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2008 Kia Spectra Quality Review

November 3, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

cushioning feels adequate but not abundant
Cars.com

few of our testers were able to find an ideal driving position
ConsumerGuide

good build and materials quality
Edmunds

On the highway, the cabin is a place of Lexus-like serenity
Car and Driver

The 2008 Kia Spectra comes well equipped, but actual interior appointments are a weakness; it's very basic in design, which is fine, but it lacks the lustrous materials and cohesive styling that's now par for the course, even among bargain-priced rides. There's quite a bit of seating space, though, with a nicely proportioned, height-adjustable driver's seat. The 2008 Kia Spectra5 gets a completely different body style from the front doors back, with hatchback convenience and a tall roofline that continues almost all the way to the back of the vehicle, yielding impressive cargo space--especially when taking advantage of the fold-flat backseats.

Edmunds reports, "Like most compact cars, the [Kia] Spectra seats four comfortably, five in a pinch," adding "the seats are comfortable." However, Car and Driver notes "the front seats lack lumbar support." Cars.com qualifies this, reporting that "seat bottoms are short, and cushioning feels adequate but not abundant." Consumer Guide observes, "despite a tilt steering wheel and lever-action seat-height adjuster, few testers were able to find an ideal driving position." This source also notes that the 2008 Kia Spectra's seats are "subpar for contour and comfort...long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel...headroom is just OK for six-footers."

There aren't too many complaints about storage, however. ConsumerGuide reports that the 2008 Kia Spectra models have "usefully shaped trunks with adequate volume that's expandable via the standard 60/40 folding rear seat." The Detroit News declares that the Kia Spectra5 "offers 18.3 cubic feet of storage space, about 6 cubic feet more than the sedan. When the 60/40-split rear seats are folded flat, storage capacity in the hatchback expands to 52.8 cubic feet." Edmunds adds "storage cubbies and cupholders are generous in size."

On to the topic of materials, ConsumerGuide contends that the 2008 Kia Spectra's "cabin materials and finish exceed most in this price range," but notes that a "poorly sealed right-rear window in one test sedan rattled and generated a highway-speed wind whistle." Nonetheless, Edmunds asserts that the Kia Spectra offers a "comfortable and functional cabin...simple...with easy-to-use (and reach) controls and good build and materials quality."

Car and Driver waxes that "on the highway, the [Kia Spectra's] cabin is a place of Lexus-like serenity." ConsumerGuide, on the other hand, says that while "Wind and road ruckus are nicely subdued," the "engine is coarse sounding, growing additionally hoarse around 4000 rpm."

Conclusion

The 2008 Kia Spectra has abundant space for the class, but the seats and interior trim may not suit you.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:cushioning feels adequate but not abundantCars.comfew of our testers were able to find an ideal driving positionConsumerGuidegood build and materials qualityEdmundsOn the highway, the cabin is a place of Lexus-like serenityCar and Driver The 2008 Kia Spectra comes well equipped, but actual interior appointments are a weakness; it's very basic in design, which is fine, but it lacks the lustrous materials and cohesive styling that's now par for the course, even among bargain-priced rides. There's quite a bit of seating space, though, with a nicely proportioned, height-adjustable driver's seat. The 2008 Kia Spectra5 gets a completely different body style from the front doors back, with hatchback convenience and a tall roofline that continues almost all the way to the back of the vehicle, yielding impressive cargo space--especially when taking advantage of the fold-flat backseats. Edmunds reports, "Like most compact cars, the [Kia] Spectra seats four comfortably, five in a pinch," adding "the seats are comfortable." However, Car and Driver notes "the front seats lack lumbar support." Cars.com qualifies this, reporting that "seat bottoms are short, and cushioning feels adequate but not abundant." Consumer Guide observes, "despite a tilt steering wheel and lever-action seat-height adjuster, few testers were able to find an ideal driving position." This source also notes that the 2008 Kia Spectra's seats are "subpar for contour and comfort...long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel...headroom is just OK for six-footers." There aren't too many complaints about storage, however. ConsumerGuide reports that the 2008 Kia Spectra models have "usefully shaped trunks with adequate volume that's expandable via the standard 60/40 folding rear seat." The Detroit News declares that the Kia Spectra5 "offers 18.3 cubic feet of storage space, about 6 cubic feet more than the sedan. When the 60/40-split rear seats are folded flat, storage capacity in the hatchback expands to 52.8 cubic feet." Edmunds adds "storage cubbies and cupholders are generous in size." On to the topic of materials, ConsumerGuide contends that the 2008 Kia Spectra's "cabin materials and finish exceed most in this price range," but notes that a "poorly sealed right-rear window in one test sedan rattled and generated a highway-speed wind whistle." Nonetheless, Edmunds asserts that the Kia Spectra offers a "comfortable and functional cabin...simple...with easy-to-use (and reach) controls and good build and materials quality." Car and Driver waxes that "on the highway, the [Kia Spectra's] cabin is a place of Lexus-like serenity." ConsumerGuide, on the other hand, says that while "Wind and road ruckus are nicely subdued," the "engine is coarse sounding, growing additionally hoarse around 4000 rpm." ConclusionThe 2008 Kia Spectra has abundant space for the class, but the seats and interior trim may not suit you. 2008 KIA SPECTRA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "sculpted appearance and...more aggressive look" Detroit News: "It's a nice looking compact hatchback" Kelley Blue Book: "cohesive interior" The 2008 Kia Spectra is a compact sedan--or hatchback, the Spectra5--that has a roomy ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Kia Spectra's low-priced base model and long warranty are especially attractive, but there are better choices. Many of the rival models in this segment have been redesigned more recently than the Spectra's design, which now goes back to 2004. Although the Elantra shares its engine with the 2008 Kia Spectra, its interior is better designed, and the instrument panel and switchgear feel a step better. The Mazda3 is the choice among these cars if a frisky driving sensation is a priority, although the Mazda's cabin can be noisy on coarse surfaces and its backseat is rather cramped. The Corolla is also quite dated and due for a redesign for 2009; it has a ride that's about as soft and compliant as the Spectra's and an interior that seems rather cheap and dull, but it has a long-standing reputation for reliability and durability. The new Ford Focus is perhaps the most attractive alternative; it was thoroughly refreshed in design, inside and out, this year and offers a great ride along with standout features such as the SYNC communications and entertainment interface.

Next Steps:

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See the Kia Spectra in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Charlie Bell #1, Posted: 12/8/2008

    KIA SPECTRA GAS TANK PROBLEM

    I have never had this problem with any vehicle, but apparently overfilling a kia spectra gas tank can cause around $450 in non warranty damage. I new overfilling can be a safety issue, but I only overfill ocationally to round to the nearest dollar not to get every last drop in the tank. Kia gives no warning of possible mechanical damage, so beware.

  2. By willie #2, Posted: 3/1/2009

    specta gas problem

    I had the same problem and the dealership was trying to say it was may fault.Dealers put 2 year inspection stickers on new car so they have to warranty all safty and emission systems. So after fighting with tem over this they admitted that their is a problem with the fuel tank.My dealer has now replced the fuel tank,all vavles in the tank,the lines,gas filler neck, gas cap and vapor canaster. ALL UNDER WARRANTY.

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