Review
Introduction
The Spectra is Kia’s rival to the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus, the bestsellers in the compact class. The Spectra is available as a sedan and also a hatchback known as the Spectra5.
The Spectra sedan is offered in three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX. Base pricing starts at less than $14,000 and rises to $16,750. The Spectra5 is only available in upscale SX trim and begins at about $17,000. All Spectras are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The car will be replaced by a new model that’s due in the fall of 2009.
Verdict
Like all Kia and Hyundai offerings, the Spectra and the Spectra5 offer good value. The interiors are nicely appointed, very roomy for the class, and relatively well equipped, although air conditioning costs extra on the base LX model.
The Spectra range is loaded with airbags, including full-length curtain bags. Gas mileage is good, if not exceptional, with EPA ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for automatic-transmission models. One benefit Kia offers over its Japanese rivals is a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty in addition to a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.
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 2009
Because this is effectively the run-out year for the Spectra, major changes are limited to active front headrests being made standard equipment.
Highlights and Recommendations
The base LX comes well equipped for an economy car, with a full complement of airbags, a six-way-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40 split-folding back seat, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD system with a standard auxiliary jack for MP3 players. A/C is the only extra available on the LX—we told you it was basic—and costs $1000. The EX adds power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and floor mats as standard. The SX gets metal-finish trim, sport cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, cruise control, and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
Kia keeps optional equipment blessedly simple. Across the range, an automatic transmission is a $1000 upgrade, a rear spoiler costs $375, and remote start costs $250 but is available only with the automatic. On the EX and SX, anti-lock brakes cost $400 but must be ordered with the sunroof, which adds another $750. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels are a $400 option on the EX, and the SX has an available six-CD changer for $300.
If you have to have a Spectra, we say go big or go home: Get the Spectra5. Beyond its hatchback practicality, it looks better than the sedan, and its SX state of tune makes it more fun to drive than the EX or LX four-doors. However, 17 grand is a lot for a Kia, especially when you could start sniffing around your local Honda and VW dealerships and end up with a Fit or Rabbit, both of which are better cars. With the Spectra in its final model year before a redesign, though, you might be able to sweet-talk your way into a pretty good deal.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Spectra a five-star rating for frontal crash safety. All Spectras come standard with front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags and active front-seat headrests. Anti-lock brakes are offered as an option only on SX models, and stability control isn't available at all.
