Transmission
My 01 kia sephia goes into reverse u can feel it trying to move but wont would a bad filter cause this?
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2001 Kia Sephia Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye...Just like that catchy tune Kia now uses in its TV ads, the Kia Sephia hung around for a long time, generating almost the same amount of annoyance as that relentless ditty. But the 2001 Kia Sephia represents the compact sedan's swan song, making way for the new Kia Spectra. Even so, the 2001 Sephia gets a few improvements this year, including dual vanity mirrors, a coin compartment, a gas cap tether, and Kia's new 10-year/100,000 powertrain warranty. Also new are child seat anchors.
The Sephia was Kia's first U.S. car marketed under the Kia name and has been around since 1994. An overhaul in 1998 improved power and performance slightly, and the 2001 Sephia features a 1.8-liter, 125-hp DOHC I4 engine with standard 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed auto tran is optional. With 108 lb-ft of torque at low speeds, the engine is pleasantly energetic for city driving. Available in both base and LS models, the 2001 Sephia is minimally equipped with power steering, cassette player, and dual front airbags. The LS adds tilt steering and folding rear seats, but also comes with an optional Power Pack that adds power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, and a tachometer. Optional ABS brakes are only offered on the LS, as is a CD player, alloy wheels, and wood trim. A rear spoiler can be added to both base and LS Sephias for a sportier look.
Budget, budget budget is the 2001 Sephia's buzzword. Intended for economy drivers, the Sephia combines a low sticker price with high fuel economy and nimble handling that make it ideal for city commutes. Drivers complain that acceleration at high speeds is sluggish and noisy, particularly with the A/C on. They like that the Sephia is so roomy inside for front passengers. Negatives about the Sephia include a cheap, easily dinged plastic interior, an exterior that shows wear and tear, and significant repair problems that almost cancel out the cheap initial price tag. Early failures on the transmission, brakes, and tires are the most common problems. Owners warn that the warranty does not cover as much as you think.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Kia Sephia
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Mohamad I
Jan 31, 2012
no good acceleration
but it is good after all and cargo capacity is low
handling is good up to 140 km / hr
it is good looking
it is a fun car to drive
nice having it in my front door Jan 31, 2012
by Mahmoud E
Aug 30, 2009
I like the engine of my car and its sound too :)...i also like the suspension system &the handling...it's really fun to drive...it looks good but needs a little repair...it also doesn't eat too much fuel when i go for a long distanceAug 30, 2009
by Karim A
Jul 21, 2009
first preformance:-
a) acceleration is gr8 cause its very light so it accelerates very quickly
b)brakes and handling are ok but a lil weak,its hard to control the car over 180km/h
second build quality:-
its ok its korean so weaker than the german and japanease cars but kia is the best quality in the korean car industry
third appearance:-
i loved it very much,the interior is pretty neat
fourth cost of ownership:-
cheap car,cheap maintenance,economic gas usage
Jul 21, 2009
User rating:
by Mohamad I
Jan 31, 2012
no good acceleration
but it is good after all and cargo capacity is low
handling is good up to 140 km / hr
it is good looking
it is a fun car to drive
nice having it in my front door Jan 31, 2012
by Mahmoud E
Aug 30, 2009
I like the engine of my car and its sound too :)...i also like the suspension system &the handling...it's really fun to drive...it looks good but needs a little repair...it also doesn't eat too much fuel when i go for a long distanceAug 30, 2009
by Karim A
Jul 21, 2009
first preformance:-
a) acceleration is gr8 cause its very light so it accelerates very quickly
b)brakes and handling are ok but a lil weak,its hard to control the car over 180km/h
second build quality:-
its ok its korean so weaker than the german and japanease cars but kia is the best quality in the korean car industry
third appearance:-
i loved it very much,the interior is pretty neat
fourth cost of ownership:-
cheap car,cheap maintenance,economic gas usage
Jul 21, 2009
by Stephan L
Jul 16, 2009
Not a bad vehicle to own....OK to drive....economical enough....enough space...has all the creature comforts.....electric windows, airconditioner, radio and CD player.....a very average car by anyones standards....but still not a bad car to own......and since I did not pay for it...I suppose it might just be the best car to own.....LOLJul 16, 2009
by Anonymous
Jan 13, 2009
My Kia Sephia has held up well over the last 8 years. Given its relative cheapness, it is sizable enough for my very tall husband, myself and my two teen daughters. As much as I've driven the poor thing, I have had few mechanical issues to contend with. Compared with similar cars that I've owned (Saturn, Dodge), the Kia has been the best.Jan 13, 2009
by Anirudh T
Jul 24, 2008
Car is big, looks fine but both performance and economy are not good. u can only buy the used versions but i opt not to buy. Exterior is quite fine to look. Interior is really good with wood cladding.it needs regular maintainance. So the cost of ownership is preety highJul 24, 2008
by Josh S
Apr 03, 2008
just ask me, if u really want to knowApr 03, 2008
by Michelle A
Dec 29, 2007
I love my car, I love to be unique and choose my ride because you don't see many modified Kia's around. I love to be different, and I could care less what others think of my car.
Mods:
Outside: Clear corner headlights, shaved emblems, Koren emblem, sport visors, tint windows, Koren fog lights, KFX cf Evo Hood. (working on this area of car)
Inside: Custom beige and black leather seats and door panels, 3 white neons, Kenwood 7" in dash dvd player, infinity speakers 6.5/6x8, 2 12" Kicker compVR subs, 2 Audiobahn amps (2ch/4ch), Custom amp rack and sub box, ps2 in glove compartment, changed stock gauges to one with tach, 2 sony lcd headrest monitors, engine dress up, etc.
Suspension/Wheels: KFX adj lowering springs, right now on stocks, 17" aerospeed gunmetal rims w/ polish lip, front strut bar.
Performance: Custom short ram intake, custom cat back exhaust, KFX modified ECU
Security: Clifford Matrix, auto doors in front.
Still more to comeDec 29, 2007
by Courtney N
Dec 26, 2007
first car i purchased. bad idea... not the most reliable of cars... going through a car wash=not fun because the weakness of the metal and frame in general rattled extremely loudDec 26, 2007
by Nurul I
Dec 22, 2007
my 1st car. love it so much. she's like my other half & complete me..Dec 22, 2007
What users have asked
My key won't go all the way in to open my trunk
My key won't go all the way in I can't open my trunk.what can I do to fix it?
8 views
trans problems
i have 2001 kia sephia and its not shifting properly i goes in reverse but when you put it in drive nothing but if you shift to 1st it will finally take off, so then i unhooked the wiring harnes on the top of the trans where the shifting cable hooks to and then it would go in drive but it didnt seem to have any overdrive so my question is if i replace the transmission computer above the the fuse panel of the left hand side of the car under the dash would this solve my problem? thanks
3426 views
Turn signal won't return
Do I have to take the steering wheel off to put the spring back in my turn signal switch
7 views
With AC on, only one fan (of two) comes on; why?
Car overheats if AC is not on, but with AC on, only one fan comes on; is that normal or both fans should come on?
387 views
Top Comparisons
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2001 Kia Sephia Pricing
Original MSRP
$11,340 to $12,940Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent