2007 Kia Spectra [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Kia Spectra
Overall Score - 7.6 (Good)
The Spectra delivers reasonable performance, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and an appealing price tag. However, it has a relatively noisy engine and its handling is not as tight and predictable as many competitors. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, you might also consider the Honda Civic.
On balance, test drivers of the 2007 Kia Spectra agree that it offers an accommodating interior with plenty of passenger and cargo room for its class, a nice array of safety features, and a reasonable price tag. Consumer Guide reports, "Spectra represents a laudable blend of comfort, room, and features." Kelley Blue Book writes that "This little four-door has a lot to offer, including a host of standard safety features that are either optional or unavailable on rival cars."
The engine in the Spectra is seen as capable, though some consider it noisy under acceleration or when passing. Test drivers for the most part view the ride as too soft and handling not as precise and responsive as desired.
This Kia is widely observed to be one of the better-looking vehicles in its class, with a pleasant, contemporary exterior and a well-laid out interior that can seat four comfortably, but five only in a pinch. Kelly Blue Book cites the Spectra's "sporty good looks" as a positive for this small car.
The Spectra, in the judgment of most reviewers, is a good value. The Washington Post calls it "a darned good buy," while Motor Trend points out, "The Spectra is the least-expensive car in its class with full-length curtain air bags complementing the standard advanced-front- and seat-mounted side air bags." Despite reviewer opinion, the Spectra receives a value rating of "worse than average" from IntelliChoice based on projected cost of ownership over five years compared to other vehicles in its class. An automatic transmission can be added to the EX or SX models for extra. Kia also makes a Spectra5, a hatchback version technically sold as a separate model.
Spectra Performance - 7.3 (Good)
Most reviewers agree that the 2007 Kia Spectra provides good but not great performance for its class. New Car Test Drive claims, "The Kia Spectra is not a hot rod, but its performance is respectable." continue
Spectra Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
The 2007 Kia Spectra hasn't under gone a major design overhaul since 2005, but reviewers still rate its appearance as "sharp and distinctive," as New Car Test Drive says, echoing the opinion of most reviewers. continue
Spectra Interior - 7.8 (Good)
Reviewer consensus is that the Spectra's interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with a surprising amount of cargo room for its size and class. Edmunds observes that the Spectra's five seats are "comfortable" and the "storage cubbies and cupholders are generous in size." continue
Spectra Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)
The Spectra's standard safety features are extensive for its price and class. In government crash testing, the Spectra earns 5 out of 5 stars in both driver and passenger frontal crash tests, 4 out of 5 stars in both front and rear seat side crash tests, and 4 out of 5 stars in rollover tests. continue
Spectra Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2007 Kia Spectra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2007 Kia Spectra comes with a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. continue
