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2009 Kia Spectra Review

June 20, 2009

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

have moved up the scale considerably in terms of style
Edmunds

cohesive interior
Kelley Blue Book

It's a nice looking compact hatchback
Detroit News

The 2009 Kia Spectra puts less emphasis on sharp styling than other basic economy cars.

The Detroit News sums it up succinctly: "It's a nice looking compact hatchback." The SX models are further distinguished visually by their black mesh grille, fog lights, rear spoiler, and larger 16-inch wheels. Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2009 Kia Spectra has "large, jewel-like headlamps that highlight sharply styled sheet metal in a vehicle that in no way resembles Kia's first entry in this country [the Sephia]." According to Cars.com, the company promotes the Kia Spectra's "sculpted appearance and the more aggressive look it has over many of its rivals" with "large, angular headlights [that] flank the grille" and "full-length body creases [that] are meant to impart a sense of motion." This, according to Edmunds, is an improvement over previous models: "The current [Kia] Spectra sedan and Spectra5 four-door hatchback counterpart have moved up the scale considerably in terms of style."

The Detroit News says the 2009 Kia Optima's interior is "fairly Spartan...interior decor includes metal-finish trim and sport-cloth seats with matching door panel inserts." Kelley Blue Book's main complaint concerns a design flaw: "Aesthetically, the only blemish is an AM/FM/CD player that isn't physically or stylistically well-integrated into the otherwise cohesive interior." The 2009 Kia Spectra interior sports a very basic design lacking the lustrous materials and cohesive styling that's now par for the course, even among bargain-priced rides. The only Kia Spectra interior decor worth noting, according to Cars.com, is the SX’s "perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, aluminum pedals and metal-finish trim"—all of which is optional.

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Spectra isn't much of a looker from the outside, but inside it's downright dull.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:have moved up the scale considerably in terms of styleEdmundscohesive interiorKelley Blue BookIt's a nice looking compact hatchbackDetroit News The 2009 Kia Spectra puts less emphasis on sharp styling than other basic economy cars. The Detroit News sums it up succinctly: "It's a nice looking compact hatchback." The SX models are further distinguished visually by their black mesh grille, fog lights, rear spoiler, and larger 16-inch wheels. Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2009 Kia Spectra has "large, jewel-like headlamps that highlight sharply styled sheet metal in a vehicle that in no way resembles Kia's first entry in this country [the Sephia]." According to Cars.com, the company promotes the Kia Spectra's "sculpted appearance and the more aggressive look it has over many of its rivals" with "large, angular headlights [that] flank the grille" and "full-length body creases [that] are meant to impart a sense of motion." This, according to Edmunds, is an improvement over previous models: "The current [Kia] Spectra sedan and Spectra5 four-door hatchback counterpart have moved up the scale considerably in terms of style." The Detroit News says the 2009 Kia Optima's interior is "fairly Spartan...interior decor includes metal-finish trim and sport-cloth seats with matching door panel inserts." Kelley Blue Book's main complaint concerns a design flaw: "Aesthetically, the only blemish is an AM/FM/CD player that isn't physically or stylistically well-integrated into the otherwise cohesive interior." The 2009 Kia Spectra interior sports a very basic design lacking the lustrous materials and cohesive styling that's now par for the course, even among bargain-priced rides. The only Kia Spectra interior decor worth noting, according to Cars.com, is the SX’s "perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, aluminum pedals and metal-finish trim"—all of which is optional. ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Spectra isn't much of a looker from the outside, but inside it's downright dull. 2009 KIA SPECTRA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Edmunds: "have moved up the scale considerably in terms of style" Kelley Blue Book: "cohesive interior" Detroit News: "It's a nice looking compact hatchback " The 2009 Kia Spectra puts less emphasis on sharp styling than other basic economy ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

Many of the rival models in this segment have been restyled more recently than the Spectra, which bears a design that goes back to 2004. The Toyota Corolla has been recently redesigned, but like the Spectra it has a relatively soft, compliant ride and its interior feels cheaper than other rivals. However, the Toyota has a long-standing reputation for reliability and durability. The Ford Focus is perhaps the most attractive alternative; its design was recently refreshed, inside and out, and offers a great ride along with standout features such as the SYNC communications and entertainment interface. 2009 models drop the cheesy side gills that were introduced for 2008. The Mazda3 is the choice among these cars if a frisky driving sensation is a priority, but the Mazda's cabin can be noisy on coarse surfaces and its backseat is rather cramped. Although the Elantra shares its engine with the 2009 Kia Spectra, its interior is better designed, and the instrument panel and switchgear feel a step better. Also keep in mind that an all-new replacement, the Forte, is being introduced as an early 2010 model.

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See the Kia Spectra in Other Years:

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

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