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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  Great, economical car with style. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Steve - October 6 - 5:26 pm

  The car is great. Has wonderful acceleration, comfort, affordability, and handles great. Great gas mileage, and offers wonderful standard features including cruise control, AM/FM/CD, automatic windows and door locks, AC, and a 2.0 liter engine. Gets about 38 miles on the highway and currently getting 29-30 around town. Also great safety features and warranty. I compared this with the Matrix and it is a much better value.

• 

  not bad - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By listed - October 4 - 5:20 pm

  Overall good. Good noise reduction. Good build quality. EXTREMELY poor FUEL ECONOMY -- only about 26 on the highway and 21 in city. Radio stinks.

• 

  Lovin It - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Misser - September 11 - 4:50 am

  I just bought a Spectra EX, with the moonroof, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels and Im lovin it. My husband is 65" and we were replacing my Chevy Lumina and looking for something I liked but he could fit into. All other cars this size (Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Camry) all very uncomfortable for him. We went to look at a Sportage and while at the dealership I saw the Spectra, love at first sight, he got in and had LOTS of room. Took it for a test drive, loved the pick up it has for a 4 cylinder. Interior very comfortable, TONS of space, large trunk. The car is an optical illusion, so much interior space in a smaller car. Love the warranties, cant beat them.

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  Still loving it 3 1/2 years later - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Weezul - September 6 - 1:06 am

  Ive had this car for three and a half years, and Im still glad I made the purchase. At a little over 50,000 miles, I havent had a single thing to complain about yet. I ran it through the gauntlet on a road trip down the east coast to Florida and back from Delaware at 80mph without a hitch. Due to a relatives illness I put over 20,000 miles running around in it for the past year, and its still running very smoothly, no problems whatsoever.

• 

  4 OC/7yrs - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Gen - September 3 - 12:30 pm

  I have had this car for almost 7 years now and have actually only changed the oil 4 times. (Yes I know very stupid.) But here is the cool thing, it still runs great. I just hit 100,000 miles and no major problems. Have to change the headlights about every 6 months and the AC has a mind of its own but other then that really dependable.

• 

  Good deal. - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By braedyn - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Dont pay attention to the editors. They think everyone can afford a BMW. I have a 2002 Spectra GS, with air, auto and a nice sounding cd player. With incentives, I paid less than $13000 for the car out the door. Ive put over 18000 miles on the car and have not had a single problem. The car is comfortable to drive, handles quite well, and looks very nice inside and out. If you dont have alot of money to spend, but need a new car, I highly recommend looking into a Kia.

• 

  Yet another big mistake - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By dswanson1 - August 9 - 2:40 pm

  We bought it and withing 3 months had to put a new transmission into it. That was under 100000 miles. It has been back into the shop 6 more times so far and we are only at 106000 miles. Nothing but issues left and right. Everything seems to break. Unfortunately we financed and are stuck with it for the next 2 years.

• 

  Nice car for the money - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By ikillbugs - August 7 - 4:26 pm

  I bought my 2008 Kia used but with very few miles on it. I love the looks and the overall ride is excellent, even at 80 mph on the interstate (although past 80 it does get a bit shaky). I got the EX model, and given a choice (after the fact) I would certainly look for an SX model with the sportier suspension. It does not handle that well in tight corners, but I bought it for a commuter, not a race car. I rated it at 8 for BUILD QUALITY and RELIABILITY simply because I just dont know. I have only had the car a month. So far so good ;-)

• 

  Like a Timex, Keeps on running ! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Carl Leason - August 1 - 5:16 am

  From day one, (bought this car new ), it just always runs and have had no problems, NONE, of any kind ! Ave. fuel mileage about 30 and already have 42,000 miles on it. The dealer is great, This is my second Kia and I always am treated as if they like me. The only reasons for going to dealer is for oil changes.Tire rotation, best car I ever owned !

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  Recently Purchased - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By Zebulund - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a Kia Spectra 2000 yr. model, and so far Im impressed with the car for the price. Not too many people could tell me about them, but so far everything Ive found on the Internet is far from negative. I think that Kia will continue to catch on in the States. Its affordable and a basic little car, but its been great for the gas mileage. Im going to college, and I drive back and forth. Its perfect for what I needed.