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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  NICE CAR WITH A NICE PRICE - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Frank_ur - April 30 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS COOL AND COMFORTABLE

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  Misleading Sticker - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Asian Driver - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Car drives OK. Well handling. Sticker shows will drive up to 34MPG. But I am only getting 27MPG on most of freeway drive after 4000 miles. Is this only me or others getting the same?

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  Nice little car for the money - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By KYPhoenix - April 15 - 7:23 am

  I have just recently purchased this vehicle. After looking at other vehicles in this class (Dodge Caliber/ Avenger, Ford Focus, etc) I believe this to be the best value, by far. The 2.0 with a manual is peppy, the engine is all but unnoticeable until 4k rpm (About 80+ in 5th), and with all the convenience features I got, makes me feel like I got a great deal. Gas mileage has been 22ish (city) thus far, but I only have about 150mi on her right now, and by all accounts mpg gets much better as it breaks in. Overall a great car for a person who needs affordable transportation, but likes a car to have a bit of pep and personality.

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  A dream .... - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By bfrazer05 - April 14 - 4:46 am

  Bought this to save a little money on gas and for the warranty as I put 20k on a car a year. I love it; most surprised by Kias awesome features, especially for the low low price. Im sure I will be purchasing another Kia product in the future.

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  Quite a Value....And Fun, Too. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By John S - April 8 - 4:40 am

  I highly recommend this KIA, especially considering the cost. Something I never thought Id say. Ride and steering is nice and tight. Comfort is very good, though a taller person has nowhere to fully straighten out the right leg when on cruise control. A minor concern. Car looks sharp, good clean lines/curves. Brakes feel solid. The interior looks very nice. Climate controls are easy to use. Keeping in mind that this is not a sports car; the engine has no power issues, unless you have more than one passenger, and are going up a steep hill. Overall, this car is a terrific value. Add in the incredible warranty, and I couldnt pass it up. More than a commuter car, its a fun ride.

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  Love the car - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By puppywhipsers - April 1 - 6:26 pm

  I bought my Spectra 8 months ago with barely over 8,000 miles on it, I bought it because of the manual transmission and so far I love the car. The only trouble I have experienced is the cruise control wont always set, it goes to the dealership on Monday. Contrary to other reviews I get excellent mileage on my KIA. I commute 55 miles one way to work, I have gotten anywhere from 30-38 mpg depending on my driving habits (if you know what I am saying ;)). My in town mpg is even better, I regularly get 40+ mpg and have had as high as 52mpg in town. I recalculated 3x because I couldnt believe it! Its a great car and with the sunroof & factory rear spoiler and on it, it looks sporty too!

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  Spectra -economy and practicality - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By spectra owner - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in late 2001, it is my first new vehicle. At the time I was a single mom carting around two boys and all of their junk as well, the car has been reliable and who would not love the 10 yr. warranty. The only problem I have had lies in the hatch release, it works sometimes other times it jams completely. It has been serviced twice relating to this issue and continues to be a problem. All in all I am very happy with the Spectra, it was in my price range and has served me well.

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  Impressed by this little car! - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Joel Dziak - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a price point issue. Little did I know what I was actually getting! It had plenty of zip under the hood and handled quite well! I was impressed most however when I recently had a very bad accident in my car. I Had a car pull out in front of me while I was traveling at 70 mph. I broadsided the car and suffered no more than a concussion and whiplash!. This car held up great! the passenger compartment was left fully intact. Well done!

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  Very Solid Car - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By SH - March 18 - 6:56 pm

  This was my first Kia, I had known a lot about Kia before, and was waiting for the lease on the current vehicle at the time to run out. When it did, I went straight to the dealership. It was February, and it was COLD (Michigan) so I took the red EX on the showroom floor with a spoiler. It was an 06 model. It was a great car, loved the gas mileage, and very comfy. Handled the snowy icy roads surprisingly well, got many good looks. Couldnt believe the power for a 4 cyl! Took it to Florida a year later (3,000 mile round trip) and drove mostly 90 all the way there and back, the spedometer doesnt lie, it goes 140!! It was very solid, very little wind noise. Faster you go, the less wind noise.

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  What were they thinking - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Why - March 17 - 8:00 am

  As you approach this car it seems like a fairly handsome vehicle. It has clean lines, just a nice amount bling to it. Climb in and start going and you will quickly be disappointed. The wind noise is horrendous. Thats ok though you can get used to it after a while, and the stereo can be turned up loud enough to overcome the noise. No, the worst part about this car is that in 2009 a car still has ABS as an option? What are they thinking? You get side airbags, but Id rather avoid an accident by having ABS.