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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  Everything better than expected - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Gene - February 9 - 12:06 am

  For a first new car purchase, I researched thoroughly through Edmunds and Consumer Reports. After 3 years, this car has surpassed my expectations, no complaints whatsoever. Excellent gas mileage, plenty of head and leg room, car has been consistently dependable in all driving situations. Have had it on 1000+ mile trip @ continuous speeds of 80mph, and have needed peppiness in interstate traffic as of late, the car keeps meeting expectations. The only complaint was one tire with a separated belt somewhere in it, didnt figure this out until after warranty was out on tires, no fault of car manufacturer. Car still runs fine, just low noise from the tire, faint wobble when rotated to front.

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  My review title - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Gurn Blanston - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 2002. Havent had any major problems yet. No repairs needed. No warrenty claims. Ive had the services done at the dealership about every 3000 miles. Being 64" its a little tight for me on the leg room, but really not too bad considering. The only real aggravation Ive had with it has to do with a design flaw and my having size 12 shoes. There is an armature about where the toes of a right size 12 shoe that controls the air-handling system (where the air squirts out from) and about once a month I kick that armature off. Its been pretty easy to put back on though...30 second repair. Hmmm...75 characters remaining...oops, 46 now.

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  Great so far - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By snbcdad - February 7 - 9:56 am

  I bought this car used to replace my 12 year old Altima. Its much smaller outside, but just as comfy and more rear seat legroom (Im 511"). Feels solid, peppy on take off, VERY respectable trunk size for its class, and cheap to buy. Gas mileage started out low (25.5 in mixed driving), but has steadily improved with warmer weather (31.6 in mixed driving). Not up to par with the Corolla for gas mileage, but rivals it everywhere else. Very happy with my purchase. Safety features were a sell along with price. Also, the outside styling is very nice.

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  Mountain man - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Matt - January 27 - 11:51 pm

  I had a 2003 Kia spectra and I drove up Tennessees tallest mountain with it. There were no other cars on the road and I think it took me an hour to get up the mountain. I almost thought I was going to to have to turn back. I had my foot full th royal on the gas and she was doing 30 but she made it up the mountain. I was scared. And one time I lost the front bumper and she ran like a kitten. The Japanese make a really good car and they dont screw me by trying to put sythetic oil in my car. I hate my 2003 Volkswagen all Ive done since I had it is repair it.

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  Not bad - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Have tons of kias... - January 18 - 6:46 pm

  Bought this car after owning a 1988 Toyota Corrolla Wagon with 205,000 miles on it. This was a huge upgrade. We have 3 other kias, and we like them quite well. So this was a time to see if Kias little cars were any good? Well, Im happy! Ive only had to get some belts replaced, and get new tires, other than that, its been a very reliable car. The people who owned it before me had to replace the transmission, and that was it. So Im happy. There are just a couple of rattling noises, but nothing that the radio turned up really loud cant fix. Gas mileage is so so, should be better in my opinion, but it is far from being bad. I plan on getting 200,000 on this. It currently has 156,100 on it.

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  Great Little Roomy Family Car! - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By mndjansen - January 17 - 3:30 pm

  I have only had this car for a little while. However my husband and I are amazed over the comfort of the car. We love how quick it handles and how much fun it is to drive. The gas mileage is one of the best options as well! Overall it is exactly what we were looking for.

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  Horrible VEhicle - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Kelley W. - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. It was built cheaply. It shakes and rattles and every month I seem to have to pay for something to get fixed. Warranty is horrible. Wheels and brakes defective! Ive had them fixed several times and they continue to cause me problems. It can only get worse.

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  A Step Up - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Derail - January 16 - 1:00 am

  My previous car was an 03 Focus. The Spectra is much more zippy in acceleration, yet has the same size engine as the Focus. And fuel economy is 20 percent better. I like how spacious the engine compartment is, in terms of accessibility to hoses, belts, battery, etcetera. These items are easy to see and inspect. And replacement, when necessary, should not be difficult. What I miss about the Focus is the softer seats. The Kia seats are are quite rigid. What I have a concern about is the cable actuated gas cap door. Cables and plastic latches fail in cold climates. I may have to improvise a better system to insure I can refuel in the winter.

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  third car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By k/dan - January 12 - 3:36 am

  well i have bought alot of cars but this seem to be a fun car to drive even though it is just a third for the winter still liking it

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  Fun to zip around! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Elaine - January 4 - 9:43 pm

  Have not had any trouble getting up hills, keeping up with traffic. Love the ease of parking. The CD player is great. When I turn the heat or air conditioner on there is no long wait to feel comfortable. Most of all, the mileage is excellent.