2009 Kia Spectra SX

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.