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:

• 

  21 year old whos content - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Jeffd5151 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  as my first "real" car, I was quite pleased with not only the purchase, but the actual car itself; Im 21,which means I like fast. I got it. Im 21, which means I like safety, I got 6 air bags, and side impact bars. Im 21, and I love my car. Its stable in the wind, (upwards of 50mph winds today in austin,tx) and the design rolls the rain right off; no fear of water spots. fun to drive, weather its my friends, or (gasp) my family.

• 

  Things I Wish I Knew - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By kam2901 - September 23 - 9:19 am

  I bought this car used in 2014. It only had 49k miles on it and was a one owner car. I thought I had a great deal since it had such low mileage for the age and that it was a one owner car so I bought it after my mechanic looked at it. About a month after purchase I filled my tank and it began stalling (its an automatic) and releasing black smoke out of the exhaust. I immediately got it towed to the dealership and they replaced all of my spark plugs and fuel lines and the problem was fine. Now a year later at 59k miles I filled my tank to only 3 quarters of a tank and the same problem is occurring. I wish I knew what I was getting into or else I would have gotten something reliable.

• 

  Reliable but falling apart - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By jojoberry - September 20 - 9:40 am

  Ive had this car since 2002, and am the original owner. Mechanically wise, this car has run well- especially for a car with over 130K miles now. Only major mechanical problems would be that the AC compressor has been replaced twice now. The major problems Ive had are all small and very annoying things, like the dash warping and the dash vents breaking; the doors will lock and unlock without any prompting; most plastic pieces in the car have broken off (i.e., the mirror covers, the armrest, etc.); the paint faded in under 3 years (BAD fading on the bumpers); the doors wont shut on a cold morning; etc. Overall, the car is a good value for the money, but I dont think Id own another one.

• 

  Get a fun car - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Jill - September 18 - 7:23 pm

  Just bought my first Kia. Usually as a workhorse we go with Hyundai (same company now) Love the Spectra5. The dealer was easy to work with, and after 40 years of buying cars, I had a good experience. I would recommend the buying experience alone, but the car also.

• 

  Spectra-Best value for your dollar. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By hickenb - September 14 - 8:46 am

  Being an ex GM new car dealer for many years and an old Packard-Studebaker dealer along with a Quality used car dealer, I feel I am qualified to be a fair judge of quality and value for the dollar. This is my third Kia. My present Kia has 11,000 miles, has had no reason to even go in for any warranty or even an adjustment for any reason. One of the few of the many new cars I have owned since retirement that this is true of. Just test one out.

• 

  Kia Spectra5 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By KentuckyRanger - September 12 - 6:20 am

  I purchased the Spectra 5 about 2 months ago and so far the car has performed excellent. The performance is what youd expect from a 2L 4 cylinder engine but as far as the drivetrain, everything runs smooth as silk. The power band of the engine is quite linear and the transmission shifts are smooth and precise. Its taken about 4k miles for the millage to come up and so far with about 5k miles its averaging 31 mpg, not too bad. The ride is superb and the noise level rivals much bigger luxury cars as well. If you close your eyes while riding down the interstate youd swear you where in a much bigger car. The Spectra 5 also has a stout secure feel to it while driving, very solid with excellent feedback.

• 

  Awesome Price - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By DA_MAXX - August 18 - 4:10 am

  Had a 1996 Kia Sephia. Not impressed. Car shook bad when hit 70 mph. Ive had 02 Honda Civic. This car is as fun and best bang for the buck. Have all the features. EX with A/C, keyless entry, CD, power doors, power windows, etc. Used as commuter 80 miles daily. Fun to drive. Havent seen the advertised highway mileage of 34. Averaging 31. This might be because I drive 75MPH. Great car for the price.

• 

  Satisfied overall - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By mholly99 - August 14 - 5:53 pm

  I waited 5 months to write this review because I wanted time to adjust to the car. Overall, its a good value for the money. I also test drove the Corolla and Civic, but the low price and excellent warranty is the reason I chose the Spectra. Handling is responsive and the car meets my needs very well.

• 

  The Totally Redesigned Kia Spectra !!!! - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By BaboonKikLore - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The new cars that Kia is releasing are the best, like the All-New Spectra, Amanti and Sorento. The Spectra has more power than the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. I recommend it to the people who want a peace of mind, comfort and best of all great gas mileage.

• 

  Spectra "toad" - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By dirtyface - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car to be a dinghy for our motorhome. Can be flat towed. Easy hook-up, tows well because of its weight, doesnt bounce or sway, pulls very nice. Starts easy, runs good, drives easy, good mileage, easy to park, easy to maintain. We feel its a good choice for a "toad". G...