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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  Luv my car - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By kath - September 3 - 7:06 am

  I luv this car! I have gone from a suburban to this highly fuel efficient compact car. I drive approx. 60+ miles per day. It is very smooth and fun to drive. I thought the big car small car transition would be hard. Not a problem at all. But, when I go from this car to my husbands suburban I feel like Im driving a bus. Have had about 1 month and getting 31 MPG in town. My mom bought one at the same time and she cant keep my dad out of it. Its hard to explain. You just have to test drive. It has a lot of get up and go. Very easy to maneuver. Cant say enough good things. Have the SX standard. Mom has the SX automatic, sister the EX, nephew the SX and I will be going back for one for my son.

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  what a car for 12,500 - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By yankee1957 - August 15 - 12:51 pm

  bought the car with 12,000 miles on it in 2006. We have really run this car. 140,000 and just oil changes ,tires, batt, and t belt regular required up keep. sits great in front needs more padding in back. 34-36 mpg to florida. window swithes could you some work also but for a cheap car cant complain about it. If I buy another it would be sorento; just like them and the dealership at tullahoma tn was great havent seen them much but always helpful. Just drive it you will like it

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  Kia vs Honda - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Ukraine - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I researched for 5 mos.I wanted a Honda Civic. And was able to buy the Kia GSX with all of the same features for $3,600 less! Gas mileage exceeds what they post. In town I can get up to 29mpg. On the hwy have even gotten up to 33 mpg! I get loads of compliments and questions on it. Some people think its a BMW, with its styling.Terrific driving performance.

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  Great and fun commuter - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By ARConcepts - August 7 - 8:03 pm

  With now 2000 miles under its belt, I would like to say this was a great purchase. There are some slight noises through the cabin, but overall fit and finish is very good. The manual transmission is the way to go to get the most from the engine, though the clutch takes a little getting used to and rpms tend to hang a little per shift. Long strokes between gears, but a $90 aftermarket short shifter should allievate this problem. Great gas mileage thus far ,worst MPG so far 28.79 mpg on the first tank (best 33.06 mpg last tank 1806 miles). Roomier than my old 98 Explorer storage wise and lots of great features make it a welcome little car. Was really fun in the mountains, just needs more HP.

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  its a decent car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Malik - August 6 - 10:00 am

  ride it to believe it .. its a nice car .. interior should be made better

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  very nice are for the price - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By darkdrone - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my first new car a month ago and it was the 03 kia. I have really enjoyed driving it and not to mention what i am paying for it was also very nice of the wallet.

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  KIA - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By LANCEYOUNG - July 24 - 2:00 am

  WE WERE DRAWN IN TO THE DEALER BY THE LOW PRICED RIO, AND AFTER HEM AND HAWING AROUND WE TEST DROVE THE SPECTRA, AND THERE WAS NO QUESTION. THE VALUE WAS THERE

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  I LOVE MY Kia Spectra GSX - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Donna Gorham - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Since Ive had this wonderful gift from my hubby to drive, Ive had *freedom* again. I can get out to do my shopping, errands, and other necessary tasks which involved driving around the city. I do not have to worry about it breaking down 2-3 times a week. The fuel use is so negligible, Im using less than 1 full tank per month. And the back seats let down so I can haul as much as I need to. It my little beauty and I am quite please with her.

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  Review on 2003 KIA Spectra - After 6 Yrs - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By David S - July 18 - 2:06 am

  I am writing a quick review on my 2003 KIA Spectra. I purchased this car brand new, only 4 miles on it, in March of 2003. 6 Years and 110K miles later, the car is in great shape! No mechanical issues, no leaks. Paint is in excellent condition and it still drives great! I have only had to replace the battery and get new tires. Otherwise, followng the maintenance list, this car has held up wonderfully!

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  Great Car! - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Great Buy - July 13 - 4:40 am

  I have had my Spectra for a little over a month and I love it. It is a very comfortable ride. I get around 400 miles to a tank with combined city/highway driving. All controls very easy to reach.