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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  185,000 Miles!! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Chad Stevens - April 8 - 9:43 am

  I am the 2nd owner of this car. Bought it in 2013 wit 160,000 miles for 3k. The cars exterior was in reasonable condition, minor wear and tears,dents and dings. Mechanically she was sound. After a few thousand miles, the radio went, Clutch went, brake caliper froze up, replaced the timing belt. However, at 160,000 miles those items are expected to be replaced. Since then, everything has been great, except the transmission synchronizers are starting to fail. I still use this car as my daily driver, and commute my daily 48 miles. To date i have 186,458 miles on it. Not bad for KIA. I may just buy another when this one finally decides to rest. And for sake of argument, i drive very spirited.

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  My Third Love - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By YoDa6669 - March 30 - 1:40 pm

  I call it my third love after my wife #1 and son #2. I bought a black Spectra 5 back on January and compared to my old Hyundai Accent 96 I traded-in, is like floating on a cloud. I love this car! It has more standard featured that the Focus, the Mazda3 or the Matrix (I compared all 3 by total price with the extra goodies). Its fast, roomy, and best of all, stylish. As soon as I get out, people compliment my car. That makes me real proud! It still works perfectly, no breakdowns, good on fuel economy, the a/c cools like a freezer. Its a shame that I dont see more of them on the road but thats good too in a way.

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  Great Value! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By mike - March 28 - 5:33 pm

  Got rid of my FORD Lemon and looked around. Was turned off by rude salesmen at Honda and went to Kia. Took the car for a test drive, loved it and bought it. Got a great deal. It gets better every week. Rides great and the gas mileage is above average. I recommend it highly (my kids think its cool!).

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  Great car! Great MPG! Best car I have ever owned! - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Vos - March 27 - 9:36 am

  I would have been happy with this car even if I had spent much more on it. With proper maintenance I did nothing to this car, and before I wrecked it in December it had 176,000 miles. I was very pleased with safety options, after a semi turned in front of me I totaled it, but was left uninjured. You could see how its design left it crunched in the front, but left cabin unaffected. Before the crash I was optimistic about making it to 250,000 miles, as the car still responded the same as the day I bought it new. The MPGs were great, normally averaging 33. It was not much to look at, but if you are looking for a reliable little car it will beat anything.

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  Good Car/Sorry Mileage - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By singnchef - March 26 - 7:23 am

  We really like most everything about this car except the mileage. We only get 28-29 mpg on the highway and 21-22 in town. Dealer says there is nothing wrong and nothing they can do. I get better mileage out of my 91 Taurus with a 3.0 six. This is a good car, but Kia needs to do something about the mpgs.

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  Fun to drive, very economical - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By matchick - March 12 - 10:33 pm

  After 2 years and 52,000 miles, I still love this car. The seats could be more comfortable, but it is cute, runs great and is super fun to drive. I get about 32 miles to the gallon highway, so very easy on the pump. Non standard tires make replacements a bit pricey at about $125 per tire.

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  Great Value/Not What I Expected - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Niteman - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I had a Ford Ranger for 5 years prior to this purchase. I must admit how wary I was to buy Korean, my doubts were proved wrong. This car has alot of bang for your buck. If youre in the market for a small sedan you should definitely take this one for a spin. I fell in love with this car once I drove it. Whoever gave this vehicle a bad review must have either gotten a lemon or expected to get a luxury car on a small budget. For the price you just cant beat it! I expected an economy car, and got much more! p.s.- its peppy too!

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  Better then those expensive cars - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By k1a4m3 - February 22 - 2:53 am

  I was very very skeptical about getting this car at first. I mean, come on. a KIA! But in the end I fell in love with it. The car is very good looking, but is obviously a carbon copy of the Civic, just park your next to one you WILL see it. Very well built, doors feel sturdy, everything feels well built and tight. There is no rattling at all even when going over hard bumps and potholes. The car feels very powerful, though not so much in 1st gear. I drive with a lot of friends in the car to classes and it still feel very strong with 4 grown men in the car. It is very very very quiet on the highway even when hitting speeds of 80 mph, where most cars get the windy noise.

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  Good purchase - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By tommyg - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Car is surprisingly good,and rates favorably with ford focus

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  First Car I Bought - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Kasie - January 22 - 7:13 am

  This was the very first I have bought and I must say I have been extremely pleased. I am even considering another Kia for my next car.