2008 Kia Spectra: Road Test
2008 Kia Spectra ▼
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- MSRP: $12,895 -$16,995
- Invoice: $12,345 -$15,890
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Our road test for the 2008 Kia Spectra includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Kia Spectra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Kia Spectra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Kia Spectra help you decide if a 2008 Kia Spectra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Acceleration is adequate for most needs. Around-town response is fine with manual transmission, but Spectra lacks highway passing punch. In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission Spectra5 did 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds. The manual transmission shifter has rubbery action and suffers from long throws. The automatic saps enough energy to slow progress up steep hills, but it is generally smooth and responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission sedans averaged 28.1-28.5 mpg overall, and Spectra5s averaged 20.1-22.9 in mostly city driving. An automatic-transmission sedan averaged 22.8 mpg. Spectra uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
LX and EX sedans emphasize comfort with one of the more absorbent rides in the class. They smother most bumps well, aided by a solid structure and soft-riding tires. The downside is wayward ride motions over uneven and wavy surfaces. Sport-tuned SX and Spectra5 are choppier over broken surfaces but are more composed over moguls.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Low-speed maneuverability is fine, but the LX and EX lose composure in quick direction changes at higher speed due to limited tire grip and lots of body lean. Testers divided on steering: responsive to some, slow to others. Test EX was prone to wander in highway crosswinds and exhibited unwanted nosedive in simulated panic stops. Spectra5 and SX feel more agile thanks to their firmer suspension and larger tires, though still lean more in corners than might be expected.
QUIETNESS
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Wind and road ruckus are nicely subdued. The engine is coarse sounding, growing additionally hoarse around 4000 rpm. Hatchback design makes road noise more pronounced in Spectra5.
CONTROLS
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
The gauges are easily read and the controls are easily reached. High-set audio unit and three-dial climate system are simple to adjust, and all switchgear works with smooth precision.
DETAILS
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Cabin materials and finish exceed most in this price range. A poorly sealed right-rear window in one test sedan rattled and generated a highway-speed wind whistle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Despite a tilt steering wheel and lever-action seat-height adjuster, few of our testers were able to find an ideal driving position. The seats are subpar for contour and comfort. Long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel. Headroom is just OK for six-footers. Roof styling impedes aft visibility in Spectra5.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Not spacious, but under-seat foot space is good, as are knee and shoulder space. Headroom is adequate for six-footers. Entry and exit are easy enough for a compact.
CARGO ROOM
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 4.9 |
Sedans have usefully shaped trunks with adequate volume that's expandable via the standard 60/40 folding rear seat. Spectra5 has the same versatility, but its hatchback design swallows larger loads. Good cabin storage with various slots, bins, cubbies.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
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 | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 58 | 59 | 63 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 60
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