2008 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews

unexpected... an inexpensive, great car

Written by: midwest customer on 12/22/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Perfect for my purposes. Lots of city driving with the occasional cross country drive. I was blown away when I drove almost 500 miles at about 75mph before needing gas. The roomy interior is perfect as I often have a full car. Safety is a huge issue for me and I always feel good in this car. ABS served me well while driving through N.E. snowstorms. The cruise control is great too. Drives very smoothly, and the CD changer and iPod hookup are great for long drives. I love being able to have my GPS, cell phone charger, and iPod all plugged in at the same time. I have had this car for 4 months and have received tons of compliments.

Favorite Features

Nice exterior and interior, stainless steel pedals, and also, the roadside assistance people were extremely helpful&friendly when my car got stuck in a snowbank...I'm a young woman and was traveling alone when it got stuck on the thruway, and they stayed on the phone with me until I calmed down

Suggested Improvements

Rear defrost & windshield wiper, compass on rear view mirror, and also, for whatever reason, it seems to get stuck in the snow a lot, although this could be driver error :). I've had similar sized sedans in similar conditions and I don't know why, but it seems to need a good push much more often

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2008 Kia Spectra5 SX

Written by: Choncer on 12/20/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

The Spectra5 is a very fun spunky car that can't quite out-accelerate other like makes, at higher speeds it dominates. Turning and cornering is exceptional, sound system is lacking in quality, but replacing the door speakers makes a world of difference. Controls are very functional and convenient, construction is solid. After market accessories are limited, but that's to be expected with a new vehicle. Not fond of the fact that the glovebox doesn't lock. When rear seats are folded down though, all kinds of rear space. I can't say enough good things about this car.

Favorite Features

Price, suspension, turning, high quality stock tires, decent acceleration, awesome top speeds, easily modified stereo (rear speakers excluded).

Suggested Improvements

Make rear speakers more accessible, use a different plastic on interior body panels that doesn't scuff as easily, more durable carpet especially in the trunk area.

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My Kia

Written by: uptomischief on 11/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I have had my Kia about a week. What a fun car. It has excellent pick up and you feel safe scooting out in traffic. The car is very comfortable. Easy to maneuver the seat and tilt wheel to make it comfortable. The keyless entry is great. It has a ton of trunk space. Inside is roomy enough for four people. It has a lot of extras you would not expect such as place to plug in ipod, sturdy cup holders including ones in back seat, CD player, etc. What I found amazing was that this car had all these extras but cruise control is not standard. Overall, this is a great car. It is fun and easy to drive, very economical, comfortable, reliable, safe, and less expensive than the competition

Favorite Features

Everything is in such easy reach for the driver. Very, very safe car.

Suggested Improvements

Good stereo is included but it could be better in terms of sound.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Commuter Car - Thumbs UP!

Written by: billddrummer on 11/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Bought this vehicle seeking reasonable price point and good fuel economy. The car delivers both with excellent results! I have daily multi-destination commutes and put nearly 600 miles/week on this vehicle among 3 drivers. We routinely get 30+ miles/gallon in mixed driving, and the car is comfortable for all of us, ranging from 5'5" to over 6 feet. Seats are wide enough for middle-aged spread, and pickup in lower gears is exceptional. No complaints from this happy owner! Check this out before buying a Honda or Toyota Corolla.

Favorite Features

Dashboard layout, ergonomics, lumbar support for driver's seat, folding rear seats, additional cupholders in door pockets, safety features (side curtain airbags a rarity at this price point). Since the crash testing, I think the company added an extra bulkhead for rear crash protection.

Suggested Improvements

Standard ABS, better battery.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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What a fun surprise!

Written by: Kia Mia on 11/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I wasn't looking for a Kia when I went to this dealership. A salesman talked me into test driving a Spectra 5. I was totally surprised at how quiet and smooth this vehicle was. Road noise was absolutely minimal! The great looking interior is very comfortable. All instruments and accessories are easy to use while driving. I drove this car cross country twice and it was very comfortable the whole way. The car is very stylish. I've had numerous people inquiring about it with great interest. My wife liked the car so much that I gave it to her and bought another one, identical to it! The one thing I would change would be to have head rests that pivot from front to back. What a treat!

Favorite Features

The Electric Orange paint, the smooth quiet ride, and the overall stylish look of the car.

Suggested Improvements

Pivoting headrests.

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Kia Spectra-Thumbs Up!

Written by: KiaFan on 11/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I drove my Kia Spectra EX Automatic over 3700 miles in Western Canada and USA after buying one month before. Excellent comfort, cruise control was flawless, held the road well, achieved average of 35 mpg (39 in one stretch), great brakes. Plenty adequate pickup on entering a freeway. Very quiet engine at highway speed of 70 or at idle (wondered if in was running while waiting at a stop sign). The finish and fit is excellent. The price was right - at least $3000 less than a Corolla or Civic or Jetta. I also checked it to its sister/brother the Hyundai Elantra... compares well, same engine, nicer interior. Stereo/CD radio very good. Great warranty.

Favorite Features

Comfortable ride and agile handling, quiet engine and interior, good looks, 4-wheel disk brakes, great gas mileage, price, warranty, and dealer care.

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of any right now. Kia/Hyundai make a great car!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Nice car for the money

Written by: ikillbugs on 10/13/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my 2008 Kia used but with very few miles on it. I love the looks and the overall ride is excellent, even at 80 mph on the interstate (although past 80 it does get a bit shaky). I got the EX model, and given a choice (after the fact) I would certainly look for an SX model with the sportier suspension. It does not handle that well in tight corners, but I bought it for a commuter, not a race car. I rated it at 8 for BUILD QUALITY and RELIABILITY simply because I just don't know. I have only had the car a month. So far so good ;-)

Favorite Features

Appearance, interior styling and comfort, Auto-Off headlights

Suggested Improvements

Better stereo. The stock CD/stereo system is pretty much mediocre at best. I replaced the unit with a low-end Pioneer from Wal-Mart and it greatly outperforms the stock unit.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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My next car will be a Kia

Written by: Derrick on 10/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love it. It looks great in a parking lot and sexy on the road! My friends and family all want to drive it and wish their car was a kia. I love my spectra sx!

Favorite Features

Remote start, great radio/ cd player

Suggested Improvements

the passenger seat should be more like the drivers seat. Its a bit too firm.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Buyer's Remorse

Written by: James on 10/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This vehicle is really uncomfortable to drive for more than an hour. The driver's seat curves up sharply jabbing into your rear end. I'm not a skinny guy, but by no means large either. But the real disappointment is in the 23 mpg avg I'm getting. Mostly highway, this is very disappointing in a car this size. Now one nice thing is that the controls are easy to reach. Second, this car really has some kick. It will jump out in traffic like a 6 cylinder vehicle if you need to. But it fails to be a good ride and to be economical to drive.

Favorite Features

Nice acceleration, easy to reach controls.

Suggested Improvements

More comfortable seats, better fuel efficiency.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Outstanding! Move over Toyota!

Written by: joe on 09/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Before you pay more for a Toyota, Honda,etc, you owe it to yourself to look at the Kia! I bought this car a month ago and i can't say enough good about it. Style and features outside are great! Interior features and style, looks and feels awesome, then we get to the best part. This car handles and drives incredibly! I have the SX model which has the sport tuned suspension and it handles and feels like a sports car! I don't understand edmunds review about the motor. They say it gets noisy at high rpm, not mine! The 2.0 in this car has plenty of power and does not require high rev's to push or pass! I have the 5 speed manual, it's great! Don't overlook the Kia, you'll just pay more!

Favorite Features

Fun to drive! Solid built car! I feel confident this will be a dependable long lasting vehicle!

Suggested Improvements

Sound system could be better. Sounds great, i was honestly shocked at first how good it sounded, but if you really like it loud, the sound system can distort some at high volumes!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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