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2009 Kia Spectra Quality Review

June 20, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Like most compact cars, the Spectra seats four comfortably, five in a pinch
Edmunds

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

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

cushioning feels adequate but not abundant
Cars.com

Last year the Kia Spectra5 received 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 rear of the vehicle, yielding impressive cargo space—especially when taking advantage of the fold-flat backseats. There's quite a bit of seating space, with a nicely proportioned, height-adjustable driver's seat. The 2009 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.

ConsumerGuide 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 2009 Kia Spectra's seats are "sub par for contour and comfort...long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel...headroom is just OK for six-footers." 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, commenting that "seat bottoms are short, and cushioning feels adequate but not abundant."

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." ConsumerGuide reports that the 2009 Kia Spectra models have "usefully shaped trunks with adequate volume that's expandable via the standard 60/40 folding rear seat."

Regarding the Spectra’s interior, 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." ConsumerGuide contends that the 2009 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."

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

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Spectra has abundant space for the class, but the skimpy seats and Spartan interior trim may not suit you.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Like most compact cars, the Spectra seats four comfortably, five in a pinchEdmundsOn the highway, the cabin is a place of Lexus-like serenityCar and Driverfew of our testers were able to find an ideal driving positionConsumerGuidecushioning feels adequate but not abundantCars.com Last year the Kia Spectra5 received 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 rear of the vehicle, yielding impressive cargo space—especially when taking advantage of the fold-flat backseats. There's quite a bit of seating space, with a nicely proportioned, height-adjustable driver's seat. The 2009 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. ConsumerGuide 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 2009 Kia Spectra's seats are "sub par for contour and comfort...long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel...headroom is just OK for six-footers." 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, commenting that "seat bottoms are short, and cushioning feels adequate but not abundant." 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." ConsumerGuide reports that the 2009 Kia Spectra models have "usefully shaped trunks with adequate volume that's expandable via the standard 60/40 folding rear seat." Regarding the Spectra’s interior, 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." ConsumerGuide contends that the 2009 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." ConsumerGuide says, "Wind and road ruckus are nicely subdued," but the "engine is coarse sounding, growing additionally hoarse around 4000 rpm." However, Car and Driver waxes that, "on the highway, the [Kia Spectra's] cabin is a place of Lexus-like serenity." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Spectra has abundant space for the class, but the skimpy seats and Spartan interior trim may not suit you. 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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