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The Spectra5 is a good
all-around car. It doesn’t lead the class in any way, but does manage to do
almost everything very well. It rides comfortably and quietly, handles well,
has a comfortable and high-quality interior, and doesn’t cost very much.
Buyers looking for maximum utility or true driving enjoyment will not be
pleased, but pretty much everyone else shopping for a small hatchback/wagon
should be by this car.
The Spectra5 has a comfortable and absorbent
ride that is also more controlled than some competitors, but some bumps will
feel pronounced. The suspension tuning is firmer in the Spectra5 than in the
Spectra sedan, which restrains body roll better, but the car doesn’t feel as
agile as some competitors. The steering is fairly responsive, but doesn’t give
much feedback. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is overworked in the Spectra, but its
lack of harsh engine noise and good off-the-line pep conceal that well in
normal conditions (it becomes clearer during highway-speed passing). Gas
mileage isn’t very impressive for an economy car, but it isn’t bad at all by
this group’s standards. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed despite
excessive tire roar on some road surfaces.
Inside, the Spectra5’s front seats are a bit
soft, but are quite comfortable and supportive overall. The rear offers good
legroom and the seat is mounted fairly high, but the cushion could be longer
and taller occupants’ knees may rub against the hard plastic seatbacks. The
interior is of surprisingly high quality
considering the car’s price; materials are of excellent quality and trim
pieces fit together very well. The gauges are particularly large and very
clear, and the instruments are large, well-placed, and very easy to use.
Drivers sit comfortably enough, though a telescoping steering wheel would help
further, but thick rear pillars obstruct rear visibility. There is no excess
of cargo space behind the rear seat, but it folds easily to open up a
sufficiently large area.
The Spectra5 has not been crash tested, but the
Spectra sedan has not excelled. It was only Acceptable in the IIHS offset
crash test, and Poor in the IIHS side crash test even with the standard side
airbags. Its head restraints were rated Acceptable. NHTSA awarded it four
stars for the driver and four for the front passenger in its frontal crash
test, and four for the driver and three for the rear passenger in the NHTSA
side crash test.
The Spectra5 reviewed here came in at $16,745,
well-equipped. At that price, it is well-equipped with all the expected
features for this class as well as alloy wheels.
Overall, the Spectra5 is
a very good all-arounder in this class. It’s not the roomiest or the most fun,
and it isn’t as inexpensive as one might expect, but it isn’t plagued by
serious shortcomings. It’s worth a look from budget and non-budget shoppers
alike for its combination of reasonable pricing and solid competence.
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