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 Buy, Great Ride - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Sheila Ann - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Kia Spectra for one year now and for the price, you cant beat it. Sure there were a couple of minor issues, however, Im not sure why everyone has expected so much from a car with such a low price sticker. Basically, you get what you pay for. Im very satisfied with the quality of my Kia and when it comes with a 10 yr, 100,000 mile warranty and 30 mpg on the highway, I cant complain! You wont go 0 to 60 in 1.2 so if you want that type of performance, write the check! I certainly would recommend a Kia to anyone who wants a sporty looking vehicle to get them from point A to point B.

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  Great affordable, reliable car. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By shellbee3 - May 26 - 2:20 am

  I purchased my car last year with 86,000 miles on it. I now have 100,500 miles on it and its doing great. I took this car on a 2,000 mile road trip in the summer and my Spectra did fine. I do have to say that one con for this car is that it does not get up to speed very quickly on the highway. When I try to accelerate the engine feels weak and buzzy; it gets pretty loud and I dont go much faster. Beside that, its a reliable car that gets me to and from work and around town with no problem. I get about 30 MGH combined city/highway. The interior is very roomy and comfortable even with five people seated. The trunk is deep which is awesome for travel. Overall a great, reliable car.

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  Excellent Product - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Andrew - May 25 - 12:03 pm

  Incredible dealership, great value car. Thank God for Kias high depreciation rate, bad for them but good for me, Ill drive this one into the ground. Extremely cheap extended warranty added 6 yrs, 80K miles! Paying less 180/mo for 48 mos. Comfortable, although I miss power windows and locks.

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  A great little car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Richard - May 15 - 3:30 am

  Bought my Spectra about one year ago, currently has about 18,000 miles on it. I have had absolutely no problems with it. I had cruise control added at the time of purchase, other than that its stock. This is my daily driver, its comfortable, reliable and gets decent mileage. The Spectra happens to be my second Kia, I have a Sedona van that has been to the dealer several times (however everything was covered by the warranty) it currently has 58,000 miles on it. The Spectras a great handling car.

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  Okay car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Probe - May 13 - 11:06 pm

  This is 4th year of my owner ship of kia Spectra5. Car seems to be ok , other than the fuel efficiency and service expenses.I keep my service schedule and I am not a agressive driver I get 21 MPG with in city ( got 24400 miles on car) and 28 -30 MPG on highway. Which is far lower than Japanese brands. I had to change my front brakes at 22000 miles I guess brakes should lost more. Good Year tires on this car lasted for 24400 miles and I guess they should last more. Bottom line is this car needs more maintenance in long run, that defeats the purpose of saving 2000 - 4000 bucks you save on this car when compared with other brands.

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  not so reliable - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By wingnut20 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  transmission replaced at 14000 miles, exhaust system replaced at 16000 miles, at 28000 my radiator decided it had enough and blew a hole. overheated and shut the car off before I could pull over to the side of the road. otherwise its good.

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  sAFE & ECONOMICAL - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By smulvey - May 13 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS PERFORMED WELL.IT IS ABOUT 300 LBS HEAVIER THAN THE SATURN SL IT REPLACED. IT FEELS IT. WHILE A LITTLE SLOWER TO ACCELERATE, THAT EXTRA POUNDS ADDS UP TO BIG SAFETY IF YOU LOOK AT PHOTOS OF WRECKED SATURNS AND WRECKED SPECTRA AT THE IIHS WEBSITE. WE LIKE THE SPECTRA A LOT. THE CAR HAS HAD NO SERIOUS FLAWS

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  smart buy - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By mark - April 28 - 12:26 pm

  This was one of the smartest purchases I have ever made.Keeping my money in the bank instead of spending more for another car and getting less.It is a good feeling knowing I get a very reliable car,good looks,all the safety features,great gas mileage,and a low price tag.My bank account never looked better,and in this economy that feels great.

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Sack - April 27 - 10:00 am

  A Very Great car, love the whole car.

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  So Fun to Drive - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Carol - April 23 - 5:56 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for a little over 2 months. I love driving it! Its got everything I could want in a car (all the included options with the SX), the steering is tight and the feel is very sporty. Makes me feel years younger. Mileage is still at 28 mpg - hoping that goes up with time - but I dont baby it either, since my drive to work is all freeway at 70 mph. My only comment (and I know I read this when I was first researching the vehicle) is that it almost feels like it could have had a 6th gear - Im not even close to maxing out the rpms though - just how it feels to me. But I really love driving it - problem is, so does my husband. We might have to get one for him!