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2008 Kia Spectra Overview

Likes:

  • Impressive interior space
  • Smooth, settled ride
  • Responsive steering and handling in SX models

Dislikes:

  • Dull interior design and subpar materials
  • Disappointing fuel economy
  • Engine noise when revving or accelerating hard
  • Anti-lock brakes aren’t offered on much of the lineup

Bottom Line

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, Editor

In compiling this extensive review on the 2008 Kia Spectra, the experts at TheCarConnection.com used information from a range of differing viewpoints. Then TheCarConnection.com's editors also brought their own experiences driving several different Spectra models--including ...

Read the Bottom Line

Full Review

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, Editor

The 2008 Kia Spectra is a compact sedan--or hatchback, the Spectra5--that has a roomy interior and solid performance at a bargain price. According to Cars.com, the company promotes the Kia Spectra's "sculpted appearance and the more aggressive look it has over many of its...

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Select a Trim:

Trim MSRP / Invoice Fuel Econ
2008 Kia Spectra: 4dr Sedan Man LX $12,895 / $12,345 City: 23
Hwy: 30
2008 Kia Spectra: 4dr Sedan Auto LX $13,895 / $13,300 City: 24
Hwy: 32
2008 Kia Spectra: 4dr Sedan Man EX $14,895 / $13,925 City: 23
Hwy: 30
2008 Kia Spectra: 4dr Sedan Auto EX $15,895 / $14,860 City: 24
Hwy: 32
2008 Kia Spectra: 4dr Sedan Man SX $15,995 / $14,955 City: 23
Hwy: 30
2008 Kia Spectra: 4dr Sedan Auto SX $16,995 / $15,890 City: 24
Hwy: 32
2008 Kia Spectra: 5dr HB Man Spectra5 $15,995 / $14,955 City: 23
Hwy: 30
2008 Kia Spectra: 5dr HB Auto Spectra5 $16,995 / $15,890 City: 24
Hwy: 32

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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for the 2008 Kia Spectra

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for the 2008 Kia Spectra

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for a 2008 Kia Spectra near you

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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