2001 Kia Spectra Review
2001 Kia Spectra Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+45
Used Spectra for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low base price, responsive steering and nimble handling, hatchback configuration, killer warranty.
Cons
- Lackluster engine performance, cheap interior materials, dearth of refinement, Kia's initial poor quality reputation.
What’s new
2001 sees few changes to Kia's sporty five-door hatchback, which was introduced last year to attract younger customers to the brand. The top-rung GSX trim level gets a gas-cap tether, coin holder and dual visor vanity mirrors. Kia's Long Haul Warranty Program has also been introduced for this model year.
Edmunds says
The Spectra will never be called a great car, but for some, it might prove to be a good bargain.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$178/mo for Spectra GS
Spectra GS
vs
$180/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Five-door hatchbacks have always been hot sellers in Asian and European markets, but American buyers have shunned the concept -- so much so that Ford left the five-door hatchback out of the Focus lineup. The Spectra's duplicitous design does a good job of hiding the fact that it is indeed a five-door hatchback, and therein lies its appeal.
Two trim levels are available: GS and GSX. The sparsely equipped GS includes fabric upholstery, split-folding rear seat, cassette player, rear defroster and two-speed wipers. Optional equipment includes A/C, body-color side moldings, rear wiper/washer, floor mats and an automatic transmission. GSX adds alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, tape stripes and special fabric for a sporty look. It also provides power windows and locks, air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. ABS, a CD player, cruise control and power windows are available only on GSX. Powered by a Sephia-derived 125-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and mated to a standard five-speed manual gearbox (a four-speed automatic is optional), the Spectra provides decent fuel economy (23 city and 29 highway) but lacks capable acceleration off idle and during passing maneuvers. Additionally, the raucous motor makes an incessant whine at higher revs, which can grate on the driver's nerves.
The Spectra proves to be a competent handler, exhibiting limited body roll and responsive steering. Cheap tires ruin the fun in the twisties. On the highway, the Spectra smoothes out any pavement irregularities, but floats like a boat over highway expansion joints despite the Lotus-tuned suspension. Front disc/rear drum brakes are barely adequate, requiring lots of pedal pressure that results in mediocre stopping performance.
Firm front seats are reasonably comfortable, with a decent amount of lumbar and thigh support, and the simple layout of the dashboard and controls makes the Spectra easy to manipulate. Rear seat riders get minimal legroom, and the canted rear glass impedes valuable headroom. Interior materials are not the Spectra's strong suit with headliner, dash panel and seat fabric quality well below that of slightly more expensive competitors.
Higher-grade interior materials, along with a more powerful engine and improved brakes, would do wonders for this Kia's overall desirability. Still, you can't deny its substantial price and utility advantages over the competition. Plus, it looks good and sporty, thanks to aggressive styling in front and the fastback-style rear window.
Another incentive to consider the Spectra is Kia's new-for-2001 Long Haul Warranty Program, which consists of a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a 5-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty (which protects against holes in the body caused by rust) and a 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan. This impressive package should add some peace of mind to Spectra ownership.
For first-time buyers and college students trying to survive on Top Ramen, as well as those who desire the utility that only a five-door hatchback can provide, the Spectra is worth a look. Others might want to consider shopping around, especially when Hyundai introduces the well-equipped and more powerful five-door Elantra GT later this year.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Kia Spectra.
5 star(23%)
4 star(47%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(16%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2001 Kia Spectra GSX
RollieB., 04/24/2018
2001 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
We've owned ours for 17 years now. It's a little beat up. Wish it had a little more drivera leg room.Upholstery apart at the seams, dash buckled from the heat. Hit a deer 15 years ago. That being said, maintenance is minimal. I've changed the up and downstream. O2 sensors and the timing belt. This little toad keeps on running. I just hit 220,000 miles and I still get 30-32 mpg on the … highway. We bought another kia, a Soul this time. Impressed beyong measure with that car. Took a trip recently in the soul. 2955 miles round trip. Total cost for fuel: $197.00. My next purchase is a kia Sedona. I love my kia spectra. Still has plenty zip. Makes me feel again
4.25 out of 5 stars
2001 Spectra GS
Ricky, 02/28/2008
2001 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Other than normal wear parts like brake pads, I've had problems with the motor mounts (4 of them) and the upper power steering hose. It has good fuel economy, about 22 mpg city and very good handling, especially when you upgrade the wheels to 15" and sport tires.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Best car I've ever owned
stevecobb12550, 06/06/2011
2001 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I bought the Kia used at 18,000 miles, and then drove it for almost 150,000 without a problem.
Gas mileage was about 33 mpg highway, and it was rock solid.
Sure, the sheet metal is so thin that you could dent the car just by breathing on it, and the rear defroster was useless, but the car was a real trooper.
Hatchback was very useful, too, I could load all kinds of things in there.
The … only mistake I made was not changing the timing belt, and it broke at 145k miles, ruining the engine.
At 145k miles, the CV joints needed replacing, and so did the struts, but it was a great car.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Hercules Unchained
Mr. GSX, 04/27/2002
2001 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this Spectra GSX in August of
2001, I received a strong rebate of
$1500.00 cash back, along with a strong
warranty, i.e., 100K or (10)yrs., this
really eased my apprehension of
purchasing a Korea Made Car. Now! The
performance suits my liking, 125HP is
sufficient for freeway driving. The 5sp
manual works well for controlling the
vehicle. The GSX Trim level … gives an
abundance of goodies to enjoy while you
drive. Overall I have had very few
problems, some shifter Buzz while in
third gear, this was corrected with new
parts after two visits to the Kia
Dealer. After I drive another 50k in
this car I will know if I have received
my monies worth. I do enjoy this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Kia Spectra, so we've included reviews for other years of the Spectra since its last redesign.
2001 Spectra Highlights
GS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $11,245 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $178/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.8 average Rating out of 36 reviews. |
Starting at $23,950 |
4.1 average Rating out of 7 reviews. |
Starting at $21,625 |
4.1 average Rating out of 9 reviews. |
Starting at $25,590 |
Related Used 2001 Kia Spectra info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Mazda MX 5 Miata 2020 Review
- Mclaren 570S Spider 2020 Review
- Mclaren 570S 2020 Review
- Mazda MX 5 Miata RF 2021 Review
- Mazda MX 5 Miata 2021 Review
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Jaguar XF
- 2023 Ford F-450 Super Duty
- Cadillac LYRIQ 2023
- 2024 Sierra 3500HD
- 2024 Niro Plug-In Hybrid
- 2023 NEXO
- 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- 2025 Ford Ranger News
- 2023 Ranger
- 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Research other models of Kia
- 2023 Kia Niro EV
- 2023 Kia EV6
- 2023 Kia K5
- Kia Sportage Plugin Hybrid
- 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
- 2023 Kia Forte
- 2023 Kia Spectra
- Kia Niro 2023
- Kia Sorento Hybrid
Research similar vehicles
- Volkswagen VW Arteon
- 2023 Nissan Kicks
- 2023 Hyundai Venue
- Audi A5 Sportback Sedan
- 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Kia Rio 2023
- 500 E
- Jaguar I Pace
- Chevy Bolt Euv
- Volkswagen R32 2023
Other models
- Used Pontiac Vibe in Burke, VA
- Used Infiniti Ex35 in Clearfield, UT
- Used Dodge Caravan in San Lorenzo, CA
- Used Buick Verano in Warsaw, IN
- New Lexus Is-300 for Sale in Lansing, IL
- New Mercedes-Benz Amg-Gt for Sale in Fort Washington, MD
- Used Ford Escape-Plug-In-Hybrid in Trumbull, CT
- Used Hyundai Venue in Acworth, GA
- Used Dodge Nitro in Ottawa, IL
- New Alfa-Romeo Tonale for Sale in Smyrna, DE