New 2009 Kia Spectra [ 2008 , 2007 ]
Kia Spectra - What the Auto Press Says
The Spectra is reasonable on the road, with a spacious and good-quality cabin, and one of the lowest prices of any small car. But its handling is soft compared to the sportiest compacts, and its front-row is not as comfortable as expected in this class.
Our analysis finds the 2009 Kia Spectra has some shortcomings. Its seats are not supportive enough for even the front seat to be considered comfortable, there are mixed feelings about the sedan's soft handling and only the SX trim feels sporty. But both older reviews and more recent test drives focus more on the car's virtues. For one, it exhibits good cabin quality sometimes not found in this segment, and enough cargo room to please most. It also comes for one of the lowest MSRPs and with one of the longest warranties of any class of car.
The Spectra is a four-door sedan with three trims, the LX, EX and SX. Its hatchback model, the Spectra5, has many of the same features and style. If you're shopping for a small car, check out the Honda Civic before you making your final decision. If you'd rather have a hatchback, consider the Spectra5 or another high-ranking Honda, the Fit.
- "A small but compelling package. More important for everyday driving, the Spectra is a nice little car." -- New Car Test Drive
- "Fit and finish is well above average, and interior materials are impressive for this price class. Roominess is another strong suit, road manners are competent, and pricing is tough to beat." -- Car and Driver
- "Roomy, well equipped and for the most part pleasant to drive, the Spectra is worth the attention of anyone shopping for an affordable compact car." -- Carz Unlimited
- "The interior is nicely finished, the engine gets good gas mileage and the warranty is one of the longest in the business." -- Kansas City Star
- "The Spectra stands tire-to-tire with its long-established competition, and that's not bad." -- Automobile Magazine
Spectra Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)
According to our analysis, the 2009 Spectra can keep up with most true "econoboxes," but it doesn't hold much water against the top-performing vehicles of the class. Still, the Washington Post writes, "Even with five occupants, the car's 138-horsepower, in-line four-cylinder engine had more than ample chutzpah to keep us competitive in high-speed highway traffic." Continue with our full Performance Review to read about the pros and cons of the Spectra driving experience. continue
Spectra Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
Although it's now four model-years into its current design, the Kia Spectra is described as a pleasing and sporty-looking ride. Go to our Kia Spectra Photo Gallery to judge the car's style, and read our full Exterior Review for auto critics' specific comments on the Spectra's style. continue
Spectra Interior - 7.3 (Good)
The 2009 Spectra gets kudos for offering good quality in the economy segment, and reviewers universally applaud the cargo area both in the trunk and that available in the cabin. They also appreciate the appointments offered with the EX and SX trims. Car and Driver notes, "Lots of features for the money," and a "surprisingly high assembly quality." Our full Interior Review gives a better idea of the majority opinion on the Spectra's comfort, quality and features, while our Kia Spectra Photo Gallery will allow you to judge the Spectra's cargo dimensions. continue
Spectra Safety - NA
The Spectra receives high scores in government crash tests, but the similar 2008 model does not do as well in insurance industry crash testing. Go to our full Safety Review to read reviewers' reactions to the number of standard safety features offered with every Spectra. continue
Spectra Reliability - NA
The 2009 Kia Spectra has a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and the longest powertrain warranty of the class, coverage for the first 10 years or 100,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more information on the Spectra's reliability. continue
