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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  Spectra - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By KIA - October 8 - 7:23 am

  I bought my Spectra, new. The gas mileage is great! I usually get 26 mpg around town; 39 mgp highway. Its the perfect car for around town, but a little small for interstate driving. It has great pick up and handles turns well.

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  First purchases - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Jilly O - September 25 - 2:20 am

  My first car. About $7500 at a Ford dealership. To work, to school, to play, it gets you there comfortably and in style. It isnt just a tool of transportation, its a great ride. Im 18 and as a first car, I am impressed. Only one blind spot (on every car) and great handling. I honestly love my little Kia and get compliments on it. For a small car, there is a ton of room (unlike Honda Civic coupe). Havent had an engine problem at 60,000 miles. Kia isnt "established" so my insurance was a pain to get. Recommended for teens or first purchase.

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  great car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Kia fan - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Honda Civic for a 2003 Spectra and Im so glad I did. The Spectra handles better than my old honda and it comes with a cd player and more ammenities such as vanity mirrors. I owed quite a bit on old car and my payments are $10 a month less!!! Obviously the "professional reviewer" is name brand guy. I wish I looked at Kia before I bought the civic!!

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  A Great Car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By GK - September 16 - 8:13 pm

  The vehicle is quiet, roomy and comfortable. People cannot believe that it is a Kia. It drives like a much more expensive vehicle and is economical on fuel. Highly recommended!

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  Like it all but the tires! - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Cmotif - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The car is peppy, looks different than other cars out there. I think that it is quicker than our 2002 Subaru GT Wagon. The main drawback is the poor quality stock tires. The tires wiggle just some shutting the doors. I can feel them flex too much in freeway driving. I want to replace them with quality tires and maybe slightly bigger wheels as soon as possible.

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  Great New Model! - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By R. Jones - August 26 - 2:06 pm

  We traded in our gas guzzler Dodge Ram Van 1500 for the new Spectra! I just figured I would be giving up power for gas mileage. The Spectra completely changed my mind. It has plenty of power! I have a lead foot and will not look the other way when someone is wanting to see what my car has, this one really gives great performance! It is priced thousands less than the competitors (ION, Civic), and you get more power or room, or both than the others. The only other car to really compare it to is the Accent...YUK! It has some road noise, but no more than expected from a compact. Lots of room for a smaller car.

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  Impressed with Kia - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Felt32 - August 22 - 10:43 pm

  I wanted a fuel efficient, inexpensive vehicle, with all of the up to date features (such as cruise control, CD, aux outlet) and I got all of that in this Kia. My only regret is that I had waited until the end of the year to get the Kia Forte!!

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  Great car all around! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By human - August 19 - 10:46 am

  I never thought I would consider a Kia. But on paper, this car beat everything else in its class so I thought it was worth checking out. After the test drive I was sold! The ride is smooth and solid and the interior is quiet. Easily the best bang for the buck especially with the $1750 rebate. Image conscious drivers will have to pay thousands more for a similar performing car. "Reliability" = 9 because I havent owned it for too long. "Fuel Economy" = 8 because Corollas and Civics have better MPG ratings.

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  Great little car! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Sandra W - August 18 - 2:53 am

  Ive had my Spectra 5 for one month and continue to be impressed with it. I have had not one issue thus far. Whether in the city, on the highway or even on a gravel road, the car is comfortable & much fun to drive. It handles extremely well, the sport suspension is great. So much bang for the buck, its surprising that there arent more of them on the road.

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  bad car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By furball - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We bought our spectra in january 2003.we have had nothing but problems with it this is the list of problems we have had.(the tires were bad, the sterio didnt work,paint is peeling,front seat broke,glovebox was broke,mirrors broke,gas tank recall,check engine light the car shakes when we get to a certain speed) There is No room in the car for any thing i would not buy another spectra.