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Kia Spectra Generations

Each Kia Spectra generation, representing the timeframe between each Spectra redesign, is listed below. Use this list to see which is the most reliable and safest Spectra generation based on iSeeCars' data-driven ratings.

In the market for a slightly used Kia Spectra, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Kia Spectra's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Kia Spectra and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

The Kia Spectra is a sedan last redesigned in 2004. It is also available as a wagon and a hatchback. The latest generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 138 hp and delivers up to 30 mpg. A new Kia Spectra has a starting MSRP of $13,550, and used prices for this generation of Kia Spectra range from $1,731 to $9,994.

The previous Kia Spectra generation is a sedan produced from 2002 to 2003. It is also available as a hatchback. This generation is powered by a 1.8L engine that makes 124 hp and delivers up to 27 mpg. Used car pricing for this generation ranges from $1,999 to $7,745.

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In the market for a slightly used Kia Spectra, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Kia Spectra's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Kia Spectra and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

The Kia Spectra is a sedan last redesigned in 2004. It is also available as a wagon and a hatchback. The latest generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 138 hp and delivers up to 30 mpg. A new Kia Spectra has a starting MSRP of $13,550, and used prices for this generation of Kia Spectra range from $1,731 to $9,994.

The previous Kia Spectra generation is a sedan produced from 2002 to 2003. It is also available as a hatchback. This generation is powered by a 1.8L engine that makes 124 hp and delivers up to 27 mpg. Used car pricing for this generation ranges from $1,999 to $7,745.

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability 8.2 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability 8.3 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available
iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability 8.3 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available

Our methodology

iSeeCars Generations Rating is calculated based on the latest research from our data science team.

The iSeeCars Generations Rating is an analysis of two factors: reliability and safety. It is calculated for each model generation based on the analysis of over 312 million cars using a proprietary mathematical model that estimated the probability that each vehicle would survive to various mileage thresholds. This survival model was used to calculate the average lifespan of each vehicle generation, which forms the basis of the reliability score. The safety score is based on NHTSA safety ratings.

Vehicles are scored in two categories:

Reliability

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Safety

The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).