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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  Lots of life left after 100K miles! - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By kikithekia - November 8 - 11:50 pm

  Bought this car (my first ever) with 100,000 miles; have put 4500 on myself. Anything Ive had to do mechanically is to be expected with the high mileage and was coming eventually — replace OEM alternator and serpentine belt, plus timing belt as a preventative measure. Mechanic said the rattling I hear in the body of the car can be fixed inexpensively, but is mostly cosmetic and can wait. Very low to ground; be careful over even small speed bumps. Overall I love it, pleasantly surprised! Expected better MPG (22/30+) but fun and easy car to drive. Serves me quite well. It keeps going and I feel like it has lots of life left even after so many miles. Id consider a Kia in the future!

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  Dang - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Very Happy Customer - October 28 - 7:43 pm

  I never thought in a million years that Id be buying a Kia. After years of general motors cars I wanted to try something different. The Spectra was not very big when I looked at it but when I sat in it it had more than enough room. I was amazed at the smooth ride and gas mileage of the car. I drove all of the way from Darien Georgia to Nashville TN on one tank of gas! I rode around for another day and a half after that. This is over 600 miles. The price is great as well. Kia just got a customer for life if they keep making cars like this.

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  Nice car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By KIA Dude - October 26 - 2:33 am

  KIA is just out-doing themselves. They totally re-designed this car and in a huge way. Sporty style, interior comfort, power and ride for an unbeatable price. Lookout carmakers!

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  Fits the Bill and Budget - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Bryant - October 19 - 5:03 am

  Brand new sedan that looks beautiful in sand beige metallic, and light interior. Has all necessary amenities and many standard luxuries. Handles great with impressive speed on the open road, especially for a 4 cyl. Acceleration acceptable, but allow for somewhat sluggish start on freeway entry ramps, for example. Body is naturally low to ground, but very little road noise in a comfortable, easily controlled drive. For all-round usability, at a reasonable new car price, the Spectra sedan is a good buy with an outstanding warranty.

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  Cleaned out my wallet - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Bernice - October 19 - 4:10 am

  We bought this Spectra used at 32,000. Following year we put in a new clutch. We had 4 CV joints put in and now the Rack and Pinion is gone. Car is at 64000 miles. The dealership wants $1200 to replace. Called Kia and they offered no help. Have spent tons of money on this car and it always makes funny noises. I found a friend to replace rack with a used one for $250.00. I am stuck with this car for now but would never buy anything from KIA.

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  Not worth it - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Jesse - October 19 - 3:50 am

  This vehicle depreciates so fast the only reason to buy one new is if you plan on driving it until it needs to be junked (which probably wont be more than a few years)! You will NOT be able to trade this vehicle in at ANY point in its life. Ask ANY other dealership than a Kia dealer. I was guaranteed that I could trade this car in after a year, went back to the dealership and they wouldn’t do it, depreciated almost $10,000 in 1 year! More than half the cost of the car! If I could do it over again I would buy a Toyota or a Honda; better gas mileage (dont expect over 25 highway on this car) and better reliability. My car has gone back to the shop 3 times for the same problem in a year.

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  Nothing but problems - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By msbolshevik - October 16 - 2:34 am

  I bought my 03 Spectra new from a dealer, and I have driven it for 9 years. When I drove off the lot, IT DIED at the 1st intersection. They had to replace the entire computer system because it was faulty. Luckily, that was covered under warranty, but everything that followed was not. The entire engine seized up for no reason about 3 months later. I had to replace the transmission within the first couple years (and then a second time about 3 more years down the road). There have been several other smaller issues, but these are the majors. I dont know why I kept it so long. I guess the last 3 years it was somewhat more dependable (because I had replaced everything inside)!

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  Wanted a Wagon - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Greg - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall i like the car its got good power and a lot of features for the money. It has a quit cabin and handles bumps in the road like a more expensive car. I have been on a few camping trips with this car and it was a joy to drive.

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  Price and warranty - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jim - October 4 - 10:46 pm

  Have had it for 3 weeks. Its solidly built, feels planted on the road. Gas mileage just o.k., 34 once and 29 once. Only have 1400 miles on it. I like it. People need to realize its an economy car. If you want all those gadgets so they can cause trouble for you, go pay 3-4 thousand more for a more upscale ride!

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  Long Term Review - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Kentucky Ranger - September 19 - 12:06 pm

  After driving this Car for 2.5 Years and 40k Mi I can say it was well worth the Money. Pros: Still very quiet and runs very smooth. No rattles or squeaks. Very roomy and comfortable on long trips. Flawless operation of the Drivetrain with no abnormal Fluid usage. Still very tight handling with no sign of any wear in Suspension or slop in the Steering linkage. Exhaust system still very quiet and resisting Rust. Cons: Not even close to the advertised Fuel economy. As of now 23/29 Cheap Carpet and Seat material already showing signs of wear. Windshield Weather Stripping had to be glued to keep from coming lose. Horn was not hooked up at Factory. Clock intermittently shuts off.