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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  Better than expected - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By erns - November 23 - 4:00 am

  Have just over 22,000 miles and the cars still feels solid, no rattles. 29 mpg in mixed driving!

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  Great Around Town OR Highway Car! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By gmhummer03 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for Point A to B travel. This car will do it for you. The A/C will freeze you. The Radio / CD player will knock your socks off. Transmission shifts like a sports car. AND it looks sporty!

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  my car - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By tnbluiis - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Its a cute car fun to drive and really cheap on gas

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  46000 and going strong - 2001 Kia Spectra
  By Bob Bell - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over three years. The more I drive it the better it gets. It is the best highway car I have ever had and with Dunlop SA-2 tires it handles like a sports car. It can cruize on the interstate with the best of them and still get great gass mileage.

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  My Second KIA - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Owlteacher - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful commuter car! Ive been impressed with everything about it, except that the drivers side seatbelt latch is too close to the seat. This causes some discomfort on long trips. I have the 5-door model, and the cargo room with the back seats flipped forward is awesome. Im sold.

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  kat drives the Kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By kia kat - October 26 - 3:10 am

  I have had my Spectra for 28 months now and it has just turned 60,000 miles. I do a huge amount of driving. Have not put a lot of money in to it other than just regular maintenance (very good about getting oil changes at 3,000 miles). I think this vehicle is definitely underrated. I always go by that saying "you take care of it, and it will take care of you".

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  Good car for small budget - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Luthy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I really like the way the engine accelorates. I have been having fun racing other people in much faster cars. People are so surprised when I keep at least a whole car length ahead of them for a quarter mile. The high red line sure helps out a lot.The fit and finish is just about par. You will see better in a Honda or Toyota. I think that this is a wonderful car for $13,000 loaded.We will see how it lasts.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By LR - October 21 - 1:23 am

  The Kia Spectra5 is by far the best small wagon in its class. Great styling and looks, practical and fun. I love the way it handles - it turns on a dime. Its a zippy little wagon, with just enough get up and go. Excellent on gas mileage. Pretty good choice of exterior colors.

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  really impressed so far - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By savital - October 20 - 9:20 pm

  Havent owned it long, but so far more impressive than expected. Plenty of pep and super-quiet for the mondo freeway driving I do. Amazing fuel economy. Forget the EPA rating, I get 34mpg in mixed driving with the AC on most of the time! Picked it up for less than $11,000, with AC, CD and auto included. Lots of room, both front and back seats. Yes, the exterior and interior are simple, plain vanilla. I like that; pragmatism rules. And Ill agree that this is less solidly made than a Toyota. But for $5,000 less, well worth it! The lack of ABS, though, is shameful. All cars should have ABS standard these days; law should require it. CU gives good reliability ratings.

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  Ya gotta love it! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By KRZAN - October 15 - 9:56 pm

  My wife drives 25000 miles per year. We are about to head back to our KIA dealer and trade the 06’ we bought new for a new 09’ We have 75000 miles on our Spectra EX. It has been the most reliable, trouble free vehicle we have ever operated. We replaced brakes one time, tires one time, and of course, oil changes at every 3000 miles. Ya gotta love it!