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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  Love my kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By John Murdock - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This car saved my life when i was flipped 3 times. Thank you kia.

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  Great car for the money - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By from david - May 27 - 4:30 pm

  Plain and simple I love this little car. First time buyer of Korean car. Rides nice, love the mileage, no problems so far in the 6 months Ive had it. The sunroof package is great. I noticed some small amount of road wander though, but its still worth the money. I bought some Kia accessories to really make the car look sharp. I get lots second looks on the highway. I got the car in red, love it, plus it passes a lot of gas stations. I am averaging about 34 mpg. So far, so good, no real complaints. Its a quality built car that I think you should test drive. I got the 5 spd. I think Kia is on track to surpass Japanese quality or at least equal it for far less money. I would buy this car again in a heart beat.

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  Got 166,000 miles but with problems - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By julia17 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 Kia Spectra just threw a head gasket at 166,000 miles. Previous problems: the a/c went out in 2007 and was repaired for $1400. It went out again about 9 months later and the mechanic wanted another $750. Shortly afterwards, the heat went out. I replaced the clutch 3 times. Also replaced a valve in the braking system for $250. Lots of the cheap plastic interior broke and/or fell off including the drivers side sun visor. The driverside seatbelt also broke and had to be replaced. I did a lot of driving for work and both knees and hips were hurting me due to driving this car. If youre only going to put maybe 10-12,000 miles/year on a 2002 Spectra, it may be worthwhile.

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  eh... its good for the price - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Jamie - May 22 - 8:53 pm

  It gets me where I need to go. No major problems. The only bad part is the standard interior is not fun. No automatic door locks, windows etc. Other than that, its not too bad for the low price.

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  Bargain Small Car - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Rob - May 19 - 6:30 pm

  This is a fine small car that has all of the features you need at a price considerably less than the Japanese makes. Quality of the major Korean brands has improved markedly over the last 15 to 20 years and they are almost on par with the major Japanese brands. The ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet. Engine power is adequate but no "ball of fire". Handling is ok but this is no sports car. This is a great first car for a teen or a second car for getting around town. With rebates the selling price of this car was $14,200 + TTL vs. a list price of $16,700. That is a strong price vs. what late model used cars are selling for without the strong factory warranty.

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  First car in 40 years - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By jharrelson - May 18 - 6:40 am

  So Far So Good, averages 28/30 mpg in town, has quick response with good acceleration. I’m amazed at roominess. At 6 ft and 200+ pounds, I am very comfortable with lots of head room to wear my Stetson when driving. Back seat is large and roomy, passengers can stretch out their legs and relax even with front seats slid back all the way. The one thing that convinced me to get the Kia was the number of Air Bags in it so in an accident, driver and all passengers are surrounded by air bags. Traded 1993 truck and got 2007 Kia for $7000.00 and monthly payments of $150.00

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  Kia Spectra - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By cynthia - May 18 - 4:36 am

  Cute car, good gas mileage, fun. I really love this car, the basic features are great! We bought 2 of them at once. The Spectra wouldve gotten 10s all the way down if they wouldnt have charged us six-thousand over market value each.

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  i love my kia - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By dalec - May 11 - 12:23 pm

  i am in my 50s and my 2007 kia spectra ex is the best car i have ever had. purchased new in 07 now has 91000 miles and not one bit of trouble. still going strong. would i buy another kia. no doubt about. keep up the good work kia.

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  Very Pleased, Fun to Drive - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Happy Camper - May 6 - 10:43 pm

  I bought my 2005 Spectra SX Feb. 2006, Ive been very pleased with this little car. Maintenance low. Everyone at the dealership is great. I am very pleased with the performance and looks of the car. I get a lot of comments how cute or cool it looks. I love this car. Its my third Kia. I would definitely buy another Kia.

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  Kia, Kia, Kia - 2001 Kia Spectra
  By Amberismyenergy - May 5 - 4:50 am

  I have had it time in and time out with this car. I have had to replace the complete make up of the rear brakes, the battery, the rear break lights several times (not because i leave lights on) compressor, starter, plugs, the right axle. Yes when i go up a hill i have to turn air conditioner off. haha Very loud when Im trying to go fast, people think Im angry, when Im in a hurry. The dash board has completed folded because of the sun! WONDERFUL!!