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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2007 Kia Spectra

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2009 Kia Spectra

Overview

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2007 Kia Spectra Review

By KBB.com Editors

In the crowded subcompact car field, the Kia Spectra sometimes falls off the radar screen. That's a shame, because this little four-door has a lot to offer, including a host of standard safety features that are either optional or unavailable on rival cars. Sharing its underpinnings with the Hyundai Elantra, the Spectra touts its own sporty good looks with bright exterior paint, body-colored door handles and available body-colored mirrors and racy alloy wheels. The Spectra's 2.0-liter engine doesn't exactly inspire spirited driving, but it is a miserly consumer of fossil fuels.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a high-value car and you like the Kia Spectra's more expressive styling, this is a lot of vehicle for not much money. And you might especially appreciate the sprightly demeanor of the SX version.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If the recently documented quality improvements made by at least one Korean automaker have you expecting absolute top-tier refinement, you might be disappointed.

What's Significant About This Car?

Minor updates to the interior and exterior mark the Spectra's major changes. A tire pressure monitor is now standard, as is an auxiliary audio input jack.

Driving the Spectra

Driving Impressions We drove the sporty Spectra SX model that features a more tightly tuned suspension than the EX version. Like the Spectra5 hatchback with which it shares its performance modifications, we...

found the SX more fun in the corners than many other cars in this category.

In EX trim, expect a smoother highway ride in place of that enhanced cornering ability (although the SX rides nicely enough itself). In any case, the four-cylinder engine delivers responsive acceleration and enough power to make the four-speed automatic a perfectly valid option. With the manual transmission, the shift lever functions adequately enough but the action feels awkward and unrefined.

Favorite Features

Smart Styling
Contemporary, attractive styling makes the Spectra easy on the eyes, inside and out.

Six Standard Airbags
It's nice not having to decide whether to pay more money for extra airbags.

2007 Kia Spectra Details

Interior

Nicely designed, and using materials as good as one would reasonably expect in this price range, the Kia Spectra is a decent place to spend a commute. Most would find the rear-seat accommodations acceptable for even a longer road trip. Aesthetically, the only blemish is an AM/FM/CD player that isn't physically or stylistically well-integrated into the otherwise cohesive interior.

Exterior

Improved exterior styling is a big factor in the recent surge in the appeal of Korean vehicles. The Spectra features large, jewel-like headlamps that highlight sharply styled sheet metal in a vehicle that in no way resembles Kia's first entry in this country, the Sephia (of which the Spectra is a direct descendant). The sharp crease running from wheel to wheel adds a degree of design sophistication, similar to the side treatment of Mercedes-Benz's new CLS-Class.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Spectra LX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (the only powerplant available in the lineup), a five-speed manual transmission, AM/FM/CD sound system with six speakers, tilt wheel plus a full complement of airbags including front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags. The EX trim adds air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and four-wheel disc brakes. The SX trim adds a sport suspension, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal interior trim.

Optional Equipment

Options for the LX trim include air conditioning and carpeted floor mats, while the EX can be equipped with an automatic transmission, 15-inch alloy wheels and cruise control. Options for the SX are limited to a power moonroof, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a six-disc CD/MP3 changer.

Under the Hood

The Spectra's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine employs continuously variable valve timing to produce 138 peak horsepower—and it often feels stronger than that. City and highway acceleration is brisk, and fuel economy is very good.

2.0-liter in-line 4
138 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
136 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/33 (manual), 27/35 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Spectra vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2007 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 293 Ratings for the 2005 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.2/10

Styling

8.4/10

best car I have ever owned

By Britton on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 147,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "see above"

Cons: "no negatives"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am 67 years old and have owned many cars. I just bought a new car and refused to trade this car. It has 147,000 miles and only one repair - a fuel/air sensor and the repair was $80.00. Fuel economy is great. Has original brakes with nothing broken; not even a light bulb has burnt out. After 7 years it runs great and remains fun to drive. Still has more than sufficient power and and handling is great and fun. Never understood why it was replaced by the Soul which is not nearly as nicely designed as the Spectra Kia. It's style has stood the test of time and looks like a lot of the new models in the same class and type."

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best car I have ever owned

By Britton on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 147,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "see above"

Cons: "no negatives"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

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A reliable, economical & sporty car

By Ken (MN) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 49,300

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Peppy, reliable, cost-effective"

Cons: "no tilt steering"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my Spectra new in 2006 mostly for commuting to work, about 14 miles each way. Have since retired. It's been a fine car for the money and very reliable [NO repairs needed so far; just maintenance]. Plenty of power for moving 2 good-sized adults around and it rides comfortably, even for occasional drives of over 100 miles. Handles good. With a car this size, the standard side air bags are a welcome feature [this car hasn't been involved in any accidents so far]. Still get compliments on its style, and mileage on the highway is around 33 mpg and up to 30 mpg even in the suburbs."

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Good

By Susanne (OH) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Bought this car brand new in 2006. It has been an excellent car, only 1 problem, it needed a new transmission at 70K miles, fortunately after a massive battle with KIA, they paid for 2/3 of a new transmission. Other than that, it has been a good car and pretty reliable. I have now moved on to the Chevy Sonic and my 2 daughters share the Kia."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love my KIA!

By bunnydeb (CA) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "My car is peppy and steers beautifully!"

Cons: "The front spoiler was poorly designed."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I originally bought this vehicle because it was the best value for the money at the time. I especially liked the interior fabric on the seats, the trim on the dash and exterior, and the style of the car. I wanted a vehicle that offered storage space in the rear which is obtainable by lowering the back seats which extends the rear cargo area to accommodate long items such as rakes, lumber, snow skis, etc. The most important feature for me was the driver's seat. I'm only 5'1" and in most other cars, by the time I get the driver's seat adjusted to reach the peddles, the gear shift is too far back. The seat also adjusts high/low so that I don't look like a child driving the car!! I love my KIA Spectra 5!"

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Really Reliable

By HeadStrongChic (CA) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 116,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "mpg, cute, reliable, durable, safety, comfort"

Cons: "slow acceleration, compact car -repairs expensive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have to say that this was my first car and I rode it really hard. I've taken it places off road where it shouldn't have gone, I've put over 100,000 miles on it in less than 4 years. The worst problem I've had is routine stuff like oils changes, and tires and brakes. Lately at being 7 years old it has an odd quark in that the window on the passenger's side roll up and down when using the button from the door, but not from the drivers side. I like the fact that it handles very well, better than expected actually. Surprisingly gas efficient too. It varied but on the highway I got 500 miles on it between fill ups with the picture to prove it. I've taken this care across country through extreme heat and snow. Also it's been hit a few times by other cars but you couldn't tell. Cars seem to roll away with damage like huge dents, and the worst that happened to mine was punch the corner of a bumper back in place. This car wasn't phased by anything rough road or long road didn't make a difference. Love it."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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