2009 Kia Spectra Features Review

June 20, 2009

FEATURES | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The audio system has an auxiliary jack
Cars.com

long list of standard features
Car and Driver

Kia Spectra represents a laudable blend of...features
ConsumerGuide

All the usual features and options are available on the 2009 Kia Spectra, including a remote smart, but a Bluetooth hands-free system and satellite radio are absent from the list.

Audiophiles will be happy with the Cars.com report that the Kia Spectra's "audio system has an auxiliary jack for iPods or other MP3 players, and a six-CD changer is optional on the Spectra SX." Car and Driver says "rounding out the long list of standard features" on the Kia Spectra "are an adjustable steering wheel, a CD stereo with six speakers, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and variable intermittent wipers."

"Trim levels include the base LX, uplevel EX and sport-tuned SX,” says Car and Driver, and "rounding out the long list of standard features" on the Kia Spectra "are an adjustable steering wheel, a CD stereo with six speakers, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and variable intermittent wipers." Standard equipment on all versions includes an AM/FM/CD stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack.

ConsumerGuide reports that the 2009 Kia Spectra "EX adds air conditioning; fog lights; and power windows, door locks, and mirrors, the latter heated."
According to Cars.com, "extra features in the SX sedan include a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, aluminum pedals and metal-finish trim."

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Spectra doesn’t boast some of the newer features found on other compact cars, but all the basics are there.

FEATURES | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:The audio system has an auxiliary jackCars.comlong list of standard featuresCar and DriverKia Spectra represents a laudable blend of...featuresConsumerGuide All the usual features and options are available on the 2009 Kia Spectra, including a remote smart, but a Bluetooth hands-free system and satellite radio are absent from the list. Audiophiles will be happy with the Cars.com report that the Kia Spectra's "audio system has an auxiliary jack for iPods or other MP3 players, and a six-CD changer is optional on the Spectra SX." Car and Driver says "rounding out the long list of standard features" on the Kia Spectra "are an adjustable steering wheel, a CD stereo with six speakers, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and variable intermittent wipers." "Trim levels include the base LX, uplevel EX and sport-tuned SX,” says Car and Driver, and "rounding out the long list of standard features" on the Kia Spectra "are an adjustable steering wheel, a CD stereo with six speakers, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and variable intermittent wipers." Standard equipment on all versions includes an AM/FM/CD stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack. ConsumerGuide reports that the 2009 Kia Spectra "EX adds air conditioning; fog lights; and power windows, door locks, and mirrors, the latter heated." According to Cars.com, "extra features in the SX sedan include a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, aluminum pedals and metal-finish trim." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Spectra doesn’t boast some of the newer features found on other compact cars, but all the basics are there. 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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