2009 Kia Spectra User Reviews

Pros

Good gas mileage, comfortable, quiet cabin, plenty of cargo space.

Cons

none yet, but haven`t experienced snow yet without ABS

Purchased As New

I looked at a number of vehicles before I bought the Kia, I bought this car based on the price with options, and you can`t find a better warranty. I`ve only had the car a little over three months and I`m glad I bought it. I would recommend this car to anyone. The owners manual suggests 7500 mile oil change intervals, I changed mine at 3000 miles and I would recommend that you do the same, the oil I took out looked like it was due to be changed....read morehide

Purchased As New

We own a 2003 Kia 4dr Spectra and a 2004 Kia Spectra both of which were purchased new. Each of them has about 140,000 miles on them and have needed only tires, brakes, plugs and regular maintenance. For reliabilty they cannot be beat

Pros

Comfy, Modern, Efficient, Handles Well

Cons

No ABS, Bass rattles doors a bit, briefly clunky when cold

Purchased As New

I'm enjoying my new spectra - only 3000 miles so far, but no problems, has been a great simple commuting car. Does fine on the hills, accelerates fast enough in general, and I really do enjoy how it handles. For the money, I'm satisfied.

Pros

Fun and responsive, lot's of extras.

Cons

Would've prefered a bit more modern look

Purchased As Used

I bought my Kia at Carmax as a used car. It only 700 miles on it. I love it. It has a spoiler, alloy wheels, and 5-speed transmission. It has electronics found in cars that are much more expensive. The trunk space is impressive for a small car. I've travelled out of state in it and have enjoyed it. Love the MP3 plug connection for my iPod or for my XM radio. Kia gave me a 60,000 mile bumper to bumper guarantee because it was an "used" car. My next car will be another Kia, probably a 5-speed Forte Coupe....read morehide

Pros

Good fuel economy, looks great, impressive list of standard equipment

Cons

I haven't found any yet

Purchased As New

This is a great car. Easy and fun to drive, good gas mileage, very well made, While the pick-up isn't that of a V8 engine, it is still excellent, even when the car is full of passengers. It is not a luxury car, but is very comfortable for a compact. My Kia is equipped with a sunroof which is great for California weather. I am also impressed with the 100,000 mile warranty. I love this car!...read morehide

Pros

great fuel economy, good power, a joy to drive.

Cons

none so far. been driving it since dec 2008

Purchased As New

I looked at many cars and the Kia spectra seemed to be the best deal for the money. I'm tempted to buy another one but I can't drive both at the same time. Great car for the money.

Pros

Tight turns, good gas milage, manual gear box

Cons

Road noise (but not a deal breaker)

Purchased As New

I changed my 19 year old 525i BMW taking advantage of the Cash for Clunkers program. This is actually my fourth Kia (two in the US and two in Colombia, SA). So far, I'm happy with my sporty Spectra. I was able to get the Copperhead which is a real head turner. Suspension is tight and takes the car smoothly through the corners. Manual gear box is a blast. If you want to slowly cycle through the gears it does it decisively. If you're feeling preppy, the same. Fifth gear is nicely set to smoothly handle the constant freeway ups and downs. Cruise control keeps the car evenly steady at highway speeds. My experience is that after about 5,000-7,000 miles the motor really comes alive. From then on it happy accelerating. My other car is a 5 year old Kia Sorento and we have driven it all around the country (we live in Miami) and it just seems to get better all the time....read morehide

Pros

Price, economy, smoothe engine, driving, good power, interior appointments and space

Cons

None

Purchased As New

After renting an '07 Kia Spectra EX (same as 08 and 09) I bought one last year (08). It has been outstanding. I did experience an AC hose problem, but the dealer and Kia fixed it with no hassle under the warranty. Works perfect now. I can't say I've had a better car in my 66 years. Kia (and Hyundai) got it down right! What confuses me is why Kia has replaced its best-selling Spectra with the Forte--which is more like the mid-sized Kia Optima. (Maybe I am just not market savvy.)...read morehide

Pros

Price and fuel economy

Cons

seat material too light and shows dirt easy

Purchased As New

I rented this car to take a trip in and fell in love with it! I did not want to take it back. Less than a month later I have my very own new Kia. Love the room and the handling. The price and rebates made this car affordable even on our limited budget. Great value for the money.

Pros

Great Price, Loaded, Sharp Looking, good fuel economy

Cons

132 HP 4-Cyl could have used more ooomph.

Purchased As New

I traded in my 91 Acura using the Clunkers for Cash credit & Kia had a $3500 rebate on Spectras. So I got a great deal for the SX trim. I miss the Acura's torque & 200 HP but I love the fuel economy with the CVVT 4-Cyl. I was able to get the "Copperhead" color, so the car looks sharp & it has fog lights and a rear spoiler. Before you laugh at the spoiler, I was cruising the I-10 at 105 mph & this engine was up to the task. At 85 mph & below the cabin noise was minimal. The 6-speaker, 6 disc CD player sounds fantastic at all levels of output. The interior is nicely done, looks good without having a cheap plastic feel to it. I am 6'1" & with the adjustable driver's seat, I have no problems getting comfortable behind the wheel. The trunk was bigger than I expected and it has 60/40 split fold-down rear seats that provides plenty of luggage space.

I took some local back roads and the suspension was solid and the car felt glued to the road even as I took the curves at a goodly amount of speed. The brakes bring the car to a quick stop with no spongy fade. I look forward to taking my new Spectra on a long road trip to visit family in TN. The 700 mile journey will allow me to wring this car out & see if it holds up for the 11 hour drive.

I feel I got an excellent value for the price paid & the folks at my local Kia (Premiere Kia of Kenner) dealer were really great to work with, no BS, no pressure and they answered all of my questions. My other choice was the Honda Fit but it was too expensive for my limited budget but I have no issues with getting the KIA Spectra. I think we will have a long-term relationship that will be worth the effort.

Oh yea, I almost forgot. The SX trim has remote start (automatic only) which is really great here in the broiling sultry heat of SE Louisiana. I can start the car from inside my house, let it run with the AC at full blast & then go out a few minutes later & get in a nice, comfortable, chilled car. Life is good when you have that option when the heat index is in triple digits. So with the KIA Spectra SX, you really do get a lot of bang for your hard earned buck....read morehide