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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  Vastly underestimated car, I think. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Stan - February 11 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my 2006 Spectra in May 2008 with 28000 miles on it, so have driven it six months and roughly 4000 miles thus far. Overall I have been impressed with the cars quietness, acceleration and ride, and have had absolutely no problems. My only quibble would be the fuel economy which does tend to run 22 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the hwy. I had hoped the city mpg would be a bit better. But overall I am very satisfied and if the car holds up this well over the next couple of years I will probably buy another Kia.

• 

  No Quality Control - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By tschux - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Spectra brand new, the air conditioner went out on the drive home. Parked it on my driveway and noticed a puddle of oil under the car, after owning the car for 30 minutes!!! The car has been in the shop 6 times in 9 months, all different things wrong with it. Spend a few extra $$ and get something other than this car.

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  AWESOME RIDE - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By kia mAN 17 - January 29 - 11:16 pm

  This car is awesome and sporty! Has sex appeal in a sophisticated style. I am 17 years old and I received this car from my dad because of my good grades. I am so lucky 2 have this Kia. Many people degrade my car because its a Kia but its a great car! Especially for a 17 year old boy.

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  Not the best - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Unhappy - January 17 - 11:50 pm

  Unless you get a newer model Kia, they are not one tenth as safe as they are supposed to be.

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  One good little car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By barkel - January 14 - 2:00 am

  At first I was not sure about buying this car, but after the test drive I was excited about the power, handling, and above all the price. Kia really backs up their product as well. My wife has a Honda Civic, and the Kia on average get very close to the same gas mialage, and it has more spunk and comfort overall. The civic has had numerous interior problems which we had repaired under warrenty, but not a single problem has been had from the Kia.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By DesertRose - January 7 - 9:56 pm

  No longer had need for a 4WD & rising gas prices caused me to switch to an econo car. Was very pleasantly surprised when I saw the Spectra up close, I expected a cheapy econobox but we were impressed w/the styling and quality. The most comfy seats ever for my low back. Just bought w/3300 mi on it so its too soon to comment on reliability but thus far I am very impressed.

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  My Kia Spectra - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Larry - January 5 - 5:06 pm

  Even though I have only had the car for a few weeks, I found it to be a very fun car to drive. The fit and finish on this vehicle is better than I thought it would be. The seats are very comfortable compared to our Kia Optima. At 63 I find that there is plenty of head and leg room in this car.

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  Perfect and Light on the Wallet - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Little Red - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new Kia.I went to other name brand dealers,and was not happy with what they offered at the pice and payments that fit me.The dealership people were great,friendly and a very at home feeling.I will tell all my friends about my car and its people,who stand behind their product 100 percent and the people who buy them.

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  Lovin my Spectra 5 - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Robin G - January 2 - 7:43 am

  I looked for about 3 months, mainly at Corollas, Civics, and Mazdas. The minute I got in my Spectra, I knew that was the car for me. This car is sporty, corners well, looks great, gets great mileage, and the standard features are incredible. The interior design was the nicest I saw during my car searching, and since I have children, I was thrilled with the 6 air bags. I have received so many compliments on the look of my car. What more could you ask for?

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  Never again - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By anti-kia - December 26 - 11:13 pm

  The Kia was the right price at the time for a college student. However, in driving the vehicle it was not worth it. The trade in value was only 3000 after a year and a half of driving. I was upside down by 6000. The interior was cheap and all the buttons were chipping paint. The exterior paint could be scratched with a finger nail and then rust immediately. The drivers seat broke and some metal rod was sticking out into the middle of your back. The check engine light kept coming on and the dealer could not find anything wrong. It turned out to be the exhaust system causing the problem. The cover for the speaker broke, as did the weather stripping across the hachback trunk.