Kia Spectra Review

2008 Kia Spectra EX Sedan

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.

The original Kia Spectra hatchback and sedan were only partially successful in this regard: They looked good and handled well, but were unrefined, underpowered and cheaply constructed. They reinforced the cheap-car image Americans held at the time regarding Korean cars.

Today, things are different. The current Spectra sedan and Spectra5 four-door hatchback counterpart have moved up the scale considerably in terms of style, substance and out-and-out refinement. In the economy car world, the Spectra represents a solid value, and anyone shopping for a budget compact car would be wise to consider it.

Current Kia Spectra

The current Kia Spectra debuted midway through the 2004 model year and represents the nameplate's second generation. The five-door Spectra5 hatchback was introduced for 2005. Like most compact cars, the Spectra seats four comfortably, five in a pinch. Both body styles feature a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides spirited performance around town but feels a little winded during highway passing maneuvers. A standard five-speed manual transmission routes power to the front wheels, and a four-speed automatic is optional.

Currently, the sedan is offered in two trim levels -- Spectra EX and Spectra SX (previously, there was an LX model as well). The Spectra5 hatchback is available in a single SX trim. Although it occupies the bottom rung of the ladder, the EX sedan is well appointed with supportive seats, high-quality materials and amenities like air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo, full power accessories and keyless entry. The SX model adds upgraded interior and exterior trim, along with firmer suspension tuning and bigger wheels and tires to impart a sportier attitude.

The Kia Spectra's safety features include standard front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and four-wheel disc brakes. Antilock brakes are optional. Further comfort comes in the form of Kia's excellent five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain coverage.

Edmunds.com reviewers generally praise the Kia Spectra for its lengthy list of standard equipment, user-friendly cabin design, above-average 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's a tad sloppy. Another issue for new Spectra buyers to consider is the car's traditionally low resale value.

Although Kia's Spectra doesn't quite match the refinement or efficiency of the leaders in the small-car segment, shoppers prioritizing affordability and comfort will certainly want to give it a look.

Past Kia Spectra Models

The Kia Spectra was first 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC KIA SPECTRA MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.