2007 Kia Spectra Review

What reviews like:
The most noteworthy aspects of the 2007 Kia Spectra are its long bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile warranty. Six airbags are standard, and standard options include remote keyless entry and power doors/locks on all but the base model. Reviews say the Kia Spectra is a roomy car, even for rear-seat passengers. Fuel economy is good as well. Most other aspects are solidly average in reviews, but the Kia Spectra's price is low compared to better-rated competition like the Honda Civic (*est. $14,810 to $21,290).

What reviews don't like:

The 2007 Kia Rio suffers from the intense competition in this price range, and other cars simply get better performance reviews. Low resale value is another sore spot for Kia. Engine noise and acceleration are criticized in some reviews. Most driving and performance aspects are considered average.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 24 to 25 mpg/city, 33 to 34 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Kia Spectra review highlights

Overall, reviews rate the Kia Spectra right about average for its class. The Spectra sedan’s low price and long warranty are its main assets, but a historically low resale value also factors into the equation. Handling, comfort and performance are all average. One review says the Kia Spectra's engine doesn't give you a lot of extra power for passing on the highway, and engine noise can sometimes be annoying. The Kia Spectra is overshadowed in this class by the Honda Civic (*est. $14,810 to $21,290), but the Civic is more expensive.

We didn’t find a lot of high-quality reviews for the 2007 Kia Spectra, mainly because the Spectra hasn't seen a substantial redesign since the 2004 model year. We did find some coverage for the 2007 Kia Spectra at Cars.com and ConsumerGuide.com. ConsumerGuide does the best testing, giving them numerical ratings in a range of performance areas based on actual road tests. Readers can then compare scores to other cars.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Cars.com
2007 Kia Spectra
Staff of Cars.com
Oct. 2006

Cars.com covers most aspects of the 2007 Kia Spectra, but without comparing it to other cars. Good fuel economy, a smooth ride, six standard airbags and comfort are high points, but editors take issue with the Kia Spectra's historically low resale value. Engine noise is sometimes an issue.

2. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Kia Spectra review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Feb. 24, 2007

ConsumerGuide.com road tests most cars, giving each car scores in a large number of performance areas. The tallied scores can then be compared to see how the car stacks up against its peers. According to editors, the Kia Spectra is right in the middle at the average mark. Gas mileage is good, and editors like the control placement and layout, but acceleration doesn't provide much oomph for highway passing, and engine noise can sometimes be pronounced.

3. Edmunds.com
Kia Spectra review
Editors of Edmunds.com

Editors at Edmunds.com haven't covered the 2007 Kia Spectra, but they did test the very similar 2006 Spectra. Editors say the Spectra is a "solid value," with good standard features, nice build, smooth ride and above-average handling. Low points include a low historical resale value. It doesn't match the performance of the top compact cars, but if price is a priority, editors say the Kia Spectra is a solid value.

4. CarCritic.com
2007 Kia Spectra review
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com editors offer a quick assessment of most cars, so there's not much detail here. The editor's idea is to skip the nitty gritty and go for the overview. Editors say Kia's sedans had a poor reputation in the past, but they’ve improved by leaps and bounds, making the 2007 Kia Spectra worth a look.

5. Consumer Reports
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Kia Spectra review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports usually gets around to testing cars each year or every other year, but editors haven't looked at the Kia Rio since 2004. Of course, most reviews say the Spectra hasn't changed appreciably since its 2004 redesign, so this evaluation has some validity.

Also see full report: Economy Cars