2007 Kia Spectra5 Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Kia Spectra5 Exterior Review
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."
Several reviewers report that the Spectra5's appearance is reminiscent of other compact wagons. Cars.com says the wagon is "equal to [Pontiac] Vibe and [Toyota] Matrix in fashionable styling," while the Detroit News continues the praise, noting the Spectra5 "looks sporty without being ostentatious."
Another Detroit News reviewer is not as impressed. "The Koreans went overboard in throwing just about everything they could think of on it, including a front spoiler, rear spoiler, side sills and other embellishments...it reminds me of the old fashion advice that you should get dressed and then remove one item. Kia should have done that." Edmunds agrees that Kia could have left off a specific design element in favor of practicality -- the "super-low" front spoiler is easy to damage. "We know how to work around them... take the ramps at the appropriate angle and don't rip the spoiler off," they write. "Unfortunately, this is a lesson that hasn't translated to the Spectra5. Its spoiler has suffered not one, but three casualties at our merciless hands" in one year.
