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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  Spectra is fun - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By clhowardgc - March 7 - 8:03 am

  Very quiet, good acceleration, even with the automatic. Gas mileage has been improving as we put more miles on, now over 30 mpg. It now has about 7700 miles, with absolutely no problems thus far. One of the selling points was the excellent warranty, but have not had to use it. Passengers have commented it rides better than some larger mid-size vehicles.

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  Good deal, great car, terrible mileage - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By skk5635 - March 5 - 11:20 am

  Mileage on highway on my last trip was 24 mpg! OUCH. Everything else about the care I love.

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  The car has a perfect power/weight ratio - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By kia_owner - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is great for a daily driver and its power to weight ratio is great and its not that expensive! I drive one and its a great zippy little car with a 5 speed have not driven an automatic one. It comes with the 10/100,000 powertrain warranty because its hyundais brother and it doesnt seem to stress the engine at all bringin the rpms to the 7000 range which is nice the transmission seems to be great I think you did a good job on this Kia

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  i love my kia - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By lisa steinbach - February 22 - 10:00 am

  i love driving my kia. i had a buick centry before and this is so much more fun to drive and easier. i feel like im in a sports car.

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  Great car for the money! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Sam_Adams - February 21 - 10:56 am

  I previously owned a 98 Kia Sephia and all I can say about this new Kia is WOW. What a great deal. I got a great incentive on the car; $1500 off the MSRP (owner loyalty and other bonuses). I was going to buy it in February, but decided to wait. I looked at a few others, the Corolla, the Civic, even the new Yaris. The Kia, of course, had the best overall package. The outstanding warranty, good looks, lots of room, and its really fun to drive. For those of you considering this car, DO NOT buy the automatic. With all small 4 cylinder cars, it tends to drain the fun to drive factor out of the vehicle. I couldnt be happier with my purchase. Oh, and the dealership had outstanding service as well.

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  Eats Up Tires Really Bad - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By RA - February 21 - 10:53 am

  Its not best vehicle Ive ever had. It bounces too much and with only 25000 miles on the vehicle Ive gone through 2 sets of tires that are suppose to last 60000 miles. Some real problems with suspension on this the KIA. Buy a Honda or Toyota, I never had problems with those cars. Will NEVER buy another KIA.

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  SURPRISINGLY GOOD - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By alfisti1 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The Spectra GS is a terrific economy car that offers a lot for the money. It is fun to drive and has real sporty styling. The paint quality of the Jade Green is outstanding. I like the spacious cargo area under the hatchback, and the excellent reliability of the car. It has also given me 34-36 mpg on long trips. Overall the car has exceeded my expectations.

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  2 years with the new Spectra - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Hans - February 13 - 11:00 pm

  I got the 2004.5 in March of 2005. The paint is easily marked with fingernails at the door handles. Visibility is excellent with the height adjustable drivers seat. The 4-wheel disc brakes are very good. The manual shifter is a bit sloppy, and takes some getting used too. Service at the dealer has been very good. I also got a very good deal without having to negotiate, paying the advertised price with several thousand dollars off the sticker.

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  Sweet car for the money - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By gogo809 - February 6 - 6:23 am

  This car was a joy to own. I purchased this vehicle used with 8,000 miles on it. It never gave us any trouble. For a little over 2 years it was a great vehicle, never had it in the shop except for oil changes. There is a difference between the "drive" of an EX and a SX, spring for the SX if you can. With the Standard Transmission there is plenty enough horsepower to have some fun. Acceptable highway passing power as well. Seems like I got about 27 MPG usually.

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  Bust with Kia - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By terri - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Was in shop 3 times before 3000 miles. Nothing but trouble at 14,000 now. Will never buy another, will not recommend anyone buy a Kia.