2009 Kia Spectra
- 2008 Kia Spectra
- Used Kia Spectra
Based on analysis of 31 Spectra reviews and test drives.
Kia Spectra - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Kia Spectra ranks 25 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Spectra, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Spectra is practical and spacious with a high-quality cabin. In addition, it has one of the lowest MSRPs in its class. But many say the Spectra's handling is soft compared to the sportiest compacts, and its front-row is not as comfortable as expected for a subcompact.
The 2009 Kia Spectra is a good car by many standards. But the car has a hard time competing in such a large and competitive class with so many sporty and affordable choices. Our analysis finds the Spectra's seats are not supportive enough for even the front seat to be considered comfortable, plus there are mixed feelings about the sedan's soft handling, and only the SX trim feels sporty. According to industry rumors, Kia will discontinue the Spectra in favor of the upcoming Kia Forte, which could be available as early as late 2009.
If you're concerned about the Spectra's lacking comfort or sporty dynamics, keep in mind there are several small-car options that shine in these areas. Reviewers praise the Honda Fit as one of the best all-around picks among subcompacts. Although it's a tiny cruiser, the Fit's cabin is very accomodating for people or cargo. Critics also like the VW Rabbit's strong performance, thanks to a five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower.
Still, both older reviews and more recent test drives choose to focus on the Kia Spectra's attributes rather than its flaws. For one, it exhibits good cabin quality sometimes not found in this segment, and it has enough cargo room to please most. It also comes for one of the lowest MSRPs and with one of the longest warranties of any car, regardless of size.
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. Auto bloggers report that the Spectra will be discontinued mid-2009 and replaced with the Kia Forte, a small sedan and coupe with more sassy style than the Spectra.
- "A small but compelling package. More important for everyday driving, the Spectra is a nice little car." -- New Car Test Drive
- "If you're looking for a high-value car and you like the Kia Spectra's more expressive styling, this is a lot of vehicle for not much money." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "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
- "Don't look for the Kia Spectra to outclass or outperform favorites in the compact-car segment such as the Honda Civic, the Mazda3, or even the Toyota Corolla. All of the previously mentioned competitors are more refined. ... In its favor, however, the Spectra has plenty of standard features. ... Value is another plus, since the Spectra is a couple grand cheaper than segment leaders." -- Edmunds
- "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
Spectra Performance - 7.3 (Good)
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." Read More
Spectra Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Although it's now four model-years into its current design, the Kia Spectra is described as a pleasing and sporty-looking ride. Kelley Blue Book reports, "Improved exterior styling is a big factor in the recent surge in the appeal of Korean vehicles. The 2009 Kia Spectra features large, jewel-like headlamps. ... The sharp crease running from wheel to wheel adds a degree of design sophistication, similar to the side treatment of Mercedes-Benz's S-Class." Read More
Spectra Interior - 7.5 (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." Read More
Spectra Safety - 7.9 (Good)
The Spectra receives high scores in government crash tests, but the similar 2008 model does not do as well in insurance industry crash testing. Read More
Spectra Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 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 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. Read More
