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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Kia Spectra

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Overview

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2009 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 an unbeatable combination of standard safety and convenience features, not to mention the 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. The 2009 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 2009

The EX trim adds cruise control to its standard equipment roster, while a power glass sunroof and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are now offered as options.

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.

2009 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 passengers under six-feet will find the rear-seat accommodations acceptable, but frequent stretching breaks may be in order during long road trips. The Spectra's front seats are fairly comfortable but could do with more thigh and lower back support. 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 2009 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 cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and four-wheel disc brakes. The SX trim adds a sport suspension, 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, anti-lock brakes and a power sunroof. Options for the SX are limited and include a power sunroof, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a six-disc CD/MP3 changer. Stand-alone options include a four-speed automatic transmission and remote start.

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

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2009 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 296 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

Not may problems . pretty much reliable so far.

By Steve (FL) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 91,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"All in all not a bad car. haven't invested much money in repairs other then normal wear and tear. The engine check light keeps coming on and I gave up sending to the dealer as they cant fix. It disappears and charge me a $100.00 plus dollars and the light comes back on. I just gave up and run with the light on and it doesn't seem to affect anything."

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154,000 miles and still runs perfect!

By Spectraowner (GA) on Wednesday, July 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 154,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "car has lots of noise on the road"

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

"This is probably the best car, for the money, that I've ever owned! I've kept up with routine maintenance, timing belt replaced at 110,000 miles, brakes replaced once, and oil changed every 10,000 miles. You can't buy a better car!"

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Awesome car!

By Jan (WA) on Wednesday, July 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Perfect car all the way around."

Cons: "No cons at all."

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

"We purchased this car new, have had it six years now and never have had a problem with it. It's everything we need in a car. My husband is 6' tall and still has plenty of head room. Just convinced my Mom to buy a Kia Forte - she's picking it up this week."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Awesome car!

By Jan (WA) on Wednesday, July 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Perfect car all the way around."

Cons: "No cons at all."

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

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Awesome car!

By Jan (WA) on Wednesday, July 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Perfect car all the way around."

Cons: "No cons at all."

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

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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

"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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See all 296 reviews