2009 Kia Spectra5

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The Kia Spectra5 is spry, not strong. Most say you can have fun driving the car if you keep in mind that it's an economy hatchback. Those seeking abundant power should look elsewhere.

• "For everyday driving, the Spectra is a nice little car." -- New Car Test Drive
• "If you subscribe to the theory that it's better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, the Spectra5 might be ready to show you a good time." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "If it's not the fastest car in the world in a straight line, no big deal. Wanna go in a straight line? Buy an airplane ticket. Corners are where the fun is." -- Auto Channel

Acceleration and Power

Reviews are mixed on the Spectra5's 2.0-liter engine with 138 horsepower, but generally all agree the five-speed manual transmission is a more fun experience than the rarely tested four-speed automatic. The EPA reports the Spectra5 should achieve 23/30 mpg city/highway with the manual, and 24/32 mpg city/highway using the automatic.

• "The engine is quiet in moderate driving, but it gets noisier while accelerating." -- Cars.com
• "Only while cruising in the top gears do things truly quiet down." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Acceleration is adequate for most needs. Around-town response is fine with manual transmission, but Spectra lacks highway passing punch. ... a manual-transmission Spectra5 did 0-60 in 8.9 seconds." -- Consumer Guide
• "You can spin the tires if you try, but otherwise the Spectra5's 138-horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder is nothing to write home about. Shifting could be smoother as well." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Linkage and ratio choice for the manual gearbox are both very good, and with the fine suspension tuning, help determine the Spectra5's sporty, enjoyable character." -- The Auto Channel

Handling and Braking

Though very few reviewers drove the 2009 Kia Spectra5, those who did say the hatchback continues to be a respectable handler. Many recount crisp steering and responsive braking when testing the five-door, even though anti-lock brakes are not provided standard.

• "Ride quality is solid, not too firm. We found a daylong 400-mile drive wasn't unusually tiring." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Spectra5 and SX feel more agile thanks to their firmer suspension and larger tires, though still lean more in corners than might be expected." -- Consumer Guide
• "With the 'sport-tuned' suspension...Spectra5 earns its stripes when pushed, with good response when driven enthusiastically and four-wheel disc brakes that can bring everything to a stop in a hurry. Ride quality is good, but we found that a decent crosswind can have its way with the tall, lightweight five-door." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "We're not talking Miata-like levels of responsiveness or flingability here; rather, enough precision, steering feedback and roll control to make attacking the serpentine stuff a pleasure instead of a tire-punishing chore." -- Road and Track