2007 Kia Spectra5 [ 2008 ]
Kia Spectra5
Overall Score - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Spectra5 offers a wagon with nimble handling and a comfortable interior at a low price. However, it's also one of the only wagons that doesn't provide anti-lock brakes as a standard feature.
With its outstanding gas mileage, sharp handling and a spacious interior, reviewers recognize the strides the 2007 Kia Spectra5 is making toward better quality. It used to be that Kia's reputation was as "a manufacturer of appliance vehicles -- you know, nothing to fall in love with, just something that runs," as Car and Driver recollects, but now times are changing. "Take notice, Japan. The Koreans are on a learning curve as steep as Mount Everest, and Kia's latest sherpa-hauler, the Spectra5, is eyeing the summit in the entry-level ranks," says Road and Track.
The Spectra5 is also notable for its lengthy warranty, but it's lacking the strong engine performance and standard anti-lock brakes that its competitors provide. Kelley Blue Book notes that while "the Spectra5 can't yet match the Mazda in the areas of performance, features and resale, it does offer an inexpensive alternative with a lot of aftermarket potential...if your brain says no frills, but your gut says go for more than just value and versatility, the sporty Spectra5 should win a slot on your shopping list." However, IntelliChoice considers the wagon's overall value dubious, and gives the 2007 Kia Spectra5 a "worse than average" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The Spectra5 shares a platform with the Kia Spectra sedan, as well as the Hyundai Elantra. It's only available in one trim.
Spectra5 Performance - 6.6 (Mediocre)
Generally, writers think the 2007 Kia Spectra5's mediocre power is a small price to pay for tight handling. The Auto Channel sums up opinion best, calling the Spectra "fun to drive, and if it's not the fastest car in the world in a straight line, no big deal. Wanna go fast in a straight line? Buy an airplane ticket. Corners are where the fun is." continue
Spectra5 Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
Following a 2005 face-lift, many appreciate the Kia Spectra's sleeker appearance and predict it will appeal to younger drivers, but a few note the design hits some low notes. As a Detroit News' reviewer jokes, the compact wagon is "not a dog in the looks department...but the Spectra5 isn't a purebred either." continue
Spectra5 Interior - 7.1 (Good)
A number of auto critics are grateful Kia didn't skimp on space, quality or features inside the Spectra5. Road and Track enjoys "best-in-class interior room," while Edmunds likes that "the pleasing tactile nature of the buttons and switches belies the car's $16,000 base price." continue
Spectra5 Safety - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Spectra5 does not perform consistently in crash tests. While the federal government gives the wagon solid ratings for both frontal and side impact crashes, the Spectra5 gets below average scores in private testing. continue
Spectra5 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2007 Kia Spectra5 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 Spectra5 is covered by a basic limited five-year/60,000-mile warranty. continue
