2002 KIA SPECTRA DRIVER
2002 KIA SPECTRA MANUAL

Too bad cheap tires ruin the fun in the twisties. The Spectra proves to be a competent handler, exhibiting limited body roll and responsive steering. Additionally, the raucous motor makes an incessant whine at higher revs, which can grate on the driver's nerves.

2002 KIA SPECTRA MANUAL

Powered by a 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. Buyers can add woodgrain dash appliques, a rear spoiler and floor mats, but goodies like cruise control, alloy wheels, power mirrors and ABS are limited to the more expensive LS.

2002 KIA SPECTRA DRIVER

The upgraded LS adds air conditioning, power windows and door locks, bodyside moldings, tilt steering wheel and a driver seat cushion tilt feature. Base equipment on the sedan includes power steering, four-wheel independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, wheel covers, dual exterior mirrors, theft-deterrent system, rear defogger, cassette stereo, 60/40 split-folding rear seat and fabric upholstery. ABS, a CD player, cruise control and power windows are available only on the GSX. It also provides power windows and locks, air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. GSX adds alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, tape stripes and special fabric for a sporty look. Optional equipment includes A/C, body-color side moldings, rear wiper/washer, floor mats and an automatic transmission. The sparsely equipped GS includes fabric upholstery, split-folding rear seat, cassette player, rear defroster and two-speed wipers. Two trim levels are available for the hatchback: GS and GSX. The Spectra hatchback's duplicitous design does a good job of hiding the fact that it is indeed a five-door and not a sedan, and therein lies its appeal. Why? 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 initially left the five-door hatchback out of the U.S. But our favorite is the utilitarian hatchback model. If you're gung-ho about three-box sedans, the Sephia sedan switches to the Spectra nameplate for this year.

2002 kia spectra