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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  Parameters of KIA Spectra 2004.5 - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By kiasyracuse - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car in May, 2004, have had problems with slow/hesitation on acceleration, grinding left front wheel, engine hesitation, shaking steering wheel, steering column, brake pedal and gas pedal. Service manager thought transmission; factory rep replaced computer instead. The engine slows down when the air, heat or defrost is on. Told that engine parameters are when engine reaches 50 degrees, the steering wheel shakes/vibrate until engine warms up. Live in Central New York, started having problems this July. In the past week, night temps gone to 42 degrees. When drive to work, engine warms after 10 minutes, steering wheel still vibrates.

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  Drastic change puts it in perspective - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By LakeTravis - December 2 - 5:40 pm

  I traded in a Suburban for a Spectra, so the shock value alone took some getting used to. Overall, this is a great little car. Mechanically engineered well, great gas mileage (I averaged 34mpg the first weekend, 300 miles of mixed use), looks pretty decent parked next to a Nissan or Toyota. The "carpet" is more like some sort of fuzzy cardboard, well see how the rest of the interior holds up over the next 3-4 years. Overall, for the price I dont think you can beat this car in terms of warranty, safety, features, and performance. Sticker on mine was $17,250 - drove away for $10K after trading in a 1996 Suburban with 230K miles. Yeah, I keep them for a long time!

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  An Excellent Car - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By T. Ast - November 27 - 11:26 pm

  I did a thorough search when looking for a new car (Mazda, Ford, Hyundai, Toyota) and decided on a Kia Spectra. This car came standard with everything I needed. Some options like air and six airbags came at extra price on the other cars I looked at. I was amazed at how quiet the ride was and what a zippy little car it is. So far in mixed driving I have been averaging 32 mpg. The sound system is fine and the car hugs the road even in a heavy downpour. This car came with 4 wheel disc brakes that work so well I think anti-lock brakes would be overkill!

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  Worst car Ive owned - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By A. May - November 18 - 9:43 pm

  We have had nothing but problems with this car. We seem to be constantly going in for repairs and most recently have been told we need a new compressor for $1200. This car is only two years old and should not be having so many problems. The dealer will not cover this problem. I will never buy a Kia again. Our other car is a 99 Hyundai and while it needs some repairs we are spending more on repairs on this new Kia.

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  Dont Buy any Kia - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By tattoohank - November 18 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I drove it off the lot, my troubles began. I have returned this car 8 times for repair. Mainly because of cheap materials. I still have to take it back for 3 more repairs. Most recently the dashboard came unglued, sounds like there is a screw rattling around in the steering wheel, and the paint is peeling. My nightmare continues. I only get 22 MPG. Do yourself a favor and dont buy one.

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  Wish I didnt - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By WoodyBD - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I wish I didnt buy this 2003 Kia Spectra. This car doesnt have much pep, especially going up hills. Warm air sometimes can be felt coming out of the vents with controls in cool and off positions. My ac didnt work after haveing it for 2 hrs after purchase. Cd player broke after a week(only used it 3 times, a small reset button needed to be pushed). Doesnt seem to have the good fuel economy they claim. Sorry Kia!

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  My clutch went out - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By estradac17 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I got this car new and have only put 40000 mile on it the clutch went out my goodyear did the work i have the parts they told me that the clutch was deffective i called kia no help take it to the dealer took it to the dealer just as i thought . its not the clutch it was the way i drive .. im 39years old and have had sticks all my life my nissans have all gotten 150k before they go out ... so much for the long haul warraniy

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  Fun to Drive! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Wayne - November 3 - 6:56 pm

  Good PEP for a 4 cylinder. Exceptional handling around curves. Gas mileage isnt the greatest (31 MPG combined City/Hwy).

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  I love my KIA soo much! - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By James - October 16 - 4:26 am

  OMG, where do I start. I bought it new NOV 07, I got to choose the one I wanted any color anything. Took one look at my white EX 5spd rear spoiler, and I was hooked. So long story short 2 1/2 yrs later and car approaching 60,000 miles on it now, not a thing has gone wrong. People always comment on my car, and how clean and good it has held up! I take care of my car but dont baby it! I think it handles really well, and at times I feel like Im in a sports car. The rear spoiler makes it look so much better and 5 spd Overdrive, I dont have to always down shift up hills (only when some trucker or slow car gets in front of me. All and all At least take a look and consider!

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  Dont buy this car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Harald Wheeler - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a cheap car. And I found it. My friends said pay just a little more and buy the Hyundai Elantra. I wish I would have listened. This car has been in the shop twice a month for check engine lights, stalling when hot, broken window regulator and shuddering when braking. The resale is not too far off from being a write off. I am going to bite the bullet and get rid of it first chance.