

Hard starting: Hard starting or stalling on 1.8-liter engine may be linked to a faulty crankshaft sensor. (1998-99)

Hard starting: Hard starting or stalling may be traced to a faulty crankshaft sensor on 1.8-liter engine. (1998-99)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$330

Alternator	$290

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$660

Brakes	$270

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$440

Constant Velocity Joints	$750

Exhaust System	$265

Radiator	$190

Shocks and/or Struts	$200

Timing Chain or Belt	$400

NHTSA Recall History

1994: Electronic-speedometer sensor can seize, causing speedometer and cruise control (if equipped) to stop functioning.

1998-99: A valve on the fuel-filler assembly could cause fuel shut-off before the tank reaches 95 percent of capacity.

1998-99: Ball socket on windshield-wiper link may be out of tolerance, resulting in link disengaging under load. Also, wiper-arm retaining nut could be inadequately tightened.

1998-99: If exposed to moisture, two connectors could corrode; over time, fuel pump will not receive enough current to operate, causing engine to stall.

1998-99: If pin tension in fuel pump's ground connector is poor, or bolt securing connector to floor is not tightened sufficiently, poor connection as pump operates can create heat, which in turn increases resistance. Eventually, the pump may fail to operate, causing engine to stall.

1999-00: Front seat belt buckles may emit clicking sound during buckle-up process, even if it is not being latched.

1994-2004 Kia Sephia/Spectra Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1994
Sephia	$0	$0	$0

1995
Sephia	$0	$0	$0

1996
Sephia	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100

1997
Sephia	$1,100-1,500	$700-900	$100-200

1998
Sephia	$1,300-1,700	$800-1,100	$200

1999
Sephia	$1,500-1,900	$1,000-1,200	$200

2000
Sephia	$1,800-2,200	$1,200-1,500	$300

2001
Sephia	$2,200-2,700	$1,600-1,900	$400-500

2002
Spectra sdn/hatchback	$2,800-3,500	$2,100-2,600	$600-800

2003
Spectra sdn/hatchback	$3,600-4,400	$2,900-3,500	$1,000-1,200

2004
Spectra sdn/hatchback	$4,900-5,800	$4,200-4,900	$1,900-2,300

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1994-2004 Kia Sephia/Spectra Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door hatchback	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	100.8	100.8

Overall Length, in.	176.2	174.4

Overall Width, in.	66.9	66.9

Overall Height, in.	55.5	55.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	2560	2478

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.6	10.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	13.2	13.2

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.1	43.3

Rear Head Room, in.	36.6	37.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.4	34.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Early models used an 88-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. During 1995, two dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engines were introduced, producing 105 or 122 horsepower. The smaller (1.6-liter) engine was used only in California-market Sephias. Any Sephia engine might drive either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	1.6 / 98	88	98	5-speed manual: 23/27 4-speed automatic: 25/30	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	1.6 / 98	105	100	5-speed manual: 28/34 4-speed automatic: 24/31	5-speed manual: 31 4-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	1.8 / 109	122-126	108-119	5-speed manual: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 23/31	5-speed manual: 22.7 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Sephia

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: South Korea

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1994-2004 Kia Sephia/Spectra Review:

Kia Sephia

Kia Sephia Road Test

Kia Sephia Reliability

Kia Sephia Prices

Kia Sephia Specs & Safety

Kia Sephia Photos

Kia Sephia Full Review