2002 Kia Spectra Trims and Specs

With the demise of the Sephia sedan, a new Spectra sedan is introduced this year, the base model 2002 Kia Spectra STD. It uses the same 1.8-liter, 125-hp DOHC I4 and choice of standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic as the base GS hatchback, and basically carries the same sparse standard equipment. Rear headroom is a bit more generous, as the roofline doesn't slope as much as on the hatch, but legroom is still limited.

Dual front airbags are standard, but 4-wheel ABS brakes are only optional. Other features include power steering, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, rear defrost, and front and overhead consoles. There is also a radio/cassette player. If you want more, you can get air conditioning and a rear spoiler. Owners buy a 2002 Spectra STD knowing that the low price means few features, but they still wish it had more options. Comfortable seats, good gas mileage, and nimble handling don't seem to make up for the fact that its value depreciates quickly, acceleration is sluggish, and the interior materials look and behave cheaply.

Aside from some new head and taillights and a new grille design, the 2002 Kia Spectra GS hatchback remains unchanged. Fueled by a 1.8-liter, 125-hp DOHC I4 and choice of standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed auto tran, the 2002 Spectra GS is sparsely equipped. Power steering, intermittent wipers, dual front airbags, a tachometer, and front and overhead console are all you get. Air conditioning will cost you extra, as will 4-wheel ABS. A rear spoiler and wiper for the rear window are also optional.

The backseat of the 2002 Spectra GS hatch is cramped, but the seats do split-fold for extra storage. Gas mileage is a respectable 24/32 mpg, which combines with a low sticker price to offer a good economy city car. Drivers report good handling and a smooth ride, perfect for day-to-day commuting, though you do feel the I4 struggling on highway acceleration or merging. Tires tend to go bald early and cheap-looking plastic interior parts break easily.

Brand new this year is the 2002 Kia Spectra LS, a compact sedan version of the sporty hatchback that replaces the retired Kia Sephia. The 2002 Spectra LS comes with a lot more features than the base sedan, and builds on the intermittent wipers, tachometer, and cassette player of the base by adding foglights, a tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. As with all the Spectra trims, dual front airbags, 14-inch wheels, and disc brakes are standard. 4-wheel ABS brakes are optional. Rear seats split-fold as they do in the hatchback.

A 125-hp, 1.8-liter DOHC I4 sits under the hood, matched to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. To distinguish the LS from the base sedan, the exterior grille is made of chrome. The 2002 Spectra LS also offers more options, including alloy wheels, wood trim, cruise control, remote entry, and a CD changer. A rear spoiler is available as well. Good gas mileage, sticker price, comfortable seats, and surprisingly good handling and suspension are highlights of the 2002 Spectra LS. It makes for a good city car for people on a budget, but that means trade-offs such as frequent repair visits, cheap materials that break easily and show wear and tear.

The sports-oriented version of the compact hatch, if only in appearance, the 2002 Kia Spectra GSX gets front and rear lights, bumpers, and a new grille. It also gets standard foglights this years, joining 14-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, side extensions, and front and rear air dams that distinguish it from the plainer GS. Also standard are a tilt steering wheel, sport-cloth seats, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and leather trim for the steering wheel and shifter. Air conditioning, a tachometer, dual front airbags, and front and overhead consoles are already standard on the GS.

Powered by a 125-hp, 1.8-liter I4 with 108 lb-ft of torque, the 2002 Spectra GSX comes standard with a 5-speed manual, but a 4-speed auto tran can be substituted. Seats are small, but do split-fold. An upgraded audio system with a CD changer is optional, as is 4-wheel ABS, a rear window wiper, and cruise control. Seat comfort, low price tag, good fuel economy, and Kia's long-term warranty are big selling points for the 2002 Spectra GSX. Limited leg and headroom in the back and underpowered acceleration are major drawbacks for owners.