2009 Kia Spectra - Page 1 Review

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Shopping for a 2009 Kia Spectra? MSRP: $13,550 - $17,695

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The 2009 Kia Spectra is a lot of car for the money, but it's outclassed by more refined competitors.

The 2009 Spectra is available in three trim levels: LX, EX, and the sporty SX. All versions feature Kia's 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which uses variable valve timing to generate 138 horsepower. The engine can be somewhat loud and thrashy when pushed hard. Fuel economy is unimpressive for a small car, with ratings of 24/32 mpg with the automatic and 23/30 mpg for the manual.

The Spectra feels peppy with the standard five-speed manual, but it's unusually responsive in the mid-rev range, so it works well with the relatively smooth-shifting four-speed automatic.

The 2009 Kia Spectra5 and the SX sedan have sportier suspension tuning, but the standard Spectra sedan favors ride comfort over sporty handling. The Spectra5 and the SX sedan feature wider tires that make these versions much more enjoyable to drive if you routinely navigate curvy roads, with only a slight change in ride quality. Note that these models have increased road noise, though. The SX models are distinguished by their black mesh grille, fog lights, rear spoiler, and larger 16-inch wheels.

Last year the Kia Spectra5 received a makeover 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.