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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  My last new car before I retire. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Huibert Venema - December 3 - 5:16 pm

  I was in the market for a new compact station wagon. I drove by a KIA dealer and saw a red Spectra 5 on display, it was love at first sight. Test drove and purchased it within a half hour. The sales transaction was flawless. My Spectra 5 fits my lifestyle perfectly. I enjoy camping and drive the back roads with gusto, never a squeel or out of control. 30,000 miles and 3 years later, I still hand wash it (2 bucket style) with love and care. Thank you KIA.

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  Good value Compact - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By kmnowak2002 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  The new design, 2004.5, looks more impressive and fun than the old model. The long warranty gives piece of mind. However, even though I bought the upgraded model, it still isnt a car I like to get in to every morning. The rebates and low payments were too much to walk away from. But if you can stretch a little more on payments, buy something else.

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By jana - December 1 - 11:20 am

  I love this car! It is the perfect size for me. It drives great and the brakes are awesome too! It compact enough to fit into smaller parking spaces but roomy enough for my 6 foot 4 inch brother to sit comfortably!

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  Great Car - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Ken Ross - December 1 - 11:16 am

  I bought my Kia Spectra Ex Sedan (4) days ago and I really like it. I havent had it very long and I havent taken it for a long drive yet. I feel that the car was a great buy.

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  2004 Kia Spectra - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By kwitcherbytchn - November 30 - 5:20 pm

  This is my second new car. I bought it for the warranty. And now I regret it. The gas mileage is horrible. Im lucky to get 25 mpg. I had a Saturn and was getting 31 mpg. The trans kicks when accelerating, it makes funny noises on and off.

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  My Kia - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Jeromy - November 24 - 2:30 am

  I bought mine May 7 and have put over 7k miles on it, I love the way it handles and drives, and that there is enough storage to put whatever I need in the back. My only problem and concern is that my front spoiler fell off during my test drive and I am still waiting on the dealership to figure out how to reinstall it and keep it on the car. My dealers service is really bad and I will not go to them even for the smallest things, like an oil change. Overall on the car, as my girlfriend would say..... IT ROCKS!!!

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  I love it. - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Nicodemus - November 20 - 7:13 pm

  My wife and I bought our Spectra5 after falling in love with it at the dealership. It has not failed to meet our expectations. It is reliable, runs like a dream, has great power for its class, enough room for 4 comfortable adults, handles well in corners at speed and performs well in city traffic. Cornering is helped and body roll minimized by the stock (yes, stock) strut tower brace, and the sport-tuned suspension performs as advertised. There is plenty of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded flat and the rear deck removed. The engine sounds nice and the car is reasonably quiet. I have nothing bad to say about this car at all.

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  Black is black... - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By davemoris1966 - November 19 - 5:56 pm

  Great car! I checked out a lot of cars. I sold cars for over 10 years, so I know what to look for. I was amazed that "KIA" quality had surpassed Hyundai, and in some cases the Japanese imports as well! I drove the 5 speed and I know it has a lot more pep. But I was quite pleased with the overall performance of the automatic. So the auto won out. Its black and handles great. I took it to the coast first weekend so I could drive on the beach...what a blast! My only complaint is I wanted the power moonroof but you have to get the ABS option as well (package). And I did not want ABS, so no sunroof. All in all a great car!

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  Not bad for the money - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Bryan - November 18 - 1:30 am

  I am a young driver(21) bought this when I was 19(actually still making payments) and this has been a great car. The 5 speed really lets you open up the engine and get the most out of it and I wouldnt have it any other way. Mine has developed a rather strange problem lately, the rear floorboards are getting soaked but there is no leake up top, so I am guessing water is coming in from the bottom? This will be my first experience with KIA customer service so I hope they treat me well and I get my car back soon. This seems like a rare problem so I wont blame the car just yet. Overall, great car for the money hands down.

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  Come on performance parts! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By azsnow - November 16 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this car for better mpg, and received a whole lot more! I have only had it for a year and have had 29,000 trouble free miles. It doesnt hold its resale value very well, but when you compare it to other cars in its class, you get way more for a lot less.