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2004.5 Kia Spectra Full Review
Date Published: 8/22/08
Also in the 2004.5 Kia Spectra Review:
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2004.5 Kia Spectra Review
Kia released a redesigned Spectra sedan in spring 2004 with new styling, more power, and additional safety features. What it did not get was a new model-year designation; it was labeled a 2004 model, like the outgoing version. A new hatchback called the Spectra5 follows during summer 2004 as a 2005 model. Based on the Elantra platform of corporate parent Hyundai, the new Spectra has a 2-inch-longer wheelbase than the previous model, but is slightly shorter, wider, and taller overall. The only engine is Elantra's 138-hp 2.0-liter 4-cyl, replacing a 124-hp 1.8. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, a 4-speed automatic optional. Sedans bowed in LX and EX trim with standard front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS is optional on EX and unavailable on LX. Both models come with a tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, and CD audio system. EX adds air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and power windows/locks/heated mirrors. Kia shares Hyundai's warranty coverage of 5-years/50,000-mi. basic, 10/100,000 powertrain, and 5/unlimited roadside assistance. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
News
A wagon-like 4-dr hatchback called Spectra5 goes on sale in summer of '04, followed in the fall by a 2005 lineup adding a similarly sporty SX sedan. Both these models include a sport-tuned suspension with 16-inch alloy wheels, "aero" body add-ons, black mesh grille, sport-cloth upholstery, metal-look interior accents and other unique touches. Apart from these additions, the just-redesigned Spectra should see no big changes for the next 2-3 years.
2004.5 Kia Spectra Road Test
Pros Cons
Fuel economy Engine noise
Ride/handling Acceleration (auto. trans.)
Build quality
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
4 5 4

Feels usefully stronger now, and adequate for most needs. Automatic transmission generally smooth, responsive, but saps enough power to slow progress up steep hills. Peppier with slick-shifting manual.
Fuel Economy

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
6 7 6.6

Test LX sedan with automatic transmission averaged 22.8 mpg. No opportunity to measure with manual. Uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
6 6 4.4

Not intended to mimic a sports sedan, and doesn't. Minor "float" over large moguls, but Spectra smothers most bumps well, aided by solid structure, comfort-oriented tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
6 6 5.3

Handy size and quick, responsive steering aid close-quarter maneuverability, but Spectra has modest cornering grip. ABS, a $400 EX option, provides strong, sure stops, but should be available on LX also.
Quietness

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
5 5 4

Wind, road ruckus nicely subdued. Smooth engine a bit coarse and hoarse around 4000 rpm, but is acceptably refined for the subcompact class.
Controls

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
6 6 5.6

Gauges easily read, controls easily reached. High-set audio unit, 3-dial climate system simple to adjust, and all controls work with smooth precision. Cabin materials and finish equal most anything in this class, though decor lacks flair.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
5 5 5.1

Standard tilt wheel, lever-action seat-height adjuster enhance fine basic driving stance. However, long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel, and seat comfort is nothing special. Head room just OK for 6-footers, especially with optional sunroof.
Room/Comfort (rear)

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
4 4 3.9

Comfort nothing special here either. Two 6-footers have good underseat foot room, OK knee and shoulder space, though just adequate head room. Entry/exit easy enough for a small sedan.
Cargo Room

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
2 2 3.9

Usefully shaped trunk has slightly undersized opening but adequate volume that's expandable via standard 60/40 folding rear seat. Good cabin storage with various slots, bins, cubbies. EX has front-door bottle holders.
Value within Class

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
5 5 5.6

Though not a small-car star, Spectra goes from crude cheap wheels to class-competitive. Kudos to Kia for including the safety bonus of front side airbags and curtain side airbags among many standard features. Kia quality is improving, though still subpar, as are resale values; the generous warranty compensates some. The much-improved Spectra deserves a look, especially if your budget is tight.
Total Score

LX sdn, auto. EX sdn, man. Class Average
49 51 48.4
Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
34
Average Score
48
High Score
64
2004.5 Kia Spectra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/29/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
LX 4-door sedan, manual $12,620 $11,925 $540
LX 4-door sedan, automatic $13,595 $12,815 $540
EX 4-door sedan, manual $13,750 $12,870 $540
EX 4-door sedan, automatic $14,725 $13,745 $540
Price note: Spectra5 prices and equipment not available at time of pulication.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/65R15 tires, wheel covers.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lamps.
Optional Equipment
Safety
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Antilock brakes
EX
$400
$360
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
LX
$960
$860
Power sunroof
EX
$700
$625
Cruise control
EX
$200
$180
Floormats
EX, LX
$80
$60
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
EX, LX
$250
$220
Alloy wheels
EX
$360
$320
2004.5 Kia Spectra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Kia Spectra 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 102.8
Overall Length, in. 176.4
Overall Width, in. 68.3
Overall Height, in. 57.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 2701
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 12.2
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.8
Rear Head Room, in. 38.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.0 /121
Horsepower @ rpm. 138 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 138 @ 4500
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
5-speed manual 25/32
4-speed automatic 25/34
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Kia Spectra 4-door sedan
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
Side Impact, Driver 4
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 10/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 5/60,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 5/unlimited --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: South Korea
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2004.5 Kia Spectra
Trim Level:  EX
Arrival Date:  05/27/2004
Engine:  dohc I4
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  5-speed manual
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $13,750
Price as Tested:  $14,930
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  1241
Mileage at End of Test:  2415
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  41.411 gals.
 

Major Options:  Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control, Carpeted Floor Mats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  28.35 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek I would call the Spectra a small car star and think we should give it a higher value rating. The ride, room, and features are great--especially for the money.

Also in the 2004.5 Kia Spectra Review:
5. 
Kia Spectra Photos

6. 
Kia Spectra Full Review

7. 
All Kia Spectras

8. 
All Kias


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