2008 Kia Spectra5 Milwaukee WI
2008 Kia Spectra5
October 27, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Content Editor
2008 Kia Spectra
DriverSide Overview
For an entry-level compact economy car, the 2008 Kia Spectra5 checks all the necessary boxes. While the Kia marquee may be looked at as more of a "budget brand" than a quality import, the Spectra 5 certainly fits in with its economy import brethren. The build quality is decent, fuel economy is good, it rides well and most importantly of all it's versatile. The five-star frontal crash rating is reassuring to the safety conscious, as are the standard full-length side curtain airbags and front seat side mounted airbags. Overall though, the ergonomics and cabin comfort fall short of the competition and, unfortunately, this is not reflected in the Spectra5's pricing.
What's to Like
The versatility of the Spectra 5 is it's best selling point and, thanks to its 5-door wagon design and 60/40 folding seat, plenty of cargo space is on offer. Fuel economy is also a plus, returning up to 33 mpg on the highway and up to 27 mpg during city driving.
What's Not to Like
Being as the Spectra 5 is a compact, entry-level economy car, comfort has not been put at a premium. The interior finishes lack polish, there is little rear legroom and drivers over six feet tall simply won't be able to fit comfortably behind the wheel.
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The biggest gripe we have with the way the Spectra5 drives is the manual transmission. The gears are difficult to find and the light, vague clutch coupled with an overly sensitive gas pedal make the Kia difficult to live with in stop-and-go traffic. Potential buyers would be advised to consider only the automatic transmission. The steering is light and it seems to take more effort than it should to keep the car on course through turns. While the car rides smoothly and doesn't suffer greatly from cabin noise, the seats lack back support and can make the drive uncomfortable for stints lasting several hours.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Spectra5 comes standard with a 2.0L 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. As a result, it really has to be revved to get moving, especially with a few passengers or heavy cargo on board, and hills are a bit of an exercise in survival. Again, the manual transmission lacks feel and drivability - opt for the auto instead.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
Our Spectra5 came with an optional 6-disc in-dash CD changer mated to a six-speaker sound system. The biggest surprise was the audio auxiliary input, which allows an iPod or other audio source to be plugged directly into the sound system. The rear gate and folding rear seats expand the Spectra5 into a convenient hauler. Unfortunately, the power sunroof which came with our car is an extra option, but it really helped make the interior of the car feel more spacious than it actually is.
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