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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  not bad so far - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By kidnoel - November 14 - 1:36 am

  Bought the car used about 8 months ago. Had about 40K miles on it. Was concerned it would give me problems right away. Has proved reliable so far. I have been on many road trips. Have only needed regular maintenance. Original brakes havent needed replacing yet. Love that it hardly looks like a hatchback and people cant even tell what it is. GREAT fuel economy: 28-34. Got 400 miles on a tank last week-all highway.

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  2nd one - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Bill - November 6 - 5:26 am

  The 1st was hit in the rear by a Caddy in November and totaled. Bought Amanti, gave to wife and then bought 2nd. Great car and will hold its own against others in same class costing thousands more. Best is the warranty, 100K. Looks, features, economy (looking at $3 gallon gas), interior room. Fun to drive and not tired after driving 100s miles on highway for business. Should definitely consider in todays market.

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  Kia Spectra a good car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By dkrosell - November 6 - 2:50 am

  Having previously owned several Toyota Camrys, we were surprised to find the Kia Spectra so reliable. We never had to have it repaired - only maintenance in the 5 years we owned.

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  2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By PPower05 - November 3 - 3:43 am

  I am not very happy with this car. I only have 21,000 miles, and it has already been in the shop for faulty fuel valves and transmission problems!! Whats worse, the dealership charged me over $300 to replace the transmission fluid that KIA recommends to replace every 30,000 miles (10,000 prior to when it SHOULD have been replaced) The explanation that I was given was "Kia uses poor fluids from the factory". The 100,000 mile warranty is great, if you have another car! My first KIA (same model) broke down as my family was driving to my high school graduation. My family missed my graduation being at the KIA service center. Get something else, these are not worth your hard earned money!

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  Whoa ... - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By adventuresome63 - October 30 - 9:50 am

  What were they doing when they figured this thing with auto-tranny gets 34 mpg, towing it?? 28 mpg on the highway. Disappointed with that. Otherwise it appears to be a solid car. No problem so far. Lots of stuff for $16k.

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  gooooood - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By jaymartin - October 25 - 2:00 am

  the car runs well in the one month of purches. im very happy so for THE ONLY THING IS THAT MY WINDOW SEALS LEAK ON THE CAR WHEN WASHING

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  To soon to tell, but - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Yas - October 14 - 10:00 am

  at least no reviewers complaining about any major problems with this car. Recently paid 10,500$, taxes included for a 2002 Spectra LS with 5600 miles on it. First foriegn car ever and its about what I expected. Bought it for my college bound daughter just for the warranty and I hope economy. Time will tell.

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  great sporty car for the money - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Favian - October 9 - 12:36 am

  This is my first Kia that I have ever purchased and Im pleasantly impressed. Build quality is great and so far reliability is excellent. The gearing configuration in the automatic could use some improvement as well but overall the car is an excellent value in looks, safety, options, warranty and reliability.

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  Great car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Coty2000 - October 1 - 3:33 am

  Travel 50 miles each way with this roller skate. Absolutely reliable! Not a thing wrong in 3 years and 72,000. Change the oil 3500 and put gas in it and away you go. Have a 2994 sorento as well. Another great car. 82k and not a thing wrong, ever. Also have a 2006 Audi a4. Forgetaboutit! Never again!

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  Kia Spectra-Thumbs Up! - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By KiaFan - September 30 - 12:50 am

  I drove my Kia Spectra EX Automatic over 3700 miles in Western Canada and USA after buying one month before. Excellent comfort, cruise control was flawless, held the road well, achieved average of 35 mpg (39 in one stretch), great brakes. Plenty adequate pickup on entering a freeway. Very quiet engine at highway speed of 70 or at idle (wondered if in was running while waiting at a stop sign). The finish and fit is excellent. The price was right - at least $3000 less than a Corolla or Civic or Jetta. I also checked it to its sister/brother the Hyundai Elantra... compares well, same engine, nicer interior. Stereo/CD radio very good. Great warranty.