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2009 Kia Spectra Safety Review

June 20, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Acceptable" frontal offset safety; "marginal" side impact
IIHS

Five stars, front impact protection; four stars, side impact and rollover resistance
NHTSA

roof styling impedes aft visibility
ConsumerGuide

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the sedan "acceptable" in frontal protection and "marginal" in side protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-tests the 2009 Kia Spectra, and it earns five stars for frontal protection and four stars for side-impact protection.

Cars.com notes "antilock brakes are optional." However, Edmunds reports, "the Kia Spectra sports an impressive list of standard safety equipment that includes front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags."

The only comment on visibility comes from ConsumerGuide, which states that with the Kia Spectra5 model, "roof styling impedes aft visibility."

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Spectra lacks some safety features that are expected and doesn't do especially well in crash tests.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Acceptable" frontal offset safety; "marginal" side impactIIHSFive stars, front impact protection; four stars, side impact and rollover resistanceNHTSAroof styling impedes aft visibilityConsumerGuide The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the sedan "acceptable" in frontal protection and "marginal" in side protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-tests the 2009 Kia Spectra, and it earns five stars for frontal protection and four stars for side-impact protection. Cars.com notes "antilock brakes are optional." However, Edmunds reports, "the Kia Spectra sports an impressive list of standard safety equipment that includes front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags." The only comment on visibility comes from ConsumerGuide, which states that with the Kia Spectra5 model, "roof styling impedes aft visibility." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Spectra lacks some safety features that are expected and doesn't do especially well in crash tests. 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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