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2008 Kia Spectra Full Review
Date Published: 8/26/08
Also in the 2008 Kia Spectra Review:
5.
6.
Kia Spectra Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Kia Spectra Review
The 2008 Kia Spectra and Spectra5 are largely unchanged. 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-door hatchback called the Spectra5 SX. All models have a 138-hp 4-cylinder engine. A manual transmission is standard, and an automatic is optional on all. Available safety features include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. All but LX include 4-wheel disc brakes, remote keyless entry, and power windows/locks/heated mirrors. SX and Spectra5 SX have a sport suspension and are available with a sunroof.
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 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
News
Spectra should mark time for the next couple years.
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2008 Kia Spectra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration w/automatic trans. |
| Instruments/controls | Engine noise |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
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
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.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.5 |
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
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.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.4 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| EX, manual | EX, automatic | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
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
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 | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 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 | SX sedan, manual | Spectra5, manual | Class Average |
| 60 | 58 | 59 | 63 | 58.4 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Kia Spectra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/19/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| LX 4-door sedan, manual | $12,895 | $12,345 | $625 |
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| LX 4-door sedan, automatic | $13,895 | $13,300 | $625 |
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| EX 4-door sedan, manual | $14,895 | $13,925 | $625 |
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| EX 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,895 | $14,860 | $625 |
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| SX 4-door sedan, manual | $15,995 | $14,955 | $625 |
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| SX 4-door sedan, automatic | $16,995 | $15,890 | $625 |
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| Spectra5 4-door hatchback, manual | $15,995 | $14,955 | $625 |
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| Spectra5 4-door hatchback, automatic | $16,995 | $15,890 | $625 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
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| Spectra | $1000-$3000 cash back or 2.9%-4.5% financing. | Customer | 09/02/08 |
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 or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, 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
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
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LX
|
$900
|
$805
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Power sunroof
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SX, Spectra5
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$700
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$625
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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SX, Spectra5
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$300
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$250
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Cruise control
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EX
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$250
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$225
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Remote engine start
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automatic
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$250
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$215
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Floormats
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LX
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$85
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$65
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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LX, EX
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$375
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$325
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Alloy wheels
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EX
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$400
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$360
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|
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 2833 | 2701 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 52.8 | 12.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| 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 | 23/30 |
| 4-speed automatic | 24/32 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Kia Spectra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Kia Spectra Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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