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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  The Kias are Alright - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Sam/Hain - August 29 - 10:23 pm

  As of this writing, the Kia is a good little car. A smooth ride, and cheaper than the competitors. (Learn to love that word folks, its great.) As a commuter, I give a thumbs up.

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  Still runnin after 8 years - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By ASHBURN VA - August 25 - 4:43 pm

  I had been considering purchasing a 96 Camry used car but happened to see this Kia on the way to buy the Camry. The winning point was that the Kia was less than the used Camry and had an great warranty. Eight years out I have had no major problems with the car. The cv boots for left and right wheels had to be replaced in Aug 08 but it was covered under the warranty. Its a great commuter car. I have only taken it on long distance trips three times. Seats are very uncomfortable. All things considered its a good little car. Had I purchased the Camry I would have over 125k miles on it.

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  Spectra 2009 EX Sedan - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Tony Salvatore - August 8 - 9:33 pm

  Car was bought used on lease return to dealer. Low mileage and "like new." Used primarily to commute to work and local/light out-of-town job travel. So far averages about 28 MPG. Vehicle handles well, very responsive, and perky. No problem merging into fast freway traffic or running 2-3 hours at turnpike speeds. Havent tried it in snow but it is okay in torrential rains. Looked at same year Civics, Sentras, and Focuses (I like sub- compacts). Spectra offered best balance of price, features, and low mileage.

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  Yes, The power to surprise - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By EMT4U - July 26 - 6:33 am

  With fuel over $3.00, I wanted to trade in my fuel hog for a small sedan. I drove Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet and Ford small sedans. The Kia is equal in build quality and driving impression to cars costing 3k to 4k more. Loaded with six airbags and plenty of space for not feeling confined this is an more than adequate car. The four cylinder is quiet until pushed hard, and the car accelerates quickly and is able to hold its own at highway speeds. Strong 4-wheel disc brakes. I dont have ABS. But I feel that a brake pedal falling to the floor and pulsing can take longer to stop than controlled lock-up. This Kia has smart handling and many standard options. Decent sound system and easy controls.

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  super little car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By mike - July 26 - 5:46 am

  Kia has a winner on there hands.Test rode other cars in this class, all seemed sluggish or to cramped.After 5 minutes of test driving this all new Spectra i was sold.Very nice interior and good looks on the outside.Our ex came with moonroor,alloys,embroidered floor mats and a simple spoiler all under 17k.Go read the reviews on other cars websites,rave reviews!!!!!

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  500 Mile Review - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By First Time KIA Buyer - July 26 - 4:16 am

  I drove a regular Spectra and wasnt impressed. The Spectra 5 has a sportier suspension, and the ground effects and trim rival the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe (For >$3000 Less). First mileage check at 500 miles is 28MPG hard highway driving. Stereo is mediocre, and more suseptible to power line interference on AM than others. Its easy to make the speakers buzz, as they havent been matched with the stereo. Low-end torque is small, and it takes a while to get going, but once you do car has plenty of pick up. Brakes are quick, transmission is smooth, although its too easy to shift from Park to 3rd, going past Drive. Wipers are smooth, both front and rear have intermittent.

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  not bad - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By almedinaizemir - July 25 - 10:00 am

  it is a very nice and comfortable ride, very smooth and very fun to drive. It is very quiet and good on gas.

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  I love my new car :-) - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By adamsmith2306 - July 23 - 11:10 pm

  I needed a safe, reliable, fuel efficient car, and needless to say I got it. I get about 33 mpg, great space for a small looking car. I have a black 06 spectra sx 5 speed stick shift, w/tinted windows, rims, and a spoiler. It looks very sporty. I love my car and would highly recommend it to all

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  Great car for the money - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By scubasteve1039 - July 21 - 2:23 am

  What a great car for the money. Good acceleration, gas mileage, and styling. Needs sound system upgrade option. Looks and drives as good as competition (Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi) at a fraction of the cost. Kia has come from out of the basement to a viable option for great value and dependable car that is safe.

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  great quality and great mpg for money - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By glen - July 20 - 1:50 pm

  I was skeptical at first and concerned that i might not get 30 mpg. Have only had short time but first fill up 29.5 mpg and second fill up 32.2 mpg in mixed driving. Drives very smooth and handles well and looking forward to great mpg once it breaks in.