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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  I bought a lemon 2 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Carhen69 - November 9 - 9:33 pm

  I bought my car in May of 2006 brand new off the lot for $17,500. After Driving the car for a couple of days I noticed a terrible vibration coming from the front of the vehicle. The steering wheel vibrated so bad that I hated driving this car. When I mentioned this problem to the dealer I was told that the engine was just to big for the car! I have had the car looked at by 2 different dealers in the last year and a 1/2 since I owned because of many issues, ranging from poor gas mileage, vibration and loss of power. My car has now been in the shop for over a week and am now being told that YES there is a problem but they simply do not know what it is. They are working to resolve....

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  Great purchase - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Keepintune - November 7 - 11:20 pm

  Traded in a Ford Explorer XLT due to gas mileage. I am a piano technician and have to carry tools at all times. This was a great choice after searching for 3 months. Compared American, Japanese and Korean cars. I wanted the Prius, but there were none to be had, and then dealers were selling for "market price". I made a great choice for me. I am 63" and above 250 lbs. Comfort is there for leg room, but to me, seat surfaces are not soft enough. That being my only complaint of the inside, everything else is great. I love the stereo-great sound and flexibility; cd changer, ipod & xm to Aux input is fabulous. Easy to work. Car well laid out. Easy to read instruments.

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  The next Civic? - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By wbishop311 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Since my purchase, I have been exceptionally pleased with my Kia Spectra. With tight handling, good pickup with a 5-speed, smooth riding, and sleek style, my Spectra has pleased me beyond my expectations. I have most options and would definitely recommend this car in a 5-speed style to my friends and family.

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  Great Buy - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By Avian - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had this auto for almost two years now and have no complaints. I have driven it from Florida to Canada, and have been on numerous long trips and it has exceeded my expectations for a auto at this price.

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  Dont Do it - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Gen - October 30 - 5:53 am

  I got a brand new 2002 Kia Spectra. And b/f I was off the lot a headlight was out, it should have been an omen. The windows never worked right, and there was a weird knocking when it rained. And, the alternator was going after only 6 years. Last week, the transmission just went out! We were not going anywhere. $2000.00 worth of repairs on a car with only 136000 miles on it. I have a Subaru Impreza with 196000 miles on it that is 13 years old that is still working great! I only got 400.00 for the car b/c it was just so broken down! My two cents is if you want a car that will give you your moneys worth, buy a Subaru. I had only paid the car off one year b/f it died. Never again!

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  So far,so good - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By No4Mk1 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a new Spectra. First new car I have ever owned (was about time). So far, so good. Gas mileage has been consistently around 30mpg. Shifts very smoothly. I have now put nearly 3000 miles on it. Looks like itll need a set of studded tires for the winter. Enough room for my kids in the back - better than a Rio.

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  KIA go back to making Bicycles - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By msiriodis - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Not worth the Money, service is null and even the service provider told me that we live and learn when I told him the car I had purchased.

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  I hate my Kia - 2001 Kia Spectra
  By ojena - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had many problems with the engine begining with the loud noises it makes & a/c and radio malfunctions. The plastic pieces of the vehicle are always breaking off such as those that recline the seat,open the trunk and gas,and a/c vents.Ancira, the dealership where I purchased my Kia, is not very efficient when it comes to fixing it. So the warranty Kia always raves about really means nothing to me.Within the first year of owning my new Kia Spectra, the tires and brakes had to be replaced, and since they are considered maintanence parts, they were not covered by the warranty. This car has been a headache from day one.

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  Love it, but its not perfect - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By eightthirty - October 11 - 8:20 am

  I love the almost every inch of this car. It has treated me very well over the past 2-1/2 years. I have about 21k on it. As far as gas mileage is concerned Im not sure where Im lacking because I only drive 50 miles per week and I use 1/2 a tank (about 19 stoplights though). Its all city, but thats horrible. For highway in moderate traffic I use a quarter of a tank over 60 miles. Its a great modest car, very reliable, low maintenance and very affordable. There are some features I would like to see standard on the EX, though. Its a great car for those who have young children due to its safety features and its got a killer warranty.

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  I Love My Kia - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By J-Girl - October 8 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Toyota for several years, I needed a new car. I ended up buying a Kia. I needed the peace of mind of the warranty and the smaller price tag. I loved my Toyota, but I have to say that I have been equally happy with the Kia performance. Sure, the inside is not a luxury car, but it drives great and really has a zip to it. The storage is incredible. I am not too impressed with the quality of the tires. I have already put about 7K miles on them and I think that I will probably only get another 7-10K by the looks of them. I think it is an ideal economy car for a college student or your first car.