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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  HEADACHES!! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By PPower - July 6 - 9:26 am

  I had this car approx. 2 years, and put 25,000 miles on it. The car was a replacement for the other 2006 Spectra that dropped its transmission after just 150 miles! After 10000 miles, the car died in the middle of a very busy intersection. The fuel valve gave way, and it was in the shop for a week. Kia does not provide loaner cars. After 20,000 miles, the transmission began shifting hard. I took the car in, and the service manager advised the car would need a new transmission, however the head service manager would have to review the findings. Another week, and Kia called back to say that the transmission only need a quart of fluid. From a new transmission to a quart of fluid?!? YEAH RIGHT!

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  2008 Kia Spectra5 SX - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Choncer - July 4 - 8:10 am

  The Spectra5 is a very fun spunky car that cant quite out-accelerate other like makes, at higher speeds it dominates. Turning and cornering is exceptional, sound system is lacking in quality, but replacing the door speakers makes a world of difference. Controls are very functional and convenient, construction is solid. After market accessories are limited, but thats to be expected with a new vehicle. Not fond of the fact that the glovebox doesnt lock. When rear seats are folded down though, all kinds of rear space. I cant say enough good things about this car.

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  Great Sedan - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By JC03 - June 24 - 12:13 am

  This is a great compact sedan and gives you more than expected for the money! The fuel ecomony is awesome. I am currently getting 34 mpg. For a 4 cylinder, it really zips around.

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  Lemon - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Disappointed - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car less than a month ago and has already been in the shop twice. First mistake was buying used but I guess they saw a sucker coming. I got a lemon. Service dept. tells me its bad spark plug wires and spark plugs. Really every two weeks. They cannot replace them all until defective if under warranty. Really? Bet my warranty runs out first.

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  i love my kia - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By tweyhrich - June 5 - 5:33 am

  this car is really awsome. I didnt think i would like it as much as i do. I looked at it online and the price was good and thought it wouldnt be this nice as it is. the olny thing is i wish that i would have got the sx instead of the ex but thats ok [they dont have ground fx avil for ex]and a 5 speed stick not the 4 speed auto. It is a really spunky car though and the more i drive it the more i like it. If you are looking to buy a car i would check this one out

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  First new car ever, Spectra EX - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Trevor Totman - June 4 - 2:43 pm

  I havent had my Spectra for very long, but so far it has been the best car Ive owned. Its quite zippy for a grocery getter,even with it being an automatic transmission. Stereo system(hey, Im 24, this is important stuff!) is great. I love that Ive got an auxillary jack and I love the hidden charger in the middle console. It helps keep wires out of the way, and you can set your MP3 player or iPod/iPhone inside to keep it from sliding all over the car. The DOHC is a nice touch, but I wish the fuel economy could be a hair better. All in all, a nice roomy car that is incredibly affordable and great for the post college kid or the starting family.

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  not worth it - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By John C - May 24 - 12:30 am

  the gas mileage was disappointing.. The Spectra stared to fall apart in a year.. the service department was horrible.. I was hoping it would hold up and the dealership would honor the warranty but after taking it in three times for the door on the gas cap, they said it was a poor design and only cleaned it again.. and were so rude! they said I must have broken it and the seat belt that wouldnt retract.. the side door wouldnt always close.. and I always smelt something burning.. I wasnt planning to sell it in a year after buying new but lost confidence in this car and the warranty.. it is very top heavy and not a good car to drive in the real world.. I took a huge loss with Kia..

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  good family starter - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By chrismaria - May 20 - 10:00 am

  looks good ,runs great

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  Kia - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Anita - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first new car ever! I just love it. Its easy to maintain--great on gas and easy to wash. Cleans up fast and interior is easy to keep clean also. Mine is ice blue -- sometimes it looks grey and sometimes it looks blue -- really neat!

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  Not good enough - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By No Please - May 17 - 2:00 am

  10 yr warranty? NOT!! I WAS CHARGED $1,000 FOR IT!! Want more? When I start it in the mornings, it makes weird sounds and TURNS OFF. I have to start it again! In the dealership they told me that Kia Motors knew about the failure and would fix all the cars...they never did. Headlights offer incredibly poor illumination...thanks to that, my husband crashed one night. Car design is ugly...it looks old. Too little features for the price. While accelerating, it jumps and feels weird. But the car build is very strong. One day, I crashed...nothing happened! Same thing with my husband. Cool storage spaces and interior lights. However, it’s not good enough.