2004 Kia Spectra

There's a touch of attitude in evidence at Kia these days. Call it confidence that borders on cockiness. As it celebrates 60 years in the business, the Korean automaker has seen an organization-wide commitment to improved overall quality bring about double-digit increases in annual sales figures and in buyer loyalty numbers. The latest offering to ride the crest of what's become a tidal wave of successful product launches is the second-generation Spectra. Certain requirements in the EPA's emissions credit program resulted in this all-new Spectra—code named "LD"—carrying the same name and 2004 model-year designation as its short-term predecessor. Beyond that, the two share virtually nothing in common, save for Kia's determination to maintain strong value orientation and the industry's most attractive warranty package.

Inside and out, styling leans toward conservative with a contemporary flourish, plus there's a good deal more room for people and cargo.

The new Spectra also reflects Kia's ever-strengthening resolve to elevate its status as a leader in vehicle safety. Both entry-level LX and top-line EX feature six standard airbags, with front-side bags and class-exclusive, full-length inflatable side curtains, in addition to the required dual front airbags. Both models also are fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes, another fairly rare commodity for a vehicle in its price/size category.


Inside and out, styling on the Spectra leans toward conservative with a contemporary flourish, paying homage to both European and Japanese design influences. While remaining a technical compact, the Gen II offering is a good deal more accommodating with respect to room for people and cargo. A healthy 2.0-inch wheelbase stretch, 2.2 inches of additional height and a 0.6-inch gain in cabin width all contribute to 97.0 cubic feet of interior volume, giving the Spectra a tangible edge in that department over direct competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus. It's a packaging formula that ensures four full-size adults can be accommodated on a full-time basis and five can survive in a pinch. Cargo capacity also has been bumped, from 10.4 to 12.2 cubic feet. While that figure doesn't lead the class, the trunk configuration optimizes use of the available space and a bumper-level decklid cutout facilitates easy loading/unloading.


Although the Spectra shares underlying architecture with its fraternal twin, the also-new Elantra of its parent company, Hyundai, all visible elements are Kia-specific. Perhaps more importantly, its chassis tuning also is unique, leavening the requisite family-sedan compliance with a heightened level of dynamic responsiveness that effectively paves the way for more overtly performance-oriented follow-ups. Suspension design is fairly conventional, with MacPherson struts up front, multi-links in the rear, coil springs at each corner and anti-roll bars fore and aft. But both front and rear track dimensions have been opened up a bit, and a revised power rack-and-pinion steering setup improves feel and precision.

Inside, the look, fit and feel of materials is on par with any of its international rivals.

A new 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on the intake valves provides motivation for both Spectra variants. Kia's first use of this performance-enhancing technology helps the highly efficient twincammer churn out 138 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 revs, gains of 14 and 17 respective output units over the old 1.8-liter. Transmission choices include a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. However, in California, New York, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont, opting for the latter does entail a modest tradeoff. In return for meeting PZEV/SULEV (Partial Zero Emissions/Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) standards, pony count drops by six and the twist index dips by three lb.-ft.