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 - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By cpaguilar - April 13 - 10:06 am

  This is a great car at a great price.

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  Kia Spectra Review - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Denise - April 10 - 1:36 pm

  This car has been very economical and dependable for me. With my busy life and small family, I needed something that would always start! It looks nice, drives nice, gets excellent gas mileage, and is cheap to insure. I always bought used cars and inherited other peoples problems. This new car has a great warranty, free oil changes for as long as I own it, and so far, no headaches!

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  Short Ride - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Chiefmelissa - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on October 7, 2003 and totaled it out on October 8, 2003. I took the car through 4 ditches, with 3 culverts. I can only honestly rate the safety of this car. I was able to walk away with only a bruise and some stiffness. This car was my first brand new car and as soon as the paper work from the insurance company catches up I have all intentions of buying another. Price was great, and it did look wonderful. Steering was a little touchy compared to the 1994 Chevy Cavelier I was driving.

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  Kia Spectra - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Pfri12 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car. Iwasnt sure if I would like a small car. Im used to driving a full size van. After driveing it for a few weeks I love it. The interior is nice and roomey.Everything that Edmunds has said I would have to disagree. I have had no trouble with my brakes at all.

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  My Kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By jenpal88 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for the price. After driving it off the lot, I realized the horn didnt work. I took it back the next day and they fixed it. The check engine light comes on constantly. I take it to the dealership and correct the problem, only to have it turn on again later.

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  Dont buy Kia - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Lorri - March 24 - 12:55 pm

  Dont buy Kia. I have had my Kia for 7 years and the check engine light has come on and off since I owned it. brought it in a few time to a dealer and they cant find anything wrong with it. now I have to have it emission tested and the check engine light is on so it failed. Kia wont do anything about it of course because it is out of warranty.

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  a lot of car for the price - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By masterpaula - March 5 - 7:43 pm

  Have had the Spectra5 for little over a month. My wife and I are very impressed with the quality of the car. Fit and finish are excellent, the level of standard equipment found in the KIA is higher than its competitors and the price is lower. If youre looking for a small car with a lot room, great looks, a high level of standard equipment, an excellent ride and a decent price take a serious look at the Spectra5 and forget any preconceived ideas you might have had about KIA, it really is a great car.

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  OH YA BABY!!!! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By tw5051 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  my last car was a sephia i needed an automatic...will always recomend a KIA.

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  Bad Spectra - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By kennyg - February 25 - 7:13 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I have an intermittent (has happened about 25 times) problem when the brake pedal will go soft while braking and the car takes a greater distance to stop. The dealer cannot replicate, this time they drove car 53 miles. KIA national does nothing to help me with this problem. I have had to pay for a rental car. The car is going to hurt someone, probably me. I will never buy another KIA. You get what you pay for.

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  Outstanding! Move over Toyota! - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By joe - February 15 - 5:03 am

  Before you pay more for a Toyota, Honda,etc, you owe it to yourself to look at the Kia! I bought this car a month ago and i cant say enough good about it. Style and features outside are great! Interior features and style, looks and feels awesome, then we get to the best part. This car handles and drives incredibly! I have the SX model which has the sport tuned suspension and it handles and feels like a sports car! I dont understand edmunds review about the motor. They say it gets noisy at high rpm, not mine! The 2.0 in this car has plenty of power and does not require high revs to push or pass! I have the 5 speed manual, its great! Dont overlook the Kia, youll just pay more!