2008 Kia Spectra: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.