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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Kia Spectra

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

Overview

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2008 Kia Spectra Review

By KBB.com Editors

In the crowded compact-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 usually extra-cost options on rival cars. The 2008 Kia Spectra has 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 gasoline.

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 New for 2008

The LX sedan now offers the option of a four-speed automatic transmission.

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 capability (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.

2008 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. Two thumbs up for front, front side-impact and front and rear side-curtain airbags being included as standard equipment.

Exterior

Improved exterior styling is a big factor in the recent surge in the appeal of Korean vehicles. The 2008 Kia 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 S-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 and 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 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: 23/30 (manual), 24/32 (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

Buying this car?

2008 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 290 Ratings for the 2005 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.2/10

Styling

8.4/10

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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Great car

By MsMsr (OH) on Thursday, April 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "roomy cargo,styling easy to use controls"

Cons: "lousy traction in snow,cabin noise"

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

"I bought this car new in 06. My only complaint is the low profile tires make it hard to handle on snow and water.I have had no maintenence issues or problems with the car. Everything still works just fine. I bought the 5 door for the cargo room and it can handle a lot of stuff with the rear seats folded down. If your'e considering this car I'd say go for it. Fun to drive and nice looking. Fuel mileage is about 21 city 28 highway."

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It's ok

By behemoth606 (TX) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 111,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "easy to drive, and seems reliable."

Cons: "poor mpg for a small vehicle"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I bought an 06' just below 100k miles. The car is fun and easy to drive. My major complaint is that I do not get the mileage I am supposed to. I barely get 22mpg, and I do about 60% of my driving on the highway. Its not a bad car, it looks nice, but I would recommend other cars if you can afford it."

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love this car

By donmon (CA) on Friday, February 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 117,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "great car"

Cons: "sits low to the ground--but still love it"

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

"I bought the car for commuting to work it has done the job very well. I feel it sits a little low,but I can live with that. Had a problem when I first got it but the dealership fixed the problem and have had none since. I would buy it again and love the car. We are Ford, and Dodge owners, this car has me looking at other Kia models for our next car."

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