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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GREAT CAR - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Peggy - June 21 - 1:50 pmI have been a Toyota driver for many years. My last car was a Corolla, which I drove to its dying day. However, during my research while buying a new car the warranty on a KIA was 100,000 miles/10 years. Once I went to the dealership and test drove one I couldnt believe how it felt. It is great. It drives like the Corolla, and looks kinda like it. For the price I couldnt go wrong. The standard equipment on this car is great. I keep my cars until they die and I know this one will be with me for many years.
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GREAT CAR - 2007 Kia Spectra
By selbone1 - June 15 - 3:16 pm97000 and still going i am the only owner and i have put full synthetic everything since new i plan on getting 300000 or more out of this car.
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Glad I bought this car - 2009 Kia Spectra
By Makeda - June 15 - 5:23 amThis is my very first car and I know I made a great choice. It takes less than $25 to fill up my tank and I am good for the rest of the week. The interior is comfortable and I get compliments on the exterior. For a first car or something that in inexpensive and good to drive get this car. It is also roomy for my family of four.
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Will stay with Kia - 2004 Kia Spectra
By sargrebe - June 7 - 8:06 amWe bought our first new car in 04. It is technically an 04 model, with an 05 body style. We loved this car so much that when my husband wanted a new one we bought an 08 manual for him. Great Gas mileage! Great starter car for a young family. The only cons are that the gas tank straps failed after 5 years, and I had to have those replaced, scary! And the interior after 8 years is failing, seat is falling apart.
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Fun to drive - 2005 Kia Spectra
By Jimmy - June 3 - 2:30 pmI traded my 2004.5 Spectra EX which I had 42000 miles on it, for Spectra5. It is really fun to drive. Perfect handling very nice, Interior design very stylish, CD player improved from earlier versions, lots of room for its size, Ground effects superb, keyless entry fog lights -- I mean you get everything you may get from a $26,000 car but $10K cheaper. And I have seen comparison chart. This car beats Mazda 3 and Chevy Cobalt But slower than Focus ZX4 ST and Corolla XRS but it is cheaper and has a better warranty. I say thumbs up.
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Love my Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
By mikewilks52 - June 2 - 9:40 pmI bought my 2003 Spectra used, it had 120,000 miles on it when i bought it. It now has 171,674 miles on it. Have only had to replace the water pump. Runs great, drives great. Have never had a problem with it. Keep up your maintance and ive heard its nothing to get 500,000+ miles on a KIA.. Love my Spectra.. My next purchase will be a KIA Soul.. Very happy with KIAs.
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Not Bad! - 2004 Kia Spectra
By twhnumber1 - June 2 - 10:00 amI was very impressed with the warranty offered, as well as the price--the main reason I chose this car. I bought this 5/04 and already have about 6700 miles on it and average about 31-32 mpg. My fiancee is 66" and fits very well in the passenger side with plenty of room. The car has a different look to it, so I have lots of people checking it out. I am so far very satisfied with this vehicle! The back seat room is decent for a compact car and trunk space is pretty good as well. All buttons are easy to read and the night lights arent too bright.
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Decent car - 2004 Kia Spectra
By cayley6 - June 2 - 10:00 amI bought this car thinking good gas milage and so far I was wrong. Kia says 25 in city 34 on highway. Im lucky to get 24 on the highway. Interior design is great and has way more power than the Rio.
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What do you want from a price point car? - 2002 Kia Spectra
By elderchuck - May 30 - 4:46 pmSometimes problematic on cheap stuff, but overall fun and economical car to drive and own. Hesitation/surges when warmed up, dealer says "normal" but I say "not". Heard there is a fix but have not found it yet. Would keep car for comfort, economy, price.
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basic transportation - 2000 Kia Spectra
By trotter - May 30 - 2:00 amnot a bad car as some magazines rate it.good basic transportation very reliable so far 40,000 miles as on car has not had any problems at all,ride is somewhat noisy comfort level is fair a good second car for back to back. somewhatunderpowered but not unbearable.
