13th Place: Kia Spectra

Overview:

Although the Spectra's is one of the oldest designs in this group, it still does many things very well. It seems to chase the Toyota Corolla as a comfort-focused economy car, and accurately mimics its plush all-around feel, in the ride quality, refinement, interior quality, and interior space. It is also one of the least expensive cars in the group. However, perplexingly, Kia decided partway through the Spectra's life to offer antilock brakes only on the pricey pseudo-sporty SX model, making this mainstream EX model the group's only car not to include that safety feature. Antilock brakes alone would easily move the Spectra from the bottom five to top five here. But the Spectra also falls short of the Corolla's gas mileage, and has little reserve power, mediocre crash test results, and somewhat clumsy handling. Overall, the Spectra seems like a more competitive car than it is, and than it should be.

Driving the Spectra:

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, where the Spectra lacks passing power. Wind and road noise are very well-suppressed. Gas mileage is good but unexceptional by economy car standards.

Inside the Spectra:

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 and has a good-sized opening.

Spectra pricing:

The Spectra is inexpensive at $15,209, but, as noted, is not available with antilock brakes at that price. Getting ABS would require paying more than $2,000 extra for the SX version, which buys predominantly appearance trim and drives the Spectra's price to the equivalent of its costliest rivals.

Conclusion:

Though the Spectra is very comfortable and well-built, Kia has gone out of its way to sell it without a basic safety feature that has come to be expected in today's cars. With antilock brakes, it would be a very pleasant car at a very good price, despite its other shortcomings. But as it is, it is not. Unless Kia reverses its original poor decision to remove antilock brakes from most of the Spectra line, you're better off elsewhere. 

NEXT PAGE