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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  Wow - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By lesan6 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I am impressed with this one! Gotta hand it to the Euros; they can make a car; Kias selling like hotcakes over there. My vehicle warms up fast in the winter, idles quietly, handles well on the road, has good radio,sound quality! If the Koreans are offering a warranty like this, it tells me that they have engineered one heck, "see, we told ya so!" of a car. Easy on the wallet! Maybe its a "Honda clone."

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  Kia Spectra - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By FHarr - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall I have found this to be a good car. Bought in 2000 and 44,000 miles later no issues still looks brand new. I always get compliments on the sporty look that is has. Great car for the family just starting. Great warranty!

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  So Far So Good! - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By MJ DeYoung - August 21 - 7:06 pm

  Bought this car brand new last August, so this is its first winter. So far so good! Honestly, no complaints (-:

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  Best deal we ever made - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By ry-guy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We used to have a 2000 Corolla without any extras. For some reason the check engine light kept coming on and we had to keep paying $80.00 to get it checked out. We finally decided to trade it in for the Kia with an awesome warranty and so far we have loved it. It has been the best deal we ever made. We got everything on it including sunroof, foglights, keyless entry, 6 airbags . . . the works! And we lowered our payments by 20.00 a month. It is a tad louder than the Corolla and the gas mileage is not quite as good but it definitely was worth the trade. Intererior quality is superb. Attention to detail is outstanding. Good job Kia!

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  spectra - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Ivan Kirilov - July 31 - 12:13 am

  Good words only. Great design, quality materials, usefull features, low price and safe feeling while driving. My engine is Diesel one with high torque and better fuel economy. I know this is not so popular in USA, but it is of great importance in Europe.

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  My Kia - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Mark - July 28 - 10:33 pm

  I have had this Spectra 2 weeks now and have my ideas down. This is a very well built vehicle, but being a stockier guy, the seats seem kind of narrow. If I am not sitting exactly square in the seat, it feels small. The car has enough pep for around town driving and runs well at highway speeds. Not much in the way of passing speeds, but it holds 70+ easily on the road. I am slightly concerned about the texture of the paint on the sides, it looks like maybe it has orange peel, but the dealership is going to check it out. Also having issues with the passenger seat airbag switch not always turning the airbag on.

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  Kia rocks after 5 or 6 Toyotas - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Pontiacprince - July 26 - 10:46 am

  Much better quality than any of the Toyota Corollas Ive had over the years.Bought i for the many extras at a much lower price than Honda or Toyot was charging for similar vehicle.Gas Mileage is not the best..average 25-27 in city.Car seems heavy at times.Seats need another few inches extension for comfort.Very smooth and ideal on open highways.

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  its good - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By duckydo1 - July 21 - 11:33 am

  Has style and good looks for this class of auto. The hatchback is marvelous in loading and carrying bigger items. It is comfortable. I think the gas mileage could be better for this small of car, but it is not bad. It is very roomy. I like this auto very much. They did have to replace the transmission at about 14,000 miles. All paid for, of course.

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  Nice and Practical - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By KJM - July 21 - 8:23 am

  Although this may be considered a "practical" car, its still fun to drive. The vehicle is as composed at 90 mph as it is at 55 mph. The radio and climate controls are large and easily laid out. Noise isolation and a weak engine are the cars only real vices. Engine and road noise will have you speaking louder or turning up the radio a few notches. Off the line acceleration is feeble at best.

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  WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By VICKIE STONE - July 21 - 2:00 am

  WE GOT THIS 2002 KIA IN MAY 2002. IN FEB. 2003 PAROMOUNT KIA HAD TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION AND NOW IT IS DEC.2003 AND THE NEW ONE IS GIVING US TROUBLE. SO WE WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER KIA. WE SEE WHY THEY GIVE THE 10 YEAR/100,000 MILE WAR. . BECAUSE YOU NEED IT .