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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  2004 kia spectra - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By jcjnt - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Great warranty. Excellent price. But poor gas milage in first month. Not driving hard the gas mileage in regular conditions is 21-24 miles per gallon.

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  Used But Loved - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Paul Callaway - February 3 - 10:20 pm

  I bought my 2006 Kia Spectra SX used about 2 years ago and after a rough beginning fixin issues left by the former owner Ive really come to enjoy this car. The SX wheels, suspension and body are a plus over the other models and considering its a compact car it has plenty of interior room, a nice size trunk and more than enough umph to get around. If I keep a light foot on the pedal I can get MPGs in the mid to high 20s with mixed driving

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  Great First Car - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By JJFade - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Was not sure about Kia when I first bought the car but 4 years later I am still satisfied. No major problems yet.

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  Possible Problems - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Jacks kia - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Problamtaic Car. I have had nothing but problems with this car. Had all 4 door sensors replace, throttle plate replaced, ORGR valve recall, seat belt unlatches, transmission problems they cant seam to fix, rear hatch seal wont stay on, cheap interior materials, already show wear, rear hatch never opens with release. Overall needed a inexpensive reliable car, and although it has never left me stranded, will NEVER buy a kia again, or from the dealership (taylor kia) in toledo.

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  Never Too Old - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Andy A. - January 29 - 5:00 am

  After driving full-size American-made sedans and SUVs it was time to try something fun and fuel-efficient. This car is full of features and is more fun to drive. Lots of miles between gas stops, well-built, quieter than other cars, quick and nimble!

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  great value - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Kevin - January 26 - 1:40 pm

  I bought this car new and it now has 35,000 miles on it. I have not had any problems at all. When I first got the car I was getting about 32 MPG, but it has actually been getting better now around 36. Fun to drive although it is surely not a race car.

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  Replaced a 1997 Gr Caravan - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Mike - January 24 - 5:13 pm

  We had just purchased an Optima for my wife and I had noticed the Spectre5 on the lot. Not many cars make me stop and give them a second look, but this one did. Some quick reference checks and I bought it 3 days later. Although I miss the room in my Caravan I have to say this is one of the most fun cars to drive. Gas mileage has been just under 30 MPG in mostly city type driving but I know that will get better as it breaks in. Although no car is perfect I havent found any major items to complain about. There has been some talk of Kia not honoring their warranty but you just need to maintain very through records if not serviced at a KIA dealer,

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  my magic kia ride - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By marc the shark - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for approx. $10,000 after the discounts. It is very comfortable and performs well. I do not notice any significant lack of power or braking deficits as reported. It came equipped with a cd player, auto and air and for my money is a better bargain than many of its counterparts. I have had the car for a year and I have had no problems with it.

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  Its a great little car - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By mark frye - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its my wifes car for her work,but we took it for a little vac,& everything was fine.

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  My 2002 Kia Spectra Reliable - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By JED - January 20 - 8:03 pm

  I have 65,000 miles on it. I only have has minor issues on the car. Its pretty reliable and GREAT on gas. If someone is looking for a car thats economical and cant afford a civic or a corolla this is the car with comparable features as the competitors. I wish Kia and Hyundai would hold their value much better. Overall its been a great car and Korean have come up in the auto industry.