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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  Poor quality and brake system - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By tootsietwo - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle which I own 2001. The rubber seals around all doors was falling off when the car was 3 months old. The plastic inside door handles (can you believe plastic) have broken and I have replaced brakes around 10X and still are not good. I will never by this car again. Good price but I have put almost as much $$$$ in this car as what I paid for.

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  Kia Spectra: The New Yugo? - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By FLEECIV - July 13 - 10:00 am

  The Spectra brings the word cheap back to the world of inexpensive cars. From fit and finish issues to gas mileage that rivals an SUV, the Spectra was amazing in its capability to miss every expectation we had for it. Those expectations were not high, but we had been given hope after our Focus and Echo. The engine was loud and every bump was felt through the cheap seats. The car did start each time it was asked, a point that typically goes unnoticed in cars today. It is difficult to say anything else that could be considered positive.

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  Total airbag failure - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By sciguy - July 9 - 4:00 am

  This was a great car for price until another car ran stop sign and hit it head on. I was traveling on open road at 40-45 mph. Other driver turned into my lane and hit me going maybe 15 mph in dead center front. Total failure of all airbags. 2 other family members in car at time. 6 airbags and not one popped. Damage in excesss $6000. If you want a safe car do not buy. Had been happy with all but spoiler falling off repeatedly and very lousy gas mileage. Do not put your family in this car.

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  Five years later! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By lovemykia! - July 6 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2003 and I still love it! One review said it doesnt have child locks, but it does! Only a couple repairs and this car has been driven to death with very little maintenance. Had to take it to the dealer early on, forget what it was for but they fixed it at no charge. At 100K mi I just replaced the belt. Its needed five or six new headlights, brake pads at 60-70K, a new battery earlier this year, and only fully replaced tires once for wear. And my sun visor is broken. The car sucks up gas with the AC on high, even on the highway. Other than that, no trouble whatsoever and I give it a dependable rating of "10"

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  More than youd think - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By mlerlie - June 21 - 5:33 pm

  This was my first Kia. Bought it solely because it was the newest car with the best warranty I could afford. I drive a lot so a new car with warranty was critical. In the past 3 years Ive put on over 75000 miles and have had to do very little maintenance. But I dont feel safe in it at all - the littlest gust of wind tosses it around - not fun on highways during blustery blizzards! I actually had a panic attack while driving it through the W.V. mountains (Talk about a very long trip!) I get about 31 mpg most of the time and with the miles I put on, thats a definite bonus.

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  Spectra 2003 LS - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Jack Napeles - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car about a month ago. I have had no problems with it. Power is sufficient and ride is comfortable. The car has easy to use controls and I think the looks are great. If you review cars for a living apparently this is not the one for you. To those of us who dont I think this is an excellent choice.

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  Really awesome ride - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Ricardos Ride - June 12 - 7:50 am

  I really did not trust Kia.. but let me tell you. They did a fantastic job with the Spectra5. It looks GREAT outside and the engine is totally reliable. I have not had any problem at all with the car and the way that it has been engineered ... great for college students or parents. This car is fast, secure (6 air bags, rear, front and side air bags), spacious, reliable, good looking and affordable. Totally recommended.

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  Spectras are POS - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By pizz - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Spectra in July of 2003. I have had so many things wrong with it since I got it. Right now my clear coat is coming off my car. They are not a good car in the winter because they are so lite. The total amount of time I have taken my car in to get fix in the short time that I have had this car is seven. They might have a good warrenty on it but they wouldnt need to if they made a good car. I know many other people who own a 2002 Spectra and one had to but a new motor in it at 44,000 miles and another one has to get a transmission in the car. No wonder why these cars are cheap.

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  AWSOME - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By SherryBaby - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Its a wonderful car. I have not one complaint what so ever. I owned the Kia Shepia prior to my Spectraand im a Kia gal all tha way.

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  High gas use - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Martha - May 28 - 10:26 am

  I love this car but it uses a lot of gas. I take very good care of the car and go every 3 months for oil change and maintenance. When I drive long distance I get 32 miles a gallon and that is nice but most of the time I drive it in town not more that 8 miles each time and I get only 18 miles a gallon.