• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Prices
• Photo Gallery

Kia Spectra5 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Kia Spectra5 ranks 19 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 26 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Spectra5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Spectra5 is nimble on highways and easy on the wallet, but is not the best vehicle for impressive power, and most reviewers say you won't be comfortable in the cabin for too long.

The king of warranties, sharp handling and outstanding gas mileage continue to be the 2009 Kia Spectra5's key qualities, while unsupportive seating and merely optional anti-lock brakes could keep the Spectra5 off your shopping list.

Luckily, the bar for standard features on a small car is raising, and there are several affordable options with features not available on the Spectra5. The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is one of U.S. News Best Cars for the Money, and offers standard anti-lock brakes on all its trims. Reviewers also praise the Elantra's comfortable seating in the front and rear. If you're been considering the Spectra5, the Elantra might make a good alternative, especially since it comes with the same lengthy warranty.

But overall, previous and present reviews label the Kia Spectra5 a competent car for around-town driving. Plus it has one of the more attractive MSRPs of either the small car or hatchback classes. Last redesigned in 2005, the Spectra5 has undergone very few changes since then. It's still available in one trim, the SX, but there is a similar Spectra sedan.

• "Kia Spectra5 arrives with a sticker that is pleasingly light on the budget for a car with a long list of amenities." -- Car and Driver
• "The Spectra5 combines a fun-to-drive character, entertaining power, reasonable fuel consumption, and a most useful design. It's small outside, for easy maneuverability in traffic and parking, but has plenty of space inside." -- The Auto Channel
• "If your brain says no frills, but your gut says go for more than just value and versatility, the sporty 2009 Kia Spectra5 SX should win a slot on your shopping list." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "In its favor ... the Spectra has plenty of standard features, and the Spectra5 version has a little dash of sport-wagon attitude to go along with its added cargo space." -- Edmunds

Spectra5 Performance - 7.3 (Good)

The 2009 Kia Spectra5 has a fun personality, but it's not very fast. During a test drive last year, New Car Test Drive found the car "offers respectable performance from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine," with handling and steering that is "good...considering the car's height and its tallish tires." continue

Spectra5 Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Most say the Spectra5's design fits in well with, and maybe even looks better than, other five-door hatchbacks. The Auto Channel says, "It won't be used as a prop in a bad sci-fi movie, and it looks more expensive than it is." continue

Spectra5 Interior - 7.0 (Good)

Kia offers great utility and has surprisingly good cabin quality, but many say the seats more cushioning. New Car Test Drive says, "Seats are generally comfortable and covered in quality fabric. ... Front seat bottoms could be deeper, however, with more thigh support." continue

Spectra5 Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

The 2009 Kia Spectra5 does well in federal government crash tests, and provides a long list of standard safety equipment. continue

Spectra5 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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, and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. continue