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:

• 

  Rollerskate - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Great Car - March 20 - 6:36 am

  32K and runs like a charm. My commuter car, comfortable, reliable (no squeaks, rattles, repairs). Great value. Would buy another Kia in a second.

• 

  100,000 miles - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By not_a_yob - March 19 - 11:50 pm

  Ive read through plenty of reviews, and the one thing I am noticing is that people are putting automatics in with the manual transmission, dont be daft please. The 2.0 DOHC 5spd standard transmission is great. I have over 100,000 miles on my car as it sits now still with the original clutch, and trust me when I say I havent been overly kind to my car. I have beat on it, driven long distances and over all drvien this car as if it were a rally car or enduro car, including some slight off roading and it still starts up with out arguement and gets up and goes like a propper little sprinter. I unexpectedly fell in love with the little bugger, and I expect the romance to continue on for awhile.

• 

  Im Glad I Got A KIA Spectra EX - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By JoshUNC - March 16 - 7:26 am

  After comparing prices on the 07 to the new 09 KIA Spectra EX I decided to go with the 09 mainly based on price and having full warranty. I give this car straight 9s across the board... very happy with my purchase so far. I have even used the roadside service because I left my lights on and ran my battery dead. Called kia and they sent someone with no problems and limited info. They even called me back to make sure someone came to help. Will buy a KIA again!

• 

  I love my new Spectra! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Diskjokk - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Yup, I read Edmunds report before I purchased my new 2003 Kia Spectra. And for those of us who have read it, we know its not a favorable review. After spending a few days with the car, I will have to agree with the Edmunds report that the brakes seem a bit weak and the interior seems a bit "cheaper" when comparing it to a 2003 Focus or Neon. However, what my Spectra does provide me with is an awesome looking automobile with a 10 year warranty. The interior is very roomy and the seating is comfortable. The car does seem very responsive when driven. I think its a pretty neat car and it has grown on me a great deal.

• 

  great car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By nathan gerlt - March 12 - 5:53 pm

  This is a great family car it has a sporty look and the speed , yet it has all the protection you would need for your family. I love the way this drives and handles!!!!

• 

  My only Problem is Humming Noise - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Dwight Judd - February 21 - 3:13 am

  I enjoy driving the car it has great pick up. Now the problem that Im having is when Im driving the car and the wind is blowing at the passenger side of the car Im picking up a high pitching humming noise inside the car sounds like its coming from the driver side dash and window area but not sure.

• 

  Best for the money - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Mister Big - February 14 - 7:46 am

  I get 30 plus mpg around town, and got 37 mpg on a 1000 mile trip of hiway and city,and thats with automatic transmission. Bad stuff: Not the best paint job. Paint surface is rough down near and on the rocker panels, and the paint chips easily; ABS, floor mats are not standard. Good stuff: Peppy performance, great gas mileage; cool, intuitive dashboard controls; comfy seats (easy on my sciatica); solid warranty; roomy trunk; stylish, at least to my eyes. The Spectra is, I think, the best value out there. To get anything even slightly better, youd have to pay lots more. I love my Spectra!

• 

  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By desertbob - February 12 - 8:06 pm

  No flaws... everything works as advertised. Looking forward to my first long-distance RoadTrip in this car.

• 

  Fell apart (& short of expectations) - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By pfft - February 11 - 6:40 pm

  I bought my Spectra used with about 100,000 miles on it and put 80,000 on it before the transmission completely blew (more expensive to fix than the KBB on the car). The seats were really uncomfortable and it wasnt good for long trips because the steering wheel couldnt be adjusted so it touched my knees the entire time. Little things started breaking (both sun visors fell off, the weather stripping completely dropped off two windows, all but one speaker blew out, heat/air conditioning issues, glove compartment latch broke, dome light switch got touchy, etc). The oil changes were nearly impossible to do at home due to inaccessible location of oil drain. The car only lived for 6 years total.

• 

  Aching back - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By mark chrisopher - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The "adjustable" seats are very uncomfortable. An extended drive (30+min) leave my back aching. The seat belt buckle digs into my thigh. The plastic interior is shoddy. The car never settles into 5th gear but keeps on winding...very irritating.