2007 Kia Spectra Review
A nice little car with impressive value.
Overview
The Kia Spectra is a small but compelling package. More important for everyday driving, the Spectra is a nice little car. It represents one of the best values among compacts, with an impressive list of safety equipment for its modest price.
Kia Spectra has been on the market for four years. It comes in a four-door sedan or the Spectra5 five-door hatch.
Styling is sharp and distinctive. Its cabin is roomy and pleasant with a modern design and nice-quality materials and good fit and finish. Everything is easy to operate. It gets an EPA-estimated 27/33 mpg City/Highway yet produces peppy performance.
Safety features are plentiful: The Spectra comes with a full complement of airbag supplemental restraints. In addition to the mandatory dual frontal airbags, the Spectra's front-seat occupants are protected by seat-mounted side-impact airbags; while full-coverage side curtain airbags protect both front- and rear-seat occupants.
Model Lineup
The 2007 Kia Spectra line features four models: LX, EX, and SX sedan, and Spectra5 SX hatch. All can seat up to five passengers. All are front-wheel-drive compacts powered by a 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine. All models are. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual; a four-speed automatic is optional ($1,000).
LX ($13,495) comes with cloth upholstery, six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD six-speaker stereo, auto-off headlights, tachometer, digital clock, dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console, height-adjustable front seat belt anchors, tinted glass, rear window defroster and dual map lights with sunglasses holder. Outside mirrors are manually adjustable and windows have hand cranks. Air conditioning is optional ($900).
EX ($15,495) adds air conditioning, power windows, heated power mirrors, power central locking, remote keyless entry, and fog lights. Fifteen-inch aluminum wheels (replacing 15-inch steel wheels) are optional ($400).
SX ($16,595) features a sport-tuned suspension with a strut-tower bar, 16-inch aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and unique interior and exterior trim.
Spectra5 ($16,595) is equipped identically to SX, but is a five-door hatchback instead of a four-door sedan.
Optional on the EX, SX, and Spectra5 are anti-lock brakes ($400), in-dash six-CD player with MP3 ($300) and a power tilt moonroof ($700).
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2007 Kia Spectra, click here: 2007 Kia Spectra.
