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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  PLEASANT SURPRISE - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By AZTEC ROAD - May 5 - 7:10 am

  When I purchased this car I was in the market for a 96 Camry but just happened to come across Kia. This is car that I would normally not buy. But because it was cheaper than a used Camry I purchased it with the intentions of keeping for a year or two. Now almost 5 years later its a "keeper". Love the warranty and will be driving it for another 5 years. I purchased a 2006 Sonata today and gave a passing thought to trading in the "Green Machine" but decided not to. The only draw backs with the Spectra are its soft seats, lousy on long drives and lousy gas mileage for such a small car. Anyone looking for a car for a teenage-this is it! Also, a grea commuter car.

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  Buy one! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Mononeo - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My sister wanted me to find her a good value car, and this is what she ended up buying. The Spectra was actually cheaper than the Rio, so why not get it? We went and drove it around town (same exact one). The dealer paid for gas and didnt care how far we wanted to drive it. They fell in love with it. It rides smooth, doesnt lean too much in turns, and has lots of room. Dollar for dollar, you will be happer with a Kia than a BMW though. ONE FINAL NOTE: Buy the hatchback!

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  Overall good - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By L. Roberson - April 28 - 7:33 pm

  I like the car, although it fails to have enough leg room for medium to tall height drivers. It has a slow start-up speed but once it gets past about 30 its smooth sailing. For an economy car, its overall good.

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  Happy with KIA - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Greg - April 28 - 4:56 pm

  Overall happy with the car. Could use a little more noise insulation a little thicker exterior metal and higher quality paint job.

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  my kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By cindy medlin - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I got my first NEW car last week. I hadnt planned on getting one but due to the wonderful price and style of the car I couldnt say no. The salesperson was so helpful and was able to answer all of my questions. I plan on my next car being a kia also.

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  Major paint issues - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By princessmeliss - April 24 - 11:00 pm

  My Kia Spec5 was awesome for the first 8 months until the paint started chipping off. Kia refuses to take responsibility for it and Ive seen 2 others with the same problem. Kias rep told me that his is doing the same thing, but its not a quality issue. Have since found other Spec5s with the same thing and found feedback on the web from owners experiencing the exact same issue. Kia isnt interested in hearing about it and has lost a customer as a result.

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  LOVE my Spectra! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Mrs Orlando Bloom - April 12 - 7:13 pm

  Ive had my Spectra for about 3 weeks an I LOVE IT! Gas mileage is good, could get better, but sufficient for as far as I travel. Its fun looking and sporty, lots of room for a little car. Its great around corners, and handles great. Engine takes a little bit to kick in, but its not like Im in a race either. When it does kick in, its got great get-up-and-go speed. Smooth riding, and very comfortable. Im very happy with my purchase, and would recommend it to anyone who doesnt want to spend a lot, but wants to get great gas mileage and a fun, sporty ride, with a great sunroof to boot.

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  2007 Kia Spectra - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Rich - April 10 - 9:36 pm

  There was nothing out there from the big 3 (or 2?) that combined the fit & finish, ergonomics, and gas mileage of the Kia Spectra5. I am replacing a Grand Marquis for my 110 mile round trip commute. At 61" 230 lbs, not many small cars fit me well. Kia seat is comfortable and everything (switches, etc) is where it should be. First tank of gas got 32 mpg in decent traffic, second tank in stop and go and stop traffic averaged only 29 mpg (my prior car got 19.6 and 12 mpg respectively in these situations, ao this is much better).

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  An Excellent Value! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By OmahaOwner - March 22 - 11:50 pm

  If buying a car is about value, then this car will satisfy. Good handling, extremely quiet interior, great looks and good gas mileage. Not a lot of power but more than adequate for highway cruising and plenty of torque for around-town driving. Ive put 15,000 miles on it and still appreciate the excellent value I received for the cost of ownership!

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  Satified Mom - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Lynn Green - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Even though I just purchased the car. I thought that the ride was comfortable and it handled it self good on the road. It is a good car if you dont have a lot to spend but you want something reliable with a excellent warrenty.