Review
Introduction
The second-generation Spectra debuted in 2005. Available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatch known as the Spectra5, the Spectra shares its platform with the Hyundai Elantra. Kia is owned by Hyundai, and the two manufacturers often share architecture, but under current marketing and engineering strategies, Kia is positioned as the sportier of the two brands. The Spectra and the Spectra5 have carved out a niche in the extremely competitive and largely saturated compact-car segment that includes the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Suzuki SX4, Volkswagen Rabbit, Mazda 3, Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Saturn Astra, Nissan Sentra, and Scion xD.
The Kia Spectra boasts an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty that bests many of its competitors’. Sedan versions are available in three trim levels—LX, EX, and SX—and all share the same 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (132 horsepower in California, Maryland, Maine, Vermont, and New York due to emissions requirements) paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The five-door Spectra5 comes only in the pricier SX guise. LX versions are basic, inexpensive transportation; EX versions add more features; and SX models offer the equipment of the EX but are tuned to feel sportier.
Verdict
The Spectra and the Spectra5 offer a reasonably competitive driving experience for the price. Although neither is as refined in ride comfort or noise levels as the Japanese competition, the Spectra and the Spectra5 do offer a lot of equipment for a small amount of cash.
Click here to read our full review of the Kia Spectra.
Click here to read our full review of the Kia Spectra5.
What’s New for 2008
The only change for the Spectra is the availability of the four-speed automatic transmission in the base LX-grade model.
