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In the previous IFCAR
economy sedan comparison, the Spectra finished in second place, only a year
and a half ago. Now it is in the back half. What’s changed? Kia can be
blamed for the first problem, the removal of antilock brakes from the
options list except for the rather pricy and hard-to-find SX “sport”
version. The second problem came from Kia’s parent company, Hyundai, which
has since released a redesigned version of its compact that’s a better car
than the Spectra in most every way for the same price (including antilock
brakes). The third problem is that one of the Spectra’s prime competitors,
the Toyota Corolla, commands less of a price premium over the now
under-equipped Spectra than it did then. The Spectra remains roomy,
comfortable, quiet, and inexpensive, but it is no longer a top budget buy.
The Spectra has a soft,
absorbent, and very comfortable ride that is also more controlled than some
competitors. Unfortunately, this ride softness allows for prominent body
roll in hard cornering, and the Spectra’s rather clumsy handling and slow
steering responses make it feel like a larger car. 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. (The problem is
clearer in high-speed acceleration). Fuel economy does not excel as a result
of the engine’s lack of power, a disappointment. Wind and road noise are
very well-suppressed.
Inside, the Spectra’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 could want more
headroom.
 The
interior is of surprisingly high quality considering the car’s price.
Materials are of excellent quality and trim pieces fit together very well,
but the appearance is one of well-built functionality more than any form of
luxury. 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,
and have a generally unobstructed view out. Entry/exit is easy, though some
rear-seat occupants’ legs will hit the hard plastic front seatbacks while
getting in and out. The trunk is rather small, but it is well-shaped with a
good-sized opening.
The Spectra reviewed here
came in at $15,387. As noted, it lacks antilock brakes at that price, which
can only be found on the SX version that costs thousands more while offering
little extra useful equipment. Traction control, which works through an
antilock brake system, is also absent, but is not even offered on the SX. It
does include a digital media connector and a tire-pressure monitor.
Overall, the Spectra is a
pleasant and inexpensive car with a long warranty. But it now lacks antilock
brakes in its popular and better priced versions, which is inexcusable. It’s
a nice car, but there’s no reason to live with that shortcoming and the
car’s other flaws with all the other options out there.
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