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2001
Kia Spectra

Starts at:
$11,245
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New 2001 Kia Spectra
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Not rated
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr HB Manual GS
    Starts at
    $11,245
    24 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB Auto GS
    Starts at
    $12,220
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB Manual GSX
    Starts at
    $13,445
    24 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB Auto GSX
    Starts at
    $14,420
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

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Expert 2001 Kia Spectra review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Kia Spectra answers a question being asked by more and more people, especially younger drivers: What’s out there that is stylish, practical and fun but doesn’t cost a fortune?

For most, the answer is: a used car. New-car offerings in the sub-$15,000 range are mainly pathetic compromises, basic transportation and little more.

But for a base price just under $13,000, the Spectra’s upgraded GLX model comes with a full load of features, a great warranty and a sporty appearance that should appeal to even the most style-conscious. The performance is hardly stellar, but it’s no dog, either.

Now in its second year, the Spectra comes in one body design, a four-door hatchback, which is popular in Europe and Asia, but not in the United States. I think a hatchback works better for a subcompact car than a minuscule trunk.

The youthful appeal is emphasized in the GLX. An unsubtle logo on the rear deck puts the “X” in bigger type and bright yellow. As a bona fide middle-ager, I felt self-conscious driving a bright-red Spectra with a bright-yellow X on its tail.

Still, I could appreciate the level of features and refinement in this little critter, which serves as the Korean automaker’s sporty model.

Unfortunately, the Spectra press car was significantly challenged by its automatic transmission. With a small-displacement four-banger, making just 125 horsepower, and modest torque, the automatic just sapped too much of the power. A manual transmission would be beneficial.

The Spectra escapes being just another droning econobox by its responsive steering and well-sorted suspension. Kia touts that British manufacturer and chassis-tuner Lotus helped with the design and execution. That doesn’t make Spectra handle like a Lotus Esprit, but it helps.

As it is, I found the ride to be choppy over nearly all road surfaces with an unpleasant tendency to rumble and vibrate. But what the stiffened suspension costs in ride quality, it pays back in handling. For a pint-size, low-cost passenger car, the Spectra displays solid cornering capabilities. The Lotus influence, I’m sure.

The test car was equipped with antilock brakes, an $800 option that includes rear discs instead of drums. Brake response is strong and effective, but really, this kind of safety gear should be standard, just like air bags.

The interior of the GLX is comfortable with supportive seats and decent space front and rear, considering the outside dimensions.

The base model of the Spectra starts at $10,795, but it’s a Spartan creature, with air-conditioning as a $900 option. The GLX seems a better deal, including an upgraded interior, full power features, body enhancements, alloy wheels and standard AC.

Our test car was fully loaded with options, pushing the price tag dangerously over $16,000. Aside from the $800 brake package, there was the $995 automatic transmission (skip that); upgraded AM/FM/CD s tereo at $295; a $400 package that includes cruise control, stereo tweeters, variable wipers and power mirrors; $250 for remote entry; $95 for a rear-window wiper; $85 for body-color side moldings; and $70 for carpeted floor mats.

Kia has been sailing some rough waters recently, such as going broke and being purchased by Hyundai. Like Hyundai, the quality of Kia’s products is improving, though the jury’s still out on the Spectra. But also like Hyundai, the warranty is excellent, including a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year, unlimited-mileage roadside assistance program.

2001 Kia Spectra review: Our expert's take
By

Kia Spectra answers a question being asked by more and more people, especially younger drivers: What’s out there that is stylish, practical and fun but doesn’t cost a fortune?

For most, the answer is: a used car. New-car offerings in the sub-$15,000 range are mainly pathetic compromises, basic transportation and little more.

But for a base price just under $13,000, the Spectra’s upgraded GLX model comes with a full load of features, a great warranty and a sporty appearance that should appeal to even the most style-conscious. The performance is hardly stellar, but it’s no dog, either.

Now in its second year, the Spectra comes in one body design, a four-door hatchback, which is popular in Europe and Asia, but not in the United States. I think a hatchback works better for a subcompact car than a minuscule trunk.

The youthful appeal is emphasized in the GLX. An unsubtle logo on the rear deck puts the “X” in bigger type and bright yellow. As a bona fide middle-ager, I felt self-conscious driving a bright-red Spectra with a bright-yellow X on its tail.

Still, I could appreciate the level of features and refinement in this little critter, which serves as the Korean automaker’s sporty model.

Unfortunately, the Spectra press car was significantly challenged by its automatic transmission. With a small-displacement four-banger, making just 125 horsepower, and modest torque, the automatic just sapped too much of the power. A manual transmission would be beneficial.

The Spectra escapes being just another droning econobox by its responsive steering and well-sorted suspension. Kia touts that British manufacturer and chassis-tuner Lotus helped with the design and execution. That doesn’t make Spectra handle like a Lotus Esprit, but it helps.

As it is, I found the ride to be choppy over nearly all road surfaces with an unpleasant tendency to rumble and vibrate. But what the stiffened suspension costs in ride quality, it pays back in handling. For a pint-size, low-cost passenger car, the Spectra displays solid cornering capabilities. The Lotus influence, I’m sure.

The test car was equipped with antilock brakes, an $800 option that includes rear discs instead of drums. Brake response is strong and effective, but really, this kind of safety gear should be standard, just like air bags.

The interior of the GLX is comfortable with supportive seats and decent space front and rear, considering the outside dimensions.

The base model of the Spectra starts at $10,795, but it’s a Spartan creature, with air-conditioning as a $900 option. The GLX seems a better deal, including an upgraded interior, full power features, body enhancements, alloy wheels and standard AC.

Our test car was fully loaded with options, pushing the price tag dangerously over $16,000. Aside from the $800 brake package, there was the $995 automatic transmission (skip that); upgraded AM/FM/CD s tereo at $295; a $400 package that includes cruise control, stereo tweeters, variable wipers and power mirrors; $250 for remote entry; $95 for a rear-window wiper; $85 for body-color side moldings; and $70 for carpeted floor mats.

Kia has been sailing some rough waters recently, such as going broke and being purchased by Hyundai. Like Hyundai, the quality of Kia’s products is improving, though the jury’s still out on the Spectra. But also like Hyundai, the warranty is excellent, including a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year, unlimited-mileage roadside assistance program.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection

Consumer reviews

3.7 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.7
Interior 2.8
Performance 3.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 3.8
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • Has electrical issues with wires melting.

    It makes me nervous scared it's gonna catch on fire smells like melting plastic at times which was wires going to the heater melted and now half of the fuses don't have any juice to them so the blower doesn't work even after replaced new components ..
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
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  • Service at dealer and things will be OK

    Have a GSX bought new. Put on better tires and car handles like the Lotus Suspension would hint at. Do not service other than dealer as some garages try and shortcut what shouldn't be. Three problems I have experienced are the shields around the exaust system, the pan under the Auto-Trans and some gas recirculator device that brings the "Check Engine" light on all the time. The Exaust Shields we loose and fall off and whats left rattles till they warm up. The pan under the tranny can scrape and get damaged to the point that it will leak out and you need to get a new tranny if not cared for. As for teh almp teh dealer can fix it but untill you get a new canister teh lamp returns within a month or two. Car is still good looking and has a sporty drive and feel even with 80K.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car for your money!

    I bought this car brand new in 2001 and has been a great car for the money I payed. Of course I have taken great care of it. This is my first car and it has lasted me through high school, college, and still going. This car has taken many trips across Texas to visit girlfriends, friends, and family. I suggest to not look down upon Kia because they do have quality cars... in my opinion the problem is that Kia doesn't really attract quality owners.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
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  • Not the best car ever

    I bought this used with about 45,000 miles on it. Two weeks later, it went to the dealer with problems getting the car to shift. They blamed me and charged me 300 dollars, come to find out, this is a very common problem with the 2001 Kia Spectra. I will have to admit, even when she was overheating, shaking violently and dying(at 100,000 miles) she still made one last trip from Illinois to Portland, OR
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Kia Spectra?

The 2001 Kia Spectra is available in 2 trim levels:

  • GS (2 styles)
  • GSX (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Kia Spectra?

The 2001 Kia Spectra offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2001 Kia Spectra reliable?

The 2001 Kia Spectra has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Kia Spectra owners.

Is the 2001 Kia Spectra a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Kia Spectra. 50.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.7 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.7
  • Interior: 2.8
  • Performance: 3.0
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 3.8
  • Reliability: 4.0
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