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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  Kia review - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By bepell - December 14 - 10:06 pm

  Overall a quality vehicle. May not be a popular brand, but gas, comfort and reliability is very good. My wife hit another car, messed his car up pretty good and all we messed up was our bumper, which can be replaced. After the accident, the car doesnt shimmy, shudder or ride funny. Its a well built car. I havent had one problem mechanically. I even went more than 6 months without changing oil to see what would happen and the car didnt skip a beat. Maybe a more sleek design, but thats stretching.

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  Solid so Far - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By deathsaid - December 11 - 8:08 am

  Our Spectra has 120, 000 miles on it and has been pretty reliable so far. I have it for the last 20K or so and before that my father-in-law owned it. It has gone through some brakes and needed some work to fix in the brake fluid system. Front brakes put off a lot of dirt, hubcaps are literally black at this point. All things considered this car has been great, not the sexiest car or most comfy (i am 66) but very dependable. Nothing fancy or flashy about it but it gets from point A to point B.

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  fun stuff - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By byron - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a thrill! You get some good stuff in small package!! I like that there is room for stuff by folding down the back. The sound system is pretty good. Its almost set as a low-rider. Ill keep it.

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  The Korean Works - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By benji1 - December 5 - 8:33 pm

  Overall quality rating = excellent. Fit and finish surpasses any of the big 3 by miles. Have convinced 2 neighbors to investigate Kia models to suit their needs. Had fuel consumption problems at the outset; these have been resolved with the help of both the dealer and Kia Canada.

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  Not what it is cracked up to be. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By DH - December 3 - 12:16 pm

  The car has good gas mileage and average reliability for a car of this class. The quality is average to mid-low, except in the safety department where the car is excellent.

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  Overall pleased. - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By kiaveteran - November 30 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this car when I was driving a predominantly city commute, and the gas mileage was rather disappointing (no higher than 29, mostly 25-27). However, Ive moved, and I have a more rural cruising commute, and gas mileage has gone up to 30-32. Nice comfort, interior and storage space for a small car, and reliability has been excellent. I get in, and it starts up the first time every time. A little too much lean in the corners with any semblance of speed, but a comfy ride. A great commuter car, and the safety features are a class above the price class. Kia is worth checking out, and it seems the word is getting out about that.

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  WORTH THE BENJAMINS!! - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By CrazyJoe - November 27 - 10:00 am

  LOOKIN AT THE PRICE IM THINKIN "MAMA MIA" I GOTS TO GET MYSELF INSIDE THIS LITTLE KIA TAKE IT FOR A RIDE "IS THAT CARMEN ELECTRA?" NO! THATS JUST MY REFLECTION IN THIS LITTLE KIA SPECTRA IT MAY NOT TOP THE LIST BUT IT BOTTOMS OUT THE PRICE SO IF YOU LOOKIN ROUND FOR A RIDE THATS REALLY NICE HOP INTO THE KIA AND TAKE A LITTLE SPIN CUZ THE RIDE VS THE PRICE WILL BE WORTH THE BENJAMINS!

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  Love this car! - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By A2003S - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a month now and I was able to get it at a great price! I absolutely love everything about it, especially the style! I am very pleased with this car and everytime I look at it, I am proud to say I own it!

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  More than I expected… - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Islanders - November 23 - 4:46 pm

  I have only had the Spectra5 for a week, but Im 63 and have plenty of head room and enough leg room in both the front and back seats. The cabin is roomy with good cargo space. Nice trim kit, power windows, locks, strong AC. A great car to drive. Im also impressed with the build quality. Nice solid feel to the transmission, and engine, etc from the first time I test drove it. Getting 30 mpg mixed driving with AC on. Im trying to conserve fuel, but also havent been passed by anyone. That might drop a little if it is a real grid lock urban crawl. So far Im very pleased. I had a trailer hitch installed for a bike rack. Also getting Thule roof racks and sat radio. Great car.

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  Great Car for a Great Price - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By johndoend - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I was very hesistant about buying a Kia, but after having this car for a month, Im not sure theres many better vehicles in this price range. The vehicle has awesome safety features and has a very quiet ride. I am 64" and my legs can actually move underneath the steering wheel, something I cant even do in a Subaru Forester. The interior and exterior are well designed and almost make the car look European. The EX model comes with several key features, like remote entry and power windows. This vehicle does well on the interstate and gets at least 30 miles to the gallon. The warranty is awesome. Kia has done an amazing job in making this car.