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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 736.00-
Better Than Youd Think - 2004 Kia Spectra
By Vince Lucero - June 18 - 1:13 pmTraded my car in for this car. Very Happy that I did it. Great on gas, excellent handling. Cant beat the price and warranty for this type of car. All I have to say is that before you go and buy a Honda, Toyota look into this. I believe youll be satisfied.
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Great - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Angela Martin - June 16 - 10:00 amI have had a great experience with it
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Happy with Kia - 2009 Kia Spectra
By Rick - June 15 - 3:13 pmLooking for an inexpensive new car? Look no further. I just purchased the Spectra and couldnt be happier. Great warranty, fun to drive, and comfortable, compaired to my SUV, the gas guage doesnt move. Overall, Im very happy with the purchase, and the Kia network of services.
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Great Value - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Jae Kim - June 11 - 10:00 amJust picked up this car. Engine is a little weak but what do you expect out of a economy car? Its fine with the 5 speed. The shifter is a little hard but Im sure once I put miles on it, it will smooth out. Great car for a first time buyer. And great price. Paid $8200 cash with rebates and loyalty rebates. There is even a military rebate. Second Kia (first one a sedona, great minivan) and Im loving them both.
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Great car - 2003 Kia Spectra
By Robert Huffman - May 17 - 7:26 pmBest car have owned, first and only repair one coil burn out, 700 dollar repair, but this is first spent on car ever, other than regular maintenance
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Good Car - 2003 Kia Spectra
By kiadriver21 - April 29 - 10:00 amI bought the Kia Spectra a couple of months ago and I love it. It is comfortable for both me and my husband to drive and he is a foot taller than me. The review for this car states that it has poor brakes but I have not found this to be the case. Maybe it is made a little cheap, but you get what you pay for - I couldnt ask more paying only 11k for it after the 2k rebate. It has thoughtful features and an excellent warranty.
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My Kia - 2005 Kia Spectra
By kwinn - April 20 - 3:30 pmI bought mine on July 5th. Overall I am happy with the car. However I must say it lacks thigh support. After an hour on the highway my legs were begging for a break. The fuel economy is not that good either. I am averaging 26 on the highway on my automatic. Since I dont drive in the city that much I dont know what thats like. Its got a decent stereo and enough room in the back. Trunk is spacious and a great value over all. But if you have long legs buy something else. Cabin is very quiet on the highway, however tire noise is very prominent. It has ample power for a 4 cylinder. A/C is overworked and takes a long time to cool down on an 85 degree day.
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2004 KIA SPECTRA EX - 2004 Kia Spectra
By Agram - April 19 - 2:30 am2004 KIA SPECTRA EX Automatic. Bought May 2004 in Lodi, CA good buying experience. Good gas saver. Comfortable. Lazy automatic transmission. After just 10.000 miles my speedometer is dead. I ordered part; they say 7 to 10 days.
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Who needs Zoom Zoom - 2007 Kia Spectra
By Jay - April 15 - 1:46 pmPros: Sporty, roomy, great mileage, comfortable ride, every option you would need, the fit and finish is great. Cons: A smidge noisy at higher speeds but to be expected in a smaller less expensive car. I am 63" and over 350 lbs and I have ample room on this car. I also have 2 young boys and they have stated that they have more room in the back seat then they did in my Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. I can fit my golf clubs and pullcart in the hatchback with out having to fold down the seats. This is a great car for someone looking for a gas sipper who is on a budget. It has the flexibility of a Mini-minivan, and the feel of a sportscar. I know Mazda has Zoom Zoom but my Spectra5 has zip zip.
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Good value - 2004 Kia Spectra
By K - April 12 - 12:10 pmI bought my gsx used and I have had no problems at all with anything. Now has over 90,000 miles and still runs great. The performance is a little slow, but I have been adding some parts to it and they are making a big difference. I would highly recommend this car as a commuter or for performance car that you do not see very often although the part are only available from a few places.
