EDMUNDS.COM 2004 KIA SPECTRA
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The redesigned Spectra is a major leap ahead of its predecessor in terms of comfort, safety and value.
Pros
Long range warranty, redesigned version sports a spunky engine, well-finished interior and standard side-curtain airbags.
Cons
Suspension a bit soft, weak performance on outgoing model, ABS optional only on most expensive models.
What''s New for 2004
Kia introduces a completely redesigned and much improved Spectra as a midyear 2004 model. However, both the old and new versions are available this year.
Overview
Introduction:
The Spectra''s origins in the U.S. market date back to 1994 when the Sephia sedan was introduced. The Sephia was completely redesigned for 1998, and in 2000, the Spectra five-door hatchback was introduced -- ostensibly in an effort to reach out to young Honda Civic drivers, especially those who want to customize their ride. In 2002, the Sephia sedan was renamed "Spectra," so the lineup now includes a sedan and a hatchback. A late addition to the 2004 lineup is the all-new Spectra sedan. In an attempt to move its economy nameplate from the bottom of the segment to the mainstream, Kia has bumped up the dimensions of the new Spectra, installed new running gear, added significant safety features and juggled the equipment lists. The result is an infinitely more capable and desirable car worth the attention of anyone shopping for an affordable compact sedan. Back in the late 1990s, the old Spectra was a rather impressive car. Its rear seat was spacious enough to accommodate adults comfortably. Its 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder engine provided decent acceleration off the line, which somewhat compensated for the loss of steam and increased racket under the hood as revs climbed. Responsive steering and a Lotus-tuned suspension gave it a surprising level of competence around twists and turns. But since then, almost all of its competitors in the economy sedan segment have gotten extensive makeovers -- and every one of them has more to offer than the old Spectra in terms of engine performance, ride quality, braking ability, tires and cabin furnishings. The midyear replacement for the Spectra promises more than just a prettier face. The new platform begins with a longer wheelbase and wider track, which results in a class-leading 97 cubic feet of passenger room. A new 2.0-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces a more respectable 138 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque brings a much needed performance boost. This engine is Kia''s first application of variable valve timing technology, and boasts squeaky-clean emission ratings. The refinements don''t stop outside the new Spectra. Standard safety measures take a major leap with the addition of standard seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants and full-length side-curtain airbags, as well as four-wheel disc brakes. Inside, the furnishings are nothing too exciting, but the simple control layout and top-notch build and materials quality count for plenty in this segment. So do comfortable seats, and the Spectra offers plenty of room for both front and rear occupants. Although the old Spectra has not been among our top recommendations in recent years, the new version is definitely worth a test-drive if you''re looking for a well-rounded economy sedan. Just be sure to shop with care: The old and new models will be sold side-by-side for 2004; make sure you stick with the all-new LX and EX trims.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The old Spectra is available as a sedan in base and LS trim levels, while the five-door hatchback version comes in GS and GSX trim. The all-new Spectra sedan is available in LX and EX trim. Standard equipment on the base sedan and GS hatchback includes a CD player, height-adjustable driver seat and 60/40-split-folding rear seat. The LS adds foglights, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and power windows, locks and mirrors. The GSX has all of the above, plus alloy wheels (optional on the LS), a spoiler (optional on other trims), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and "sport" cloth upholstery. The redesigned LX sedan features a standard six-speaker CD stereo, height-adjustable driver seat, tilt steering wheel and 60/40 rear seat. Additional amenities on the EX version include air conditioning, power windows and locks, heated power mirrors and keyless entry. The EX is also your ticket to options like antilock brakes, cruise control and alloy wheels.
Powertrains and Performance:
Early 2004 Spectras are powered by a 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder engine listed at 124 hp and 119 lb-ft of torque. The redesigned LX and EX sedans feature a new 2.0-liter DOHC engine with 138 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque. In either case, buyers can choose a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Whereas the 1.8-liter engine is easily outclassed by the competition, all-new Spectras improve the performance deficit while reducing emissions and improving fuel economy to a respectable 25 city/34 highway.
Safety:
Only the LS, GSX and all-new EX models are eligible for antilock brakes. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models, except the outgoing base sedan and GS hatchback. The old Spectra fared well in government crash testing, earning four stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal crashes and three stars for side-impact protection. IIHS testing told a more dismal story, however, as the Kia was rated "Poor" (the lowest score possible) for the 40-mph frontal offset crash. The redesigned Spectra has not yet been tested, but we expect it to fare much better, as both LX and EX models feature standard front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Both generations of the Spectra offer a simple cabin layout with logically arranged controls, but the redesigned models also offer top-notch build and materials quality -- never a strong suit of the original Spectra. The seats are passable in the old models, while the front seats in the new Spectra are downright comfortable with enough shoulder, hip- and legroom to accommodate large adults. Either version of the sedan can seat adults in the backseat as well, but rear headroom and legroom are scarce in the five-door hatchback.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The old Spectra leaves plenty to be desired in the ride and handling department, as its aged underpinnings are years behind the competition. Fortunately, the all-new Spectra is much superior in this regard, offering a smooth ride, effective brakes and competent if not exactly sporty handling.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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