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2007 Kia Spectra Full Review
Date Published: 8/22/08
Also in the 2007 Kia Spectra Review:
2007 Kia Spectra Review
A subtle facelift marks Kia's compact car for 2007. Spectra slots above the Rio and shares a basic design used for the 2001-2006 Elantra from Kia's corporate parent, Hyundai. Spectra comes as a sedan in LX, EX, and sporty SX trim. It also offers a sporty 4-dr hatchback called the Spectra5. All models have a 138-hp 4-cyl engine. Manual transmission is standard, automatic is optional on all but the LX. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. So are tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat. All but LX include 4-wheel disc brakes, remote keyless entry, and power windows/locks/heated mirrors. SX and Spectra5 have a sport suspension. ABS and sunroof are optional for SX and Spectra5. Remote engine start is available with automatic transmission. Besides a modest exterior freshening, Spectra's '07 update includes revised interior trim, a modified dashboard and center console, and a standard plug-in for digital audio players.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
News
Spectra should mark time for the next couple years, but Kia will offer a new compact vehicle. It's the 2007 Rondo, a tall-body wagon due early that calendar year. Said to use a downsized version of Kia's Optima sedan platform, Rondo offers seven-passenger seating within an overall length of about 178 inches. Engines reportedly comprise a 158-hp 2.5-liter 4-cyl and a 185-hp 2.7 V6. Rivals include the Ford Focus wagon, Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda 5, and Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. We should be hearing more soon about the Rondo, so keep checking back with us.
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2007 Kia Spectra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration w/automatic trans. |
| Instruments/controls | Engine noise |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Acceleration adequate for most needs. Not much highway passing power, but around-town response is fine with manual transmission. Test manual-transmission Spectra5 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic saps enough energy to slow progress up steep hills, but is generally smooth, responsive.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.6 |
Acceleration adequate for most needs. Not much highway passing power, but around-town response is fine with manual transmission. Test manual-transmission Spectra5 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic saps enough energy to slow progress up steep hills, but is generally smooth, responsive.
Fuel Economy
With manual transmission, test sedans averaged 28.1-28.5 mpg overall, and test Spectra5s averaged 20.1-22.9 in mostly city driving. Test automatic-transmission sedan averaged 22.8 mpg.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.5 |
With manual transmission, test sedans averaged 28.1-28.5 mpg overall, and test Spectra5s averaged 20.1-22.9 in mostly city driving. Test automatic-transmission sedan averaged 22.8 mpg.
Ride Quality
LX and EX sedans emphasize comfort with one of the more absorbent rides in the class. They smother most bumps well, aided by solid structure, soft-riding tires. Downside is wayward ride motions over uneven and wavy surfaces. Sport-tuned SX, Spectra5 choppier over broken surfaces, more composed over moguls.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
LX and EX sedans emphasize comfort with one of the more absorbent rides in the class. They smother most bumps well, aided by solid structure, soft-riding tires. Downside is wayward ride motions over uneven and wavy surfaces. Sport-tuned SX, Spectra5 choppier over broken surfaces, more composed over moguls.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Fine low-speed maneuverability, but LX/EX lose composure in quick direction changes at higher speed due to limited tire grip, lots of body lean. Testers divided on steering: responsive to some, slow to others. Test EX prone to wander in highway crosswinds, exhibited unwanted nosedive in simulated panic stops. Spectra5 feels more agile thanks to firmer suspension, larger tires.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.8 |
Fine low-speed maneuverability, but LX/EX lose composure in quick direction changes at higher speed due to limited tire grip, lots of body lean. Testers divided on steering: responsive to some, slow to others. Test EX prone to wander in highway crosswinds, exhibited unwanted nosedive in simulated panic stops. Spectra5 feels more agile thanks to firmer suspension, larger tires.
Quietness
Wind, road ruckus nicely subdued. Engine a bit coarse and hoarse around 4000 rpm, but acceptably refined for this price class. Hatchback design makes road noise more pronounced in Spectra5.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.4 |
Wind, road ruckus nicely subdued. Engine a bit coarse and hoarse around 4000 rpm, but acceptably refined for this price class. Hatchback design makes road noise more pronounced in Spectra5.
Controls
Gauges easily read, controls easily reached. High-set audio unit and three-dial climate system are simple to adjust, and all switchgear works with smooth precision. Seat fabric feels low budget, but cabin materials and finish otherwise exceed anything in this price range. Poorly sealed right-rear window in one test sedan rattled, generated highway wind whistle.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Gauges easily read, controls easily reached. High-set audio unit and three-dial climate system are simple to adjust, and all switchgear works with smooth precision. Seat fabric feels low budget, but cabin materials and finish otherwise exceed anything in this price range. Poorly sealed right-rear window in one test sedan rattled, generated highway wind whistle.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tilt steering wheel, lever-action seat-height adjuster are nice standards in this price range, but few testers find ideal driving position. Seats subpar for contour and comfort. Long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel. Head room just OK for six-footers. Roof styling impedes aft visibility in Spectra5.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Tilt steering wheel, lever-action seat-height adjuster are nice standards in this price range, but few testers find ideal driving position. Seats subpar for contour and comfort. Long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel. Head room just OK for six-footers. Roof styling impedes aft visibility in Spectra5.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Not spacious, but good underseat foot clearance, OK knee and shoulder space, adequate six-footer head room. Entry/exit easy enough for a compact.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not spacious, but good underseat foot clearance, OK knee and shoulder space, adequate six-footer head room. Entry/exit easy enough for a compact.
Cargo Room
Sedans' usefully shaped trunk has fairly small opening, but adequate volume that's expandable via standard 60/40 folding rear seat. Spectra5 has same versatility, but its hatchback design swallows larger loads. Good cabin storage with various slots, bins, cubbies.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 6 | 4.8 |
Sedans' usefully shaped trunk has fairly small opening, but adequate volume that's expandable via standard 60/40 folding rear seat. Spectra5 has same versatility, but its hatchback design swallows larger loads. Good cabin storage with various slots, bins, cubbies.
Value within Class
Spectra represents a laudable blend of comfort, room, and features--especially the safety of standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Kia's long warranty is another plus, and the SX and Spectra5 offer a modicum of sportiness. In all, these cars deserve a look if you're watching your budget.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Spectra represents a laudable blend of comfort, room, and features--especially the safety of standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Kia's long warranty is another plus, and the SX and Spectra5 offer a modicum of sportiness. In all, these cars deserve a look if you're watching your budget.
Total Score
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 52 | 50 | 55 | 52.9 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 60 |
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2007 Kia Spectra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/16/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door sedan, manual | $12,895 | $12,345 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| EX 4-door sedan, manual | $14,895 | $13,925 | $600 |
|
|
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| EX 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,895 | $14,860 | $600 |
|
|
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| SX 4-door sedan, manual | $15,995 | $14,955 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| SX 4-door sedan, automatic | $16,995 | $15,890 | $600 |
|
|
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| Spectra5 4-door hatchback, manual | $15,995 | $14,955 | $600 |
|
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| Spectra5 4-door hatchback, automatic | $16,995 | $15,890 | $600 |
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 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid 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-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
EX adds to LX:
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, floormats.
SX/Spectra5 adds to EX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, intermittent rear wiper/washer (Spectra5).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 205/50R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Antilock brakes
|
||
|
SX, Spectra5
|
$400
|
$360
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Air conditioning
|
||
|
LX
|
$900
|
$805
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
SX, Spectra5
|
$700
|
$625
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
||
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SX, Spectra5
|
$300
|
$250
|
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Cruise control
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||
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EX
|
$250
|
$225
|
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Remote engine start
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||
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automatic
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$250
|
$215
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Floormats
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||
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LX
|
$85
|
$65
|
|
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||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Rear spoiler
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||
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LX, EX
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$375
|
$325
|
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Alloy wheels
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||
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EX
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$400
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$360
|
|
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Kia Spectra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Kia Spectra5 4-door hatchback | Kia Spectra 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.8 | 102.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.3 | 177.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 | 68.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.9 | 57.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2844 | 2701 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 52.8 | 12.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 | 42.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.8 | 38.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.4 | 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. | 136 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 25/33 |
| 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 Spectra5 4-door hatchback | Kia Spectra 4-door sedan |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | 4 |
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 | 5/60,000 | -- |
| 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
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Also in the 2007 Kia Spectra Review:
1.
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4.
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