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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Some problems, but good car - 2008 Kia Spectra
By mountaineer6 - January 4 - 5:58 pmI bought my 2008 Spectra about 2 years ago with 18,000 miles Certified Pre-Owned. Only major problem Ive had is the front end is so out of whack (sometime shaking violently at highway speeds other times not and knocking noise), and no one can seem to fix it. Was told it was probably the tires, so I replaced them for the problem to resurface as soon as the were worn in. Now Im about to drop another $500 to replace the front struts and hopefully resolve the issue. Kia says that it isnt covered under the warranty (because apparently the struts on a car with 40,000 miles should go bad.) Get 30mpg, SO FUN TO DRIVE, kinda slow but peppy, maneuverable, good visibility, ugly but sporty look.
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NICE CAR FOR THE MONEY - 2004 Kia Spectra
By LWC - January 2 - 10:00 amGREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY GREAT ON GAS HAS A LOT OF PICK UP FUN TO DRIVE VERY COMFORABLE TO DRIVE AND RIDE ITS A FUN CAR
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A very good car - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Clark A. Nichols - December 30 - 2:00 amLast year I bought a new 2002 Rio and I found that I loved the car, only I wanted something that had a automatic shift. I turned in the Rio and bought a 2003 Spectra. I have been very pleased with the cars ability to keep up with other cars twice the price. My Spectra is fully loaded with just about everything a person could ask for. I like the fast response I get from a four cylender, as good as any car on the road. I have driven the car to Tucson, Arizona which is only a six hundred mile trip each way, but the car didnt disappoint me in its preformance. I love the car as well if not more than The Rio that I first had.
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No way, no how - 2002 Kia Spectra
By jayjay - December 28 - 6:46 amWindow motor replace, cruise control replace, transmission rebuild by 10,000 miles. Second transmission rebuild (the day after 5 yr warranty was up) gear shaft replaced incorrectly by dealership(and almost killed us) and a new starter by 40,000 miles. KIA would not help us, they were very rude and when our gear shaft fell out, we waited at the side of the road for 5 hrs waiting for them to send a tow. HORRIBLE customer service. And everything is high priced to replace. Im talking about a bolt costing $270. Before labor. It seemed like a good deal, but we have spent the buying price in repairs. Spend the extra $ for a different car. I have been broke ever since we got it. no way no how.
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Very Happy - 2007 Kia Spectra
By Peter - December 11 - 10:00 amI bought my 07 Spectra for $7000 with only 34,000 Km on the clock and use it for my daily commute (half hr each way). It has performed without flaw since August and I havent had a moment of regret. Seats are comfortable, heater is good and the radio/CD player provides great sound. Performance is more than adequate for highway commuting.
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Great car for the $$$ - 2002 Kia Spectra
By Jake Dailey - December 7 - 2:00 amI cant say anything bad about this car. Ive owned it for 9 months and for basic reliable transportation, you cant go wrong. I wouldnt buy it new, since it depreciates so fast, but as a used car, its not bad! Its fun to drive with the manual tranny, I took a 1st and a 2nd in the local autocrosses with only upgraded 17" wheels and kuhmo tires:) I also added a CD player.
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Not A Bad Car For The Price - 2004 Kia Spectra
By thj - December 1 - 2:00 amI dont care what anyone saids about Kia I think the spectra is a good car for the price.
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What a car - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Steve - November 28 - 11:46 pmThis car has a lot of pep and driving a 5 speed is great. Front has plenty of room and everything is easy to get to. Drove 110 miles before the gas gauge moved off full.
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Its a Wonderful Car - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Jon the Dude - November 26 - 7:36 pmOk, so for right around $16,000 youre getting a car thats got six standard airbags, CD, cruise control and power everything. Also, the ride at freeway speeds is nearly silent. Also, its so spacious in the front and back seats (Im 6 with plenty of clearance) that it feels almost cavernous. And to top it off, the warranty is the best in the business. Whats not to love?
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Nguyenny - 2005 Kia Spectra
By nguyen - November 24 - 11:33 pmI bought this car to replace my 2002 Kia Spectra hatchback, plus I needed something a little newer. I travel alot and use of my car on the road is a must for everday usage. It ride an d handle very good, excellent fuel mileage, getting somewhere around 26 in the city and 35 on the highway. I have this car for almost one year and already have close to 24,000 miles on it already. Check engine light came on one time, took to dealer and they replace the sensor for me, but I did not break down anywhere. Check engine light will come on if you try to top this car off, I did this twice already. I have no bab say about it, I go to D.C. and Baltimore area almost every other week with no problem.
