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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  Great Value - Great Economy - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Idaho Bruce - December 31 - 1:03 am

  This car was bought primarily as a commuter with the occasional 700 mile trip to see the grandkids. Weve had it for about a month and the mileage has ranged from 29.7 to 35.1, well within my goal of 30 mpg average. Overall my expectations have been exceeded, not only in gas mileage but overall value and general soundness of the vehicle. No rattles or squeaks noted, and the doors close with a solid thunk. I am especially surprised by the sophisticated standard features on this car - tire pressure monitors, 6 airbags, heated mirrors, iPod input, 6 way adjustable seat. We are extremely satisfied with Phil, our Spectra.

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  Resale - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By nancy - December 25 - 5:16 am

  Bought new in 07, wanted to trade it in for a camry, well, disapointed to say the least, i still owe $12,xxx.xx and resale value is only $7,xxx.xx so I am kind of stuck with it. Has been a good car other than my key getting stuck in the ignition. Got fixed real fast. Also, th dealer will not cover you with a loaner unless you are getting the 30 and 60,000 mile check up. I wish I knew this before I bought.

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  Never had a problem - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By christinea - December 13 - 11:51 pm

  I loved this car. I had it for 5 years, and I never had ANY issues. I did have to take off the front spoiler because it scraped on the driveway. I never had any work done on it in 5 years (other than oil/brakes/tires). I averaged 25 mpg till the last day. I was in an accident on the highway at lower speed, and the airbag deployed right away, BUT my head never hit ANYTHING. I came out 99% okay, just some minor whiplash. I 100% recommend this car. Turns great, isnt very noisy, accelerates nicely, quality interior, efficient.

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  great little car for the money - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By wilburn mchone - December 12 - 11:00 pm

  I have put a custom cold air k. N intake system and a greedy exhaust on the car and have e. 3 iridium spark plugs and it is a straight drive and has an adjustable ait controller by surge performance it is fully adjustable and they say up to 50 or more horse power that is what they say 30 to 40 is what you are going to get but with intake exhaust and ait controller that 60 horse power over stock and it still runs in a safe zone where there is no worries about engine damage just break the engine in first before being aggressive with your driving style until broken in and you will have no problem break in is everything, no break in you end up with a broken down car so just be gentle until broken in

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  Good Buy! Lots of Pep! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Karsushi - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car for my son. Front seats are pretty roomy and the interior is nicer than I expected. Good commuter car for zipping around town. I drive a Durango and dont like small cars. However! Was surprised at the smoothness and excelleration on this vehicle. Been driving it for a week and must say Ive enjoyed it. Purchased the Spectra LS for $13,000. out the door. Purrs like a little kitten. Ill let you know if there are problems down the road. So far its great.

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  Awesome value, cant go wrong. - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By scott - December 12 - 4:50 am

  I love driving this car. I laugh at matrix owners knowing they paid thousands more and I have a safer ride. I was worried if Kias quality was where it should be but after owning it I can say its better than most. Far better than the american car I own.

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  Great Car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By wben838 - December 9 - 10:40 pm

  I paid $7000 used for this car. It is the most reliable car I have ever had. I have owned 4 VWs 1 Subaru, 1 Mazda, and 1 Saab. It is made for people on a budget. When you get the coupons, the dealer only charges $10.00 for an oil change. The only annoying thing about this car is that it is a little slow and the engine makes noise at around 4Krpm.

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  Great Car - Love driving it - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Puddgomez2 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I saw an ad online for an 03 spectra for $8995, went just to check it out. This car is great. The sales people at Schaumburg Kia were really great, no pressure at all. I had a 01 Focus, this thing blows the doors off that car. It has pretty nice pick-up, its really not even that bad with the A/C on. I do alot of heavy driving and it keeps up on the Chicago express ways pretty well. Im think after a few years I might just get another kia...

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  Great Deal - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jim - December 4 - 9:40 pm

  What a car for the money. If you are looking for a quality car at a affordable price this is it. Very comfortable ride and the interior design is great; ample leg and head room front and back. With the standard safety features and options this vehicle comes with for the price it is the best on the market and thats not even mentioning the standard warranty you get at no charge. If this vehicle is a consideration I do suggest going with the SX model. Many more options for not a lot more money. The 06 has a much improved sound system and power is plenty, cruises like a dream on the highway.

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  Great Value for the Dollar! - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By G.Peter - November 29 - 3:13 am

  This is one of finest compact cars on the market today. The features that this car offers are absolutely phenomenal. I initially checked out other compact cars such as the Dodge Caliber, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, and Nissan Sentra. I have to admit that each of those cars left me desiring and seeking much more. Then I decided to check out the Kia Spectra 5 and that was the best decision I could have made. The car was everything I was looking for in a compact car. The look was sporty. The exterior quality was extremely obvious. The interior was loaded with features that even some bigger cars and SUVs didnt have. Then came the drive. I was sold and the car was mine. Thank you Kia.