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:

• 

  Surprisingly Good Car - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By jabhiji - July 29 - 7:23 pm

  I have owned a LX for about a month now and have been pleasantly surprised at the gas economy and reliability so far. Most of the miles so far are on the highway (with the A/C on) and I have consistently obtained 34+ MPG, with the maximum so far being 37.8 MPG. The vehicle handles very well on the highway, but can be a bit awkward at low speeds. Does not handle turns very well, even at low speeds. Feels like the car is going to rollover if you take those curved exit ramps at more than 30 to 35 mph. But overall, considering the price, I am a very satisfied owner.

• 

  Great Buy! - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By kerri12377 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  After 4 years of owning my purple Kia, I still love it! The warranty cant be beat! Its cheap to maintain. Being a hatchback makes it roommy inside. Oh, and the trunk release works since theyve gotten a fix for it! Its reliable, convenient, and safe. Even nice for a Mommy with 2 small boys!

• 

  Great little ride - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By 2006 kia great car - July 23 - 12:46 pm

  Drove from NY to AZ in 2 days average speed of 80. took it up to 105 a few times with confidence. Great car for the money. Good gas mileage. $20 bucks get u at least a half tank! 400 miles to a tank.

• 

  na - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By gainery - July 22 - 10:00 am

  could get better gas millage and the take a very long time for the window to defrost or clear enough so you can see no heat for the exterri mirror and some time the eigen light come on and wont go off the car only has 17700 miles bought it new in 2001 i really dont think a car like this such have that many problem

• 

  Kia vs Honda - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By DCH60 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Many more features vs the Honda Civic. Im a Honda owner (2003 V6 Accord), but the civics features vs the Spectra came up way short. And the warranty doesnt come close.

• 

  My next car will be a Kia - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Derrick - July 19 - 1:53 am

  I love it. It looks great in a parking lot and sexy on the road! My friends and family all want to drive it and wish their car was a kia. I love my spectra sx!

• 

  Too new to really tell - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Renee McClain - July 18 - 4:03 pm

  I just bought my Kia Spectra 5 and its too new to really tell if Im going to have any problems, but I do love the feel of the car, the style, the interior leg room and comfort. My only negative comment is the high whining at higher rpms. Once the car gets up there she really goes, but getting her there takes longer than Im used to. From what I can tell, thus far I love it. Its got a great warranty which tells me that Kia is confident in their car, you dont see that often!

• 

  1 week = My Life - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Bill - July 17 - 12:20 pm

  Had my 2006 Spectra for about 1 week and owned it for 2 days. Lot of fun and will be buying a 2nd one. The first was rear ended at a full stop by a full size Cadillac at about 25 mph. May be totaled but the cabin interior withstood the impact. No gas leakage. The seat belts worked perfectly and the headrest really helped my neck and head. I really believe that if I had been in many other cars, I may not have been as lucky. The Caddy sustained major front end damage (radiator leak, engine damage, front quarter, etc.) so the impact was major. For a car its size and price, it is well constructed with safety in mind.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Gerald Sewell - July 10 - 5:30 pm

  It has been a great car for the price.

• 

  My Kia - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Ms. Amy - July 10 - 5:46 am

  I did not think this car would fit my needs but me and my son are having fun with it and it is very good on GAS. As we all know how expensive it is to fill up a tank now. This car is excellent for a college student, its roomy and has a nice size trunk. I am very happy with my Kia.