2005 Kia Spectra Review

The Kia Spectra demonstrates that marginal, low-pricedsmall cars are almost gone.

South Korea once sold junky cars, but Hyundai and Hyundai-owned Kia have proven to be fast learners, and now they offer competitive vehicles.

The compact Spectra is positioned above Kia's entry-level Rio, which costs less but lacks the power and features of the Spectra -- although both have an alluring 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The front-drive Spectra is among the least expensive cars with standard head-protecting curtain side air bags, besides front side air bags.

Entry-level cars once were simple to buy because they usually came in just one body style and featured few options and trim levels. That's generally no longer the case.

For instance, the Spectra comes as a sedan in LX, mid-range EX and top-line SX trim levels -- and also as a sporty new Spectra5 mini wagon with a rear hatch. List prices range from $12,700 to $15,970.

Kia knows that most Americans prefer a conventional trunk to a hatchback, so it has given the SX sporty features of the Spectra5. They include a stiffer sport suspension and low-profile 50-series tires on 16-inch alloy wheels instead of standard narrower tires on 15-inch wheels.

Other Spectra5 features shared by the SX include a rear spoiler, side sills below doors for a lower appearance, fog lights, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, sport fabric on seats and door panels and metal-finish trim throughout the interior, including metal pedals.

The base Spectra LX looks less sporty than the SX or Spectra5, and it has a shorter list of standard features. However, the LX is fairly well-equipped for the money with a tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD player, split folding rear seat, variable intermittent wipers, rear defogger and all-disc brakes.

Air conditioning, which practically all car buyers want, is a $960 option.

The $13,850-$14,850 EX also doesn't look very sporty, but adds air conditioning, heated power mirrors and power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

The Spectra5 and SX, which possess features of the LX and EX, have identical prices: $15,250 with a five-speed manual gearbox and $16,225 with a four-speed automatic transmission.

A $700 power sunroof is available for the LX, SX and Spectra 5. Also, $400 anti-lock brakes are offered for those models, which get cruise control for an extra $250.

The SX and Spectra5 have more athletic handling than the LX and EX with their stiffer suspensions, wider tires and such. However, while all Spectras have front/rear stabilizer bars for better handling, all versions emphasize a soft ride. Low speed maneuverability is good, with quick steering, but the Spectra isn't the type of car that likes to be pushed hard above moderate speeds.

Power flows from a sophisticated 2-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and continuously variable valve timing. It generates 138 horsepower, but must be revved hard for the best acceleration because it's small. It turns over at a rather high 3,000 rpm at 65 mph in top gear, but allows easy highway cruising.

Performance is lively in town, but the 65-75 mph passing time is average, even after downshifting from fifth gear to lower gears. The manual transmission should be left in third gear in town for quick moves. Its shifter works smoothly, but the clutch has a long throw. The brake pedal has a progressive action for smooth stops.

The automatic transmission works OK but soaks up some power.

Estimated fuel economy with the manual is noteworthy: 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. The figures are 24 and 34 with the automatic.

The quiet interior is nicely designed and provides impressive room for four tall adults, or for five in a pinch.

Large door handles make it easy to enter, and front bucket seats provide good support. Controls are within easy reach, and gauges can be quickly read, although the tachometer should be larger.

Dual cupholders are conveniently located on the front console, although snap-out rear cupholders are placed rather low at the back of that console. Front doors have pockets with bottle holders.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening and rear seatbacks in the sedan flip forward and sit flat to enlarge the cargo area. The entire rear seat in the Spectra5 folds forward for more cargo space. However, the interior of the sedan's trunk lid has an unfinished look, and the lid has space-eating "gooseneck" hinges instead of hydraulic struts.

The engine compartment looks surgically neat, although the heavy hood must be held open by a short prop rod.

The Spectra is helping Kia rack up higher U.S. sales this year -- 143,086 vehicles for the first six months, compared to 135,901 in the same year-ago period.

Resale value is unknown, but the Spectra's tight feel promises a fairly long life, and the car's long warranty is a definite plus. 
2005 KIA SPECTRA
PRICES
$12,700-$15.970

LIKES
Roomy. Nicely equipped. Smooth ride. Generous warranty. Easy with fuel.

DISLIKES
Long-throw clutch. Small tachometer. Questionable resale value.