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 value compact sedan - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Choon I. Lee - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This new Spectra rocks. I needed a small econmic car for commute rather than driving my Suburban everyday. I got the most for my money compared to Mazda 3, Civic, Corola, and Elantra. It cost thousands dollors less with lots of standard features like side curtain air bags. This is a very important safety feature for me because I have two kids. It handles good on the freeway and the engine is powerful enough for the size. The body design looks good and the interior offers a large passenger space.

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  Economy Does Have To Be Uncomfortable - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By goldenauragirl - December 19 - 7:53 am

  I was used to a 6 cylinder and expected the car to be a lot less peppy. I was pleasantly surprised. I drove the 2 smallest cars from every Japanese and Korean automaker before I settled on this car. I found the interior of the Kia to be very comfortable.

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  Radiator - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By S.Ryt - December 16 - 8:50 am

  I truly love my Kia but I had a Radiator that went bad at 56,000 miles, lucky this was still under the Warranty. Since I put the car I kept on hearing water moving couldnt understand this. Ever since they replaced the radiator the noise went away. So the problem must have been there since I bought the Car new.

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  Great quality - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By trick1 - December 15 - 10:04 pm

  I bought this car new in 2005 for my wife and outside of general maintenance issues it hasnt missed a beat. Its rolling up on 80k. This car has been so good that Im considering buying another one for a commuter car since Im having a hard time justifying driving the SUV with the current fuel prices. The car seems to average about 30 on mostly highway miles so its right up there with similar sized cars for mileage.

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  Well, it wasnt expensive - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Bexley - December 9 - 9:06 am

  For an inexpensive car, the reliability has been outstanding, but over time the "little" things have crept up. Seat(s) have become rather uncomfortable, wind noise is more pronounced, and now a disconcerting noise is coming from the front end, as if a strut is loose ore something. Also, little bits of trim have fallen off, but mechanically, only the brakes have been replaced, at 55,000 mi. I might keep it longer if it werent becoming so unpleasant to sit in for more than 1/2 hour or so.

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  Under-rated car, 5speed GSX is KING!! - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By natedawg - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Very fun, economical, practical and sporty car. I really am pleased with the car. The hatchback GSX allows me to throw whatever I need in there. Ive had a few electrical problems with the cruise control and dash lights but both are fixed now. The car warms up quick in the winter, very economical to drive (40+mpg) driving it nice. No transimisson problems with the 5 speed!

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  MY NEW "BABY"S FIRST YEAR - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By THEGOLDENKIA - November 6 - 1:20 pm

  This was my first ever new off the show room floor car. in years past I averaged only 9,000 miles a year driving. Ive put over 15,000 on my Kia in its first year. the Mileage is great1 im getting from 28 to 30MPG combined city and freeway. I commute 15 miles each way to work, mostly freeway. good power, great profile in the looks dept. interior is well thought out and the engine compartment is not all crowded and packed. you can see where everything is! I will drive this car when Im on call for work on the weekends rather than one of our beat up company vehicles.

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  surprising comfort and value - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By N. Bowles - October 31 - 3:46 am

  Bought this for my job in sales as my Range Rover and F-150 were gas guzzlers. I own or have owned many nice vehicles including an 04 Range Rover, 04 Mercedes E-320 and 00 Corvette convertible. I expected to "tolerate" this for the sake of efficiency. How wrong I was. My initial drive left me speechless at the refinement,velvety switchgear, and quiet cabin at cruise. Engine thrashes a bit at 4K rpm but not excessively for a 4 cylinder. Once at highway speed, noise is nicely quelled and a pleasure to drive. Ergonomics are excellent and visibility is great. Peppy engine, great brakes, and agile handling make this a sleeper. You will not find more bang for the buck than this car.

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  Its money in your wallet - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Blackstealth - October 25 - 7:53 pm

  I bought a 2006 Kia Spectra manual, ABS, sunroof, black. For a foreign car its great. Of course it is small but everything else is great. This car is the greatest on turns buta little slow on the go. The dealer though ripped me off!

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  Sons second car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By alshoe - October 16 - 12:38 pm

  Purchased our 2002 Spectra 11/23/2011 for our son. Our son had a 2002 Saturn SL that was totaled in a accident. This Kia is very much like his Saturn, a basic car, no power windows, door locks or cruise control. Body has some dings and scratches but overall paint, body and interior in very good condition. Never owned a Kia, but good experience at Kia dealership. Clock was not working so they will replace it at no additional cost to me. I also purchased a two year warranty to cover all major components.