2004 Kia Spectra Review

South Korea's aggressive Kia plans to take on revered small cars such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla with its redesigned Spectra sedan.

Not long ago, a Kia model wouldn't have been mentioned in the same breath with those automakers. But the Spectra is a surprisingly good, roomy front-drive subcompact car with a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and surprising number of safety features for a low-priced car.

A sportier, more aggressively styled four-door hatchback called the Spectra5 arrives later this summer, but the Spectra sedan is fairly stylish with such items as a steeply raked windshield and robust rear-roof pillar.

For instance, the larger Spectra has six air bags, including front side air bags and full-length head-protecting side curtain air bags. Such items are important to many people who must buy small cars for one reason or another but are concerned about their size affecting safety.

Kia is playing it smart by providing those safety items, which are optional or unavailable on some larger cars. In fact, the Spectra is the lowest-priced vehicle in its market segment with standard full-length side curtain air bags and the lowest-priced car in America to offer that feature as standard equipment. However, the $400 anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution are optional -- and only for the top-line Spectra EX. They're not offered for the base LX model.

The new version of the Spectra has a longer wheelbase, wider track and increased overall width and height than its predecessor for better ride, handling and roominess. It also has more torque and 14 more horsepower for improved acceleration. It's based on the platform of the Elantra -- the larger of the two subcompact autos from South Korea's Hyundai, which is the parent company of Kia.

The 2-liter, four-cylinder Spectra engine replaces a 1.8-liter unit in its predecessor, but still is rather small and thus needs lots of revs for the best acceleration. It drones at speeds above 75 mph -- common on interstates outside urban areas. That made me wish the transmission had another gear during that driving condition to quiet things a bit by lowering engine revs. They're a high 3,400 rpm at 75 mph. However, the Spectra has a a dual-overhead-camshaft motor with continuously variable valve timing (a first for Kia) for better response and provides lively performance during most driving.

The engine comes with an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Standard is a slick five-speed manual gearbox; it works with a long-throw clutch that is generally OK -- but threatens to stall the engine if engaged too quickly.

The smooth $975 automatic transmission is responsive, but saps power from the engine.

The Spectra is easy with fuel. It provides an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway with the manual gearbox and 25 and 34 with the automatic transmission.

This car seems ideal for someone on a tight budget. The base LX model lists at $12,620 and the higher-line EX goes for $13,750. Most buyers are expected to be 25 to 34 years old and evenly split between men and women, with a median income of about $45,000 per year and most not having children

Standard for the LX are front bucket seats with a height-adjustable driver's feature, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD player with six speakers, variable intermittent wipers, rear defroster, automatic-off headlights and all-disc brakes; that makes the Spectra the lowest-priced vehicle in its segment with all-disc brakes as standard.

The EX adds air conditioning, power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, heated power mirrors, fog lights and a bottle holder in each front door. Options include $200 cruise control, $360 alloy wheels, $700 power sunroof and $250 rear spoiler.

Options for the LX include $960 air conditioning and the $250 rear spoiler.

The new, solidly built Spectra is fun to drive, with quick, responsive rack-and-pinion steering with engine speed-sensitive power assist. Handling is sharp, thanks partly to front and rear stabilizer bars that are a rarity in the small-car class. The all-independent suspension provides a supple ride.

The Spectra easily accommodates four tall adults, with an especially spacious rear seat area. Getting in and out is a snap, thanks to items such as large outside door handles and wide-opening doors.

The white-on-black gauges can be easily read, and the large climate controls are simple to work. However, the audio system controls that sit above those controls are small.

Power window controls are almost perfectly positioned on the driver's door. The dual front cupholders are positioned on the console to help avoid spills. The glove compartment is fairly large, but the covered center storage bin doesn't hold much.

The nicely shaped, spacious trunk is nearly two cubic feet larger than the old trunk at 12.2 cubic feet but could use a larger opening. The 60-40 split-folding rear seatbacks have two convenient release levers in the trunk and flip forward to enlarge the cargo area.

The improved new Spectra is worth a good look. Kia quality has improved considerably and it has one of the industry's best warranties, although resale value remains mediocre.

2004 KIA SPECTRA

Prices
$12,620-$13,750

Likes
Appealing new design. Lively. Roomy. Good roadability. Long warranty.


Dislikes
Long-throw clutch. Automatic transmission saps power. Engine noisy above 70 mph.