Crash TestΒ Rating
Source Β  NHTSA
MPG (up to)
22 City / 30 HWY
Horsepower
126
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Lisa A
Amazing gas mileage but a little slow
Good reliable little car. Great gas mileage. Easy to maintain. Florida sun has done a number on the dashboard but other than that she is amazing for a 16 year old car
accountCircle Paula
2002 Kia Spectra
I bought my car in 2007 and its a 2002,and I've been driving it for 15 years.Ive only ever had to do normal maintenance on the car and its always run excellent,it gets great gas mileage too and its always been very dependable,it good in snow bcuz its front wheel drive.The only problem im have with it now is that it's starting to get rust on back wheel wells,if it wasn't for that my car would be in perfect condition.I love my little Kia Spectra πŸ˜πŸ˜† i never want to sell it,she's been great to me all these yearsπŸ˜†
accountCircle Justin D
It has been reliable and performed well for a long time.
This vehicle has been very reliable over the years. I have had very few repairs to deal with. The gas mileage is also fantastic.
accountCircle Tanya M
My car has a good engine.
My car is very reliable. I have had my car for 18 years and it has not given me any problems. I drive it on a regular basis. I love my car. It has a good engine. I only have 940000 miles on it. The only problem I had was the air conditioner. I love my vehicle.
accountCircle Elijah W
Best car in America meet the most safest, and comfort, Kia spectra, get one.
The Kia is the best car to buy because of its use less gas then other cars, and the comfort is so good with the leather seats that are easy to clean, and the car has a beautiful TV for the kids so they can enjoy the ride.
accountCircle Brent S
It's a manual transmission car that gets good mileage.
Needs some work on it but it gets good MPG.
accountCircle Ryan B
It is a car that is loved and taken care of with pride.
I like the color and comfort of my vehicle. It uses only a small amount of gas so it gets good mileage. As it is, it is an older car so I do not like the amount of maintenance it requires. Overall it is a good little car though.
accountCircle Ghie L
Drives good, take me places without any problem and save on gas
I don't have any complain im grateful that I have a car that works

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Chris G
2002 Kia spectra great car
With the 2002 Kia spectra we have had problems with it every year. We have to replace the alternator belt every year because it breaks. It's a great little car for the year just can't understand why this belt keeps breaking. Also now the power steering rack is bent and have to get that replaced.
accountCircle Stephanie R
I feel safe in it. It's a large SUV, I feel safer in it compared to a sedan car.
There is an issue will window. Gets stuck when I roll it down.

Kia Spectra Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Base
126 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
GS
126 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
LS
126 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
GSX
126 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Kia Spectra Owner Reviews

4.29
14 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 43%
4 stars 43%
3 stars 14%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Paula on October 25, 2021
2002 Kia Spectra
I bought my car in 2007 and its a 2002,and I've been driving it for 15 years.Ive only ever had to do normal maintenance on the car and its always run excellent,it gets great gas mileage too and its always been very dependable,it good in snow bcuz its front wheel drive.The only problem im have with it now is that it's starting to get rust on back wheel wells,if it wasn't for that my car would be in perfect condition.I love my little Kia Spectra πŸ˜πŸ˜† i never want to sell it,she's been great to me all these yearsπŸ˜†
accountCircle Amanda F on February 6, 2021
The one most important thing about my car is that it is reliable.
My vehicle does great on gas mileage. My main complaint is I think kias tend to have problems with the belt. Mine squeals really bad in the rain.

Ranks #6 Small Cars by Owners

The 2002 Kia Spectra has an average owner rating of 4.29 out of 5 which ranks it #6 of 24 other Small Cars.

1
car
5
2
car
4.8
6
Tie
car
4.23

Ranks #10 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Kia Spectra has a combined MPG of 33 which ranks it #10 of 24 other Small Cars.

1
car
41 MPG
2
car
40 MPG
10
Tie
car
30 MPG

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2007 Kia Spectra Review: A Mediocre-by-Design, but Adequate Budget Compact

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety