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:

• 

  A good car for a good price - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By TH - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I had a Kia Rio before the Kia Spectra .I diffently prefer the Spectra over the Rio.For the money you save, the purchase was well worth it. You can not beat the warranty and reliability of this car!

• 

  Happy Kia Owner - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By kia - loyal forever - August 7 - 12:03 am

  I traded in my Ford Ranger for a smaller sedan-type car and was so surprised by the quality offered in my Spectra. I have owned it now for 2 years and never had one bit of trouble. It is beautiful and I laugh at how many people mistake it for a BMW when I first drive up! Side by side, they are very similar in looks! Dealership is awesome and I feel like I have joined the Kia family for life!!

• 

  Cant beat em - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By AJ - July 26 - 12:50 am

  I traded in my 05 Kia sportage v6 for the spectra5 sx and I gotta say, you cant go wrong with these cars. I had to trade for better mileage which wasnt very good on the sportage and Im glad I did. The spectra is fun, sprite, well equipped, and a lot of bang for the buck. I compared Mazda3, Pontiac Vibe and Chevy Malibu and in the end I stuck with what I knew.

• 

  great car for a great price! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By nedyarb - July 25 - 6:16 pm

  If youre looking for a great car with excellent fuel economy, this is the one for you. I recently purchased my Spectra and so far Im very satisfied with it. The only thing that caught my attention so far with it would be that it has a high rev in 1st gear before it shifts. Other than that it has been fun to drive, and for the price its hard to pass up!

• 

  Great value, like all the "kiadai" cars - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Jose in Dallas - July 17 - 3:43 am

  Overall this vehicle is great for a subcompact. The Hyundai 2.0 L sounds fantastic at 6000 RPM but gets rather thirsty. Engine noise is very little until you get on the freeway. Very comfy suspension with the smoothness of a Caddy until you take a sharp corner where it leans like a pickup truck. The overall build and quality of these Korean cars (Hyundai & Kia) has been improving every year but they are still not on the same level as the Japanese. With the 100,000 Mi warranty the vehicle is a great value for the price.

• 

  Great buy! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jesse - July 12 - 12:06 pm

  I recently purchased a Kia Spectra after reading good reviews on the car and I have not been disappointed. I commute over 100 miles per day for work and (over 90%) hwy driving) and this car gives exceptional mileage. I have a large Dodge truck so I needed something fuel efficient and comfortable and this car does not disappoint. The build quality is really high and the materials feel as high quality as a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civit (and a step above a Mazda 3) I would recommend anyone to purchase this car. You will not be disappointed.

• 

  THE choice in affordable 4-dr Hatchbacks - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By S. U. Potter - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking at used 94-98 VW Golfs for a Hatchback before I realized Kia started making one in 2000. Lacking refinement compared to a Honda or Toyota, but has an excellent 4-Door Hatchback layout, and for the price, its good enough.

• 

  Good Disposable Car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By vader716 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I was putting a $100 here and a $100 there fixing my old 92 escort. Kia ran a special buy one get one free or one for 50% off. I decided to pick one up for a daily commuter. I paid $8200 +taxes and tags and have been very happy so far. It is a great little car for commuting. Nothing special nothing terrible. Id buy it again. Heck $130 a month for a brand new car? Cant beat it. Ill run it into the ground and then get rid of it.

• 

  2007 Kia Spectra5 - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Thepumkin - July 10 - 5:10 am

  I read all of the reviews posted here before buying. This is a great car! I could not fault one thing with the car. Granted I have only had it a week. I have found good reasonable performance from the engine, the suspension, the transmission, the fit and finish inside and out is good and the car is not "plain Jane". It is a stunning car just as it is. Then there is the price. I will report more after a few miles have been put on it.

• 

  Great value, Great car, Great company - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Kevin - July 9 - 1:13 am

  Super experience with the KIA dealership. Test drove in pouring rain, handled great w/o abs. Got the EX w/ auto trans. Simple controls, easy drive, decent safety features, and impressive looks for 17,000 car. You wont win the Indy 500, but youll look great driving in everyday traffic and save $ on gas and laugh at people in their big, expensive gas guzzling SUVs and trucks. Warranty super, so no need for ext. warranty. Auto trans, cruise, and rear spoiler, and I drove away paying less than 17000. KIA has arrived. Give it a try.