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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  Pleasantly Surprising Car! - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Molly M - November 4 - 7:16 pm

  I got this car after my 2005 Honda Civic EX was (unfortunately) totaled. I bought it used with 35k miles and it now has 38k. Let me stress that I absolutely LOVED my Civic, so I wasnt exactly thrilled about getting a new car. But after 3000 miles, Ive learned to love my Spectra almost as much as the Civic! It only has about 30 more horsepower than my Civic did, but its very noticeable. The engine is extremely quiet upon acceleration, and I have to watch out or else Ill end up doing 80/90mph without even noticing. Fuel economy is great. Ive gotten up to 430 miles on 12 gallons (close to 500 on a full 15 gal). The seats are very comfy (I drive long distances often). Great little car!

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  Lots of kit for less dollars - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Good value - November 3 - 10:00 am

  havent had my Spectra long but Im satisfied with it. The engine provides reasonable power but the automatic transmission could shift smoother. Good cabin materials and nice exterior. Some might have trouble finding a fully loaded model however.

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  kias are more impresive from 02 to 03 - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By renee - October 30 - 2:00 am

  The kia spectra that i own now is being very good to me I have had no problems with it and when I purchase another vehicle I plan to purchase a kia optima sev6 only because I have four daughters and a wife so if you are in the market for a vehicle that is good on gas and reliable and has the biggest warrenty. If you think that kia is crap think again. They would not be able to stay in business if they always were brakeing down. Look at the quality workmanship that went into the new sorento and the price what more can you ask for and why would you.

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  Good Car - Bad Dealer - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By mrstan - October 26 - 2:26 pm

  My tire pressure sensor system did not work for 5000 miles after I bought this car. This car is an excellent car with power and excellent gas economy (rare combination indeed). The dealership really did suck though. There was a graduate incentive, and this was not followed up on by the dealer. Lost my 500.00.

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  Love my Kia! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By kiersten565 - October 20 - 9:58 pm

  Ive been driving my Kia for almost four years now, it was used as my dads commuter car. I now have 220,000 miles on it and still going strong! Tires have been replaced, along with a new fuel filter and occasional oil changes and tire rotations but nothing major. I put almost 100 miles on it a day and it has great gas mileage. Im so surprised at how long its lasted for me. I will be very sad the day it gives up!

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  Car for those in the know - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By JWBB - October 17 - 6:20 am

  Its a 4D sports car with a sedan body like the BMWs, the Lotus Cortinas, Toyota Supra, but at a much more reasonable price. Yes, it has AC and few conveniencies. But its got the old soul: maneuverablility, torque and the tech. And, its durable and realiable. It aint no Cadillac or a tricked out pimp ride, and its 2L DOHC Vortec, IFE has what it takes. Good for short as well as long hauls. Mac struts, 4Discs, Ind. sus., and its amazingly quiet. If you arent a really experienced sports car driver, I might not recommend it. But its little sister, the Reo and bigger brother Amante are rated #1 for safety. Best ride for the money Ive ever had.

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  Most Fun to Drive under $5000 - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Harry Kumar - October 11 - 10:50 pm

  I own a 2007 Spectra EX - Automatic, It is AeroDynamic, Sporty, Comfort ride at Highspeeds. PROs: 34+HwyMPG, Speed sensitive Steering, Quite, Spacious. Cons: Worst Locks/Keyless entry, Unreliable Electronics, No cruise control

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  Fun to Cruise - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By EB - October 8 - 6:33 pm

  Fun to drive! You feel like a speed racer! Consider something new as it approaches the end of the warranty. Very spacious interior (long boards fit inside)! Great for traveling students. Needs more reliable parts inside and out; very flimsy. Dashboard comes unglued, interior trunk latch doesnt work well, sits rather low to the ground, bolts welding to axle in wheels, okay gas per mile, several blinds, paint is thin, handles great on curves...

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  My cool kia - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Chris hanaburgh - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my kia. A lot of people dont give enough respect to the kias but Ill tell you this much, when the gas prices rose I wasnt bothered by it. The spectra has to be one of the most comfortable sedans ever made.

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  Love my Lil blue fox! - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Mr. Fox - September 28 - 3:10 pm

  Its been the best car Ive had in a long time. Never had even so much as a check engine light the whole time Ive owned since it had 6 miles on it. On s straight freeway trip once I actually obtained 44mpg with cruise set. I was absolutely amazed! Even around town my fuel mileage in my Lil Fox is stupendous! She only eats a Lil bit and goes a long way on that. I cant speak highly enough of this vehicle! ( Maybe I just got a hold of a good one?) Regular service as needed, thats all. Never, ever left me stranded. Showing just a Lil bit of normal wear and tear, but still looking good. And most importantly, mechanically the best! Im retired, this might very well be the last vehicle I may own. Im sure it will be around for a long time with lots of love.