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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  Impressed - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Happy KIA owner - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Having owed several makes and models of cars that fall into the same category as this KIA, I have to say that KIA is the best hands down. The features are arranged comfortably and ergonomically. The power and punch at take off is impressive and the warranty can’t be beat for the price I paid. Finally, I have to say that if you’re looking for a car and you don’t at least test drive the KIA you get what you deserve

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  My best car yet. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By williametc - July 24 - 4:42 pm

  I bought this car certified pre owned in august of 2009 and I loved everything about it. I bought it to replace my 99 GMC jimmy which honestly, I drove to hell and back. The spectra went right along with me as well; it was reliable, comfortable, and quick. Albeit, I only owned this car for a little over a year not once did anything go wrong with it. I am a 20 something guy, you can imagine how I drove this car and it held up every mile. It held all of my friend comfortably and the sound system was plenty loud enough for even myself. When someone eventually plowed right into me I came out only jostled and a few bruises, the car held up a lot better than you would think a KIA would.

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  KIA Spec V - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By KIA Spectra 5 - July 21 - 5:40 am

  First, this car has been great to drive. Ive had one big issue with the car and its due to the ground effects on the vehicle. The ground effects are too low for my area in Wyoming. I only have 1200 miles and Im going to have to replace the ground effects. Ive contacted KIA and the regional manager wont replace the part which is going to cost 365. I think they should reconsider this because the car hasnt been driven abusively or in any manner of the performance range of this type of vehicle. Ive owned many cars and truly take car of them explicitly. This is the first KIA Ive owned and I hate that a cosmetic part of the car is taking away from the experience of owning this KIA.

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  Excellent - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Anita - July 13 - 1:16 pm

  Its a great car and has a lot of pep for a mid size car. Love the color ice blue. Looks grey sometimes and blue sometimes. Gets really good gas mileage and the very first new car Ive ever had.

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  An Average Car - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By matthew preis - July 6 - 9:36 pm

  Car is comfortable and I fit in well even though I weigh 250 lbs. Although a decent car, I probably would have been happier with a Toyota or Honda. Engine seems very noisy in the morning and quieter in the evening. All in all not a bad car but not a great one either.

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  Its Almost Perfect - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Michele Carey - July 6 - 12:50 pm

  I rented a 2007 Kia Spectra EX and a 2007 Ford Fusion for two weeks each before deciding to purchase a Kia. The Kia interior is ultra modern, while the Fusion is dated and cumbersome. As a musician, I was impressed by the Fusions great sound system -- thats about all. I upgraded the sound system of my Kia and now my car is almost perfect. The car handles beautifully and the transmission is excellent. My Kia is fun to drive and I look forward to each trip, whether short or long.

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  black and fully loaded - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By pbsigma93 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the newly redesigned Kia Spectra. I have a 2004 Black Sedan fully loaded with a sunroof and very stylish.

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  One sweet import. - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Devin - June 29 - 11:30 pm

  After looking at Civic, Corolla, Cobalt, Mazda 3, and Spectra5, it was a pretty easy choice. Cheaper, more features, better warranty, and a hot looking car to boot. And its always nice to be able to pull up along side some little punk in a Corolla or Civic, and blow him away off the line. They dont seem to appreciate it as much as I do though....

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  Super Spectra 5 - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Julie - June 25 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car because the combination of reviews, price and fuel economy were hard to beat and it has exceeded my expectations! Great fun to drive and I rarely get less than 30-32 MPG. Have gotten as much as 35 pretty regularly. My only complaint is that it could use a few more little storage compartments and I miss having the temperature and compass feature that I had in my last car.

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  super ride and economy - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Art Katser - June 23 - 6:53 pm

  As the price of fuel goes up, my attitude toward this car goes up appropriately. Its fun to drive and my Spectra5 looks as great as it rides.