Overview & Reviews

People buy compact economy cars because they're affordable and fuel-efficient, but the secret to building a great econobox is to make it look, feel and drive like a more expensive car than it really is. Kia never quite managed to do that with its now-defunct Spectra, though its replacement, the Forte is considerably closer to this ideal.

The original Kia Spectra hatchback and sedan were unrefined, underpowered and cheaply constructed. They reinforced the cheap-car image Americans held at the time regarding Korean cars. But the second-generation Spectra sedan and Spectra5 four-door hatchback counterpart moved up the scale considerably in terms of style, substance and refinement. However, the Spectra was still at the bottom of the crowded economy sedan segment when it was put out to pasture after the 2009 model year. If you just need wheels on the cheap, a used Spectra could satisfy, but we'd recommend anteing up for a more sophisticated rival.

Most Recent Kia Spectra

The most recent (second-generation) Kia Spectra was sold from midway through the 2004 model year through 2009. It was a compact sedan or (as of 2005) a hatchback that could seat four comfortably and five in a pinch. Both body styles featured a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provided spirited performance around town but felt a little winded during highway passing maneuvers. A standard five-speed manual transmission routed power to the front wheels, and a four-speed automatic was optional.

The sedan was offered in three trim levels -- LX, EX and SX. The Spectra5 hatchback was available in a single SX trim. The LX was bare-bones, but the EX boasted air-conditioning, a CD stereo, full power accessories and keyless entry. The SX model added upgraded interior and exterior trim, along with firmer suspension tuning and bigger wheels and tires. The Spectra's safety features included standard front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and four-wheel disc brakes. Antilock brakes were optional.

In reviews, we generally praised the Kia Spectra for its lengthy list of standard equipment, user-friendly cabin design, decent build and materials quality, smooth ride and competent handling. Criticisms included the engine's lack of pep at high speeds, disappointing real-world fuel economy, and steering that was a tad sloppy. Those looking for a used second-generation Spectra should note that resale values are quite low, so good deals will likely be easy to find.

Past Kia Spectra Models

The first-generation Kia Spectra was launched in the 2000 model year as a four-door hatchback and was offered through the 2004 model year (with the changeover to the current model happening midyear). New to Kia's lineup, the four-door Spectra hatchback served as a more youthful and practical complement to the more pedestrian Sephia sedan, with which it shared its 124-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and major mechanicals. In 2002, Kia dropped the Sephia name altogether and began calling the sedan "Spectra" as well.

The Spectra hatchback originally came in two trim levels: GS and GSX. The base GS offered the essentials, little more than a CD player and a height- and lumbar-adjustable driver seat as standard (although air-conditioning became standard in '04). The GSX added A/C, power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel and some body modifications intended to make it look sporty, while offering ABS, cruise control and a CD changer as options.

Once launched, the Spectra sedan carried over the Sephia's base and LS trim levels, which basically mirrored the hatchback's GS and GSX trims, respectively, in terms of features, save for the GSX hatchback's body modifications.

Editors at the time appreciated the Spectra's Lotus-tuned suspension, as it delivered decent handling and a smooth, if floaty, ride. Weak links included the brakes, tires and engine. Acceleration was sluggish at highway speeds, with a raucous engine note and unimpressive fuel economy. Inside, the Kia Spectra offered decent room for passengers, but materials quality and fit and finish were well below average. Anyone shopping for a used compact sedan or hatchback is advised to look elsewhere.

User Reviews:

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  Spectra GS - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By sterlinco - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Has been extremely dependable though it does lack somewhat in comfort. Long distance driving can be tiring but all in all an otherwise excellent car

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  Wow - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By james e gerber - March 22 - 4:06 pm

  This is my 3rd Kia. The 2006 was a quantum leap over my 2003. The first thing that impressed me was that the controls were all in one place on the drivers console with easy to use buttons. Second the acceleration was a significant upgrade-you can run the air without decreasing performance, a problem with most 4 cylinder cars. Thirdly was the size; its larger than my 2003 and the overall design is exceptional. The tires (Goodyear) are a significant upgrade on the quality tire that Kia used to use as OEM tires. Overall, an impressive job and the car is fun to drive. Oh yes, the trunk space is very good. My 2001 Sephia was ok, the 2003 Spectra was much better and now this. Kia keep up the good work.

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  Loving it - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By lou - March 14 - 3:10 am

  I just purchased a Kia Spectra5 model. I am just loving this car. I enjoy the handling and the nice interior design. Comfortable, affordable and very smooth ride.

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  AMAZING gas mileage - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By RICK - March 6 - 8:50 am

  I purchased my Spectra the day after Thanksgiving, and I definitely have no complaints. I just calculated that Im getting an average of 35mpg in a mix of city/highway driving, which is a big step up from my old Cavalier that I traded in. The seats are comfortable, I like the way the dash is designed, and the ample trunk space. The AUX jack makes life easy too. All in all, this is a great economical car, and I hope to have many years with it!

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  The Blue Streak - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By WickedMobile - March 1 - 7:06 am

  I love my "5". I bought this vehicle based on MPG, price, storage capacity, safety, and comfort for the two of us. Its very devious in how small it looks outside, but how big on room it is inside. My fiancé is 63", 300lbs and isnt cramped. Knee room good. Passengers in the back have great room too. There are a lot of places to put stuff. Strong A/C. Handling is great for this compact car (dry). I went from a V6 to this 4 cylinder, and the only difference I see is that one needs a lot more oomph to accelerate rather quickly (It does use more gas in hillier areas.) Use the cruise! It took me a week to get used to no ABS. Sound system plays better with CDs than on AM/FM.

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  my screamin spectra - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By jimwags - February 26 - 8:10 pm

  so far at 3000 miles my spectra is on par with the 91 corolla i bought new then traded for the 05 kia. it has more power than i expected and highway manners are better than the 05 corolla i almost paid 2500.00 more for with less features than spectra. mpg hiway is now up to 36.8 i am looking for 38.5 @70 mph. great warranty on this car worth looking at seriously............

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  Perfect Car for the Perfect Price - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Damia - February 25 - 2:00 am

  locked my self out of the car already in 2 months. Both times Kia sent some one with in an hour at no charge under the roadside assitance warranty.

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  Kia Pet - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By srm858 - February 24 - 12:13 am

  I have not driven the car for too many miles yet, but it does handle well, great A/C, excellent mileage, very roomy interior. I bought it for a winter car while my Mazda RX8 sits in the garage. Its no RX8, but it will hold my bike and go through the snow, which were my primary requirements. The price was very reasonable at $12,500 and I like the look. Just hope it holds up as well as our old 92 Saturn which still looked and ran great after 12 years and 175,000 miles.

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  Bad credit but Im driving a new car. - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Silky99x - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical at first about buying a Kia but its an OK Car. Using premium gasoline I got 205 miles to 1/4 tank. If you run the A/C it drinks gas like vrazy. My co-workers talk about how cheap Kias are but at least Im driving a new car. Although, one co-worker said, its good quality with low price. Its growing on me.

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  My Spectra 5 - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By wondering1 - February 16 - 3:50 pm

  I searched and searched for a car to replace my 96 Metro (191,000) and found the spectra to be everything I wanted in features and safety. I love the gas mileage and the way it handles on the highway. I recommend this vehicle to everyone no matter what the age.