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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  Best Small Wagon for The Money - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By amirek - April 26 - 10:06 am

  Prior to purchasing this car, I had a 2006 model, which was a spectacular car. I never would have guessed that the 2007 model could top it, but it did! The exterior and interior have some great new accents - minor changes, but wow! Especially the interior - silver accents on the dash, armrest controls, and door handles give the black interior a touch of class. The speedometer has a new look, too, and its easier to read at night. I havent measured, but I think the 2007 has a bit more clearance. Ive not bottomed-out on any potholes yet. Best of all, theres a bit more space both through the hatch and the rear passenger doors. I can fit my folding tables in the 2007, not the 2006. Awesome!

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  a decent car for a decent price - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By b wirsing - April 20 - 3:50 pm

  This vehicle drives better than a Corolla, Honda, and any other import car. It is as spacious as a van or SUV yet gets killer gas mileage and fits in those hard to get places. I am 6 foot and 230 pounds and took this thing camping; folded the seats back and was able to sleep comfortably in the back. I couldnt believe it. I also got 160 miles on an 1/8 of a tank.

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  Soldier of a car. - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Jsp9890 - April 18 - 7:12 pm

  I bought this car with no choice. Mine was stolen, left with little time I bought a 2005 Spectra EX for $3800. It had 98k miles. That was in 2011. I still own it, with 180k+ and shes magnificent. The little 2.0 has power on the highway, without having to go up high in the powerband. The tall gears in the automatic gearing kill performance, manuals are quicker by far. Mine hits 60 in 8.8 seconds with a 4 speed auto, and shes topped out at 126mph. I guess thats about average. The stereo is surprisingly good with a 120 watt 6 speaker setup, as well as interior materials. I previously owned a Honda and Kia is quite close with their quality. I dont care what ANYONE says, Kias are damn good vehicles.

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  I am impressed - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By RubyRedMe - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Spectra 5 months ago. I didnt expect much, considering the price I paid for it, but I am finding I really like it, and would seriously consider buying another Kia when the time comes. The inside is very comfortable, with thoughtfully arranged controls. My only complaint so far, is the paint job. My Kia seems to have a "bullseye" on it, as it has been "dinged" three major times in parking lots. Each time, I notice that the paint is flaking rather alarminly well beyond where the actual damage is! Also, the tires that come standard on it (Hankook) are really a joke. Ive already replace them, and am much happier with the overall handling.

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  I love this econbox that rides like air - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Michael Easton - April 16 - 10:00 am

  No complaints---steering wheel is too ruberry, but wheel cover (9.95) fixed that. Also too plain, but $175.00 wood kit fixed that. Rides like a luxury sedan. Rides nice at 78-90 mph unlike a small car--the gas milage is unbelievable, this car does not know how good it is, for such little money

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  Work horse - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Zack - April 13 - 10:49 pm

  Bought the Kia for a commute to work, been daily driver for years and never had single prblem. Self maintenance is very simple. Overall impressed with the car, it doesnt look stylish but dont judge a book by its cover it performs well. Adequate acceleration with satisfying fuel economy. Transmission shifts smooth without notice, also has sensitive steering. Surprisingly very comfortable ride with plenty of head/leg room for compact car Im 62" and its pleasant to drive. Has over 250k miles and still drives like new! No oil burns, drips or leaks. Simple maintenance and these cars will run forever.

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  Corolla VS. Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By vallet1 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I won a 2003 GSX on E-bay for only $5000. The car had only 13,000 miles on it. I thought that I would try to "turn a fast profit" by selling it locally for $8000. Well, I spent $200 in ads and brought it to a local car lot and after 3 months I could not sell it for even $7000. I had a 2003 Toyota Corolla and needed to get rid of ANY car I could. I wound-up selling the Corolla for $13,000 and used the profit to pay-off the Kia. I now own (free and clear) and have been driving the Kia for 3 weeks. I find the Kia to be a much better car than the Toyota. It rides better, looks better and is more comfortable.

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  its all good - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By its all good - March 27 - 10:00 am

  i think this car is a good little car, there is a place for the cds. what most dealers will call a tape holder is also a cd holder. some of the kias come with out a radio so u can get ur own and as far as speakers u can always change those out. overall i think its a decent car for the money ur paying and its got a nice look to it. its affordable for most and can be fun to drive (espcially with a manual!). ive driven almost 7000 mi in less than 4 months of having the car and i havent seenanything yet. and i dont have any special features.

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  Great first time car! - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Rob Richter - March 23 - 3:50 am

  Ive had my Spectra for 2 years now and not once have I been to the mechanic for any problems. Ive put about 13,000 miles on it and so far so good. City mileage is about 22-23 not bad but could be a little better. Transmission is kinda rough shifting from third to fourth gear sometimes. If you can find a low mileage Spectra (the newer models are even better in my opinion) you will not be dissapointed!

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  So Happy - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Cathy - March 20 - 3:10 pm

  Im so happy that I bought this car. I drive 45mins to and from work every day and is great on gas. I love is car.