Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Economy, Kia
In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Kia Spectra EX
by Dan Roth on Nov 7th 2007 at 12:34PM 
click above image for high-res gallery of the 2007 Kia Spectra EX
Time was, buying a small car from an entry-level brand meant you'd end up in the penalty box. Vinyl-swathed interiors, cheap and nasty plastics, medieval seats, etc. Those were the bad parts, but there were some aspects of basic cars that we miss. The widespread availability of manual transmissions, you-wind-em windows, money saving aircon and radio delete options are all things that we at least like to see on the order form.
Forgive us if it sounds like we're asking for a revival of the Escort Pony. Sometimes, though, it's refreshing to get into a car that is self-evident to operate and doesn't cost a fortune to run. After sampling the Kia Spectra EX, we're inclined to think that everything else might be overkill.
Gallery: 2007 Kia Spectra EX review
All photos ©2007 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.
click on any image to enlarge
Perhaps calling my daily driver Volvo S60 overkill is premature. That car is a whole different thing than the Spectra. Mainly, it was a whole lot more expensive for the original buyer. That brings up a second point; with the Spectra, you get a new car for used-car money. Sure, you could dig up any manner of used-up used cars that would trade for less, but for what you'd spend on a 3-4 year old entry level European car with high miles, you can get a Spectra with zero miles. Not only that, the Spectra has nearly as much interior volume as a 5-series BMW, with many dimensions actually marginally superior to the far more expensive Euro sedan. Neat trick. Oh, and try finding a 5-series in U.S. trim that will return 33 combined miles per gallon without being babied one whit.
Check the Monroney. Ours was filled with things like power windows, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, tilt wheel, power locks, and a stereo with CD and aux input, all standard in the EX. The only item in the option column was cruise control. This level of equipment was luxury-grade twenty years ago. From the EX trim level, you can go up to the sportier SX, or down to the LX. Look! you can even get rid of the power windows and the AC in the LX, just like the old days.
A departure from the old days, however, is the fact that the Spectra is a quality piece. Outside, the body panels are assembled with Lexus-tight gaps, and the styling has a whiff of Passat with its gestural character line tracing an arc through the flanks. The looks are not groundbreaking, though they're neither weird or ugly. In fact, the Spectra's quite handsome, and the front has a flared-fender stance that gives the car a little visual muscle. Inside and out, the Spectra needs no excuses or shroud of overwrought styling to distract from inferior mechanicals. 
The SX is the model we wish we'd tried, just to sample the sportier suspension. Not that the EX is a slouch, but nor is it a sports car. A non-sporting bent mustn't always equal mediocrity; while the Spectra EX won't keep up with a Mazdaspeed3, it doesn't mind if you try. In the end, we get the impression that the chassis is capable of more, but in this case, it's let down mostly by its tires. There could also be a scoshe more firmness in the suspenders, but the sometimes loose wheel control in other Kias does not make an appearance here. The ride is smooth, bumps are absorbed with aplomb, and handling is sharp, until it's not. When the steering goes all gooey in the middle of a corner, you know the Goodyear Eagle LS tires have given up. Kia has done a good job infusing the Spectra with a lively feel while also giving it a smooth ride that doesn't smash its bump stops over every irregularity. 
So, perhaps there are better autocross cars, but the Spectra's just right for the daily grind. The interior is quiet and attractively styled and none of the materials have that specular sheen of nasty plastics from yesteryear. Some surfaces look better than they feel, but the overall effect of contrasting earth tones presents well. The seats and door panel inserts wear an attractive fabric, and we were impressed that the interior felt like it would be at home in a car costing $10,000 more. There is room for improvement; the seats could use more bolstering, and some lumbar support would be welcome, too.
While the seats could improve, the ergonomics are above complaint. Three big knobs control the HVAC system, and they operate smoothly. All of the switchgear inside the Spectra feels high-end, in fact. Ancillary controls are usually taken for granted, until they're so horrible that you notice how flimsy things like blinker stalks are. Not so, the Spectra. This hardware would be at home in Kia's flagship Amanti. It's another example that a cheap car doesn't have to be a cheap car. 
There's also plenty of power provided by the Beta II engine, part of the GEMA lash-up. The 2.0 liter unit in our car had California emissions, delivering 133 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque while earning an SULEV rating. Consider the 2,800-2,900 pound curb weight, and you'll see that the Spectra doesn't have a problem getting out of its own way. The iron-block DOHC four has a gravelly growl, but it's never thrashy or harsh. Idle is quiet and smooth, thanks to hydraulic engine mounts, and the torque delivery feels meaty, allowing the 4-speed automatic to jump for high gear as fast as possible. That propensity to get into 4th keeps the tachometer needle on the quiet side of the gauge, and we didn't catch the transmission hunting when climbing grades thanks to the torquey engine. When you do need to kick down, the transmission's a little reluctant, but the Spectra isn't a vehicle you need to cane incessantly to keep up with traffic. 
The variable power steering can feel overly light at times, but the action is direct and you can tell what mood the tires are in at any time. On the highway, the Spectra has a good sense of straight ahead and doesn't require constant little corrections, which allows the driver to relax and enjoy the quiet demeanor. The simple, legible gauges keep you apprised of the vitals, and you go merrily on your way, possibly even singing along with the pretty good stereo. 
Needless to say, this latest generation of the Spectra is leaps and bounds over the one it replaces. It's not just good among its own kind, the Spectra is generally a good car and a fantastic value. It used to be that Honda and Toyota were the small cars you recommended to people whom you wanted to retain as friends. Kia has earned itself a place on that list with the Spectra.
All photos ©2007 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Xcountryflyer 12:55PM (11/07/2007)
I had this as a rental car when it came out. It was a pleasant car. Better than a Cobalt, Neon/Caliber, or Focus. I also drive an Elantra and liked it better interior-wise, but the Elantra's styling is a bit too odd in places so the Spectra wins there. A cheap car with a fantastic warranty and decent reliability and excellent safety features/scores. A win-win for people who want a less expensive car.
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seoultrain 12:58PM (11/07/2007)
nice write-up. I may go test-drive a Spectra5 to see how it is. Kia/Hyundai may now have a good small car to go along with their well-made upper-level cars.
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Bob-omb 1:05PM (11/07/2007)
An EX? Snore. The SX is actually, truly fun to drive. Why the Spectra5 isn't more popular I'll never understand.
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tanooki2003 1:17PM (11/07/2007)
I definitely have to say that the author is definitely right on target.
Awhile ago I rented a 2007 Kia Spectra from Enterprise to go on a trip to Chicago because I did not want to add precious miles to my Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4, or spend $xxxx.xx in paying for gas.
When I was first handed the keys to this car, like most americans who don't know anything about the current lineup of Kia, I was thinking "oh great. I'm not going to liek this car at all. I bet it is going to be very slow." As soon as I sat in the car I was immediately surprised by how much room it had inside it, especially since I am 6 foot 5 inches tall. To me the seats were very comfortable and not much tacky plastic in the interior.
When driving the car the power reminded me a lot of my 93 Chevrolet Lumina with the 3.4L V6 because it accelerated in almost the same time. The 4 banger does not buzz like a Mitsubishi or most domestics, it actually has sort of a unique growl to it. it's really hard to explain.
When I drove the car for the first time I could not wipe the smile off of my face because the power from the 2.0L BetaII 4 banger really surprised me. To my sirprise it was very torquey and felt like a wild stallion that needed to sometimes be tamed. I think it's because of the CVVT technology they used when designing this engine.
What was a good test i did on this car was I had this jerk in an older mid 90's Infiniti i30 has been tailing me for almost 6 miles when I was trying to avoid deer and patrol officers. You know the type of 2 lane road that temporarily opens up to a 4 lane at an intersection and then goes back to a 2 lane road? Well we both were sitting next to each other at a red light. When the light turned green I nailed on the accelerator and so did he. He almost got me on his first or second gear but when the Spectra's second gear kicked in I was a car length ahead of him and I kept edging further as i know he was trying to keep up with me. I was thinking "no way! This car is really awesome"
This car also very easily passes traffic without much effort at all. The ride is very smooth but yet has a somewhat European inspired handling. Living in a very hilly state this car also handles the harsh turns I throw at it when twisting and turning down the roads at sometimes speeds that I would not recommend for safety reasons.
The last thing that i thought was really good about this car was on my way back from Chicago I hit a large deer quite hard to the point he bounced and landed 7 feet from the front of the car. I think i was going about 65 or 70MPh. Immediately i was really terrified, not of the experience, but being a rental car I am in so much trouble. I got out to look at the damage and OMG i could not believe it. The only damage the car suffered was a tiny crinkle on the hood that was hard to notice and a small crack in the bumper near the grill. Nothing else was out of place, broken, or busted. All i can say is that Korean cars have definitely come a long way. Luckily my insurance covered the little damage that was done to the Spectra. My only complaint I had with the Spectra was that the car I rented did not have a manual transmission.
After my driving experience that was when I finally decided to give Hyundai/Kia another look and ended getting my wife a 2007 Hyundai Elantra, the sister car of the Kia Spectra, with the 5 speed manual.
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500 1:38AM (11/08/2007)
You almost had me, right up until the part about hitting a deer and it simply bouncing off the car and landing 7 feet away. Please. I totalled a 6000-lb Rolls-Royce hitting a deer.
FThorn 1:24PM (11/07/2007)
Just wait for the $2,500 - $5,000 Indian China cars.
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TechySpecy 1:28PM (11/07/2007)
The GEMA engines are Aluminum with a timing chain and usually have VVT on both the intake and exhaust.
This is and iron engine with a timing belt and VVT on one side only.
Thank you for the misinformation AutoClog.
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Doohickie 11:36PM (11/07/2007)
Amen. The Beta II is NOT part of GEMA.
There are some subtle mods that can be done to the Spectra to improve handling- adding a front strut bar (which comes on some models or can be had at the dealer) and adding a rear sway bar from a Hyundai Tiburon are the best handling mods for the money (both can be had for about $200 total for new dealer parts).
Brian 1:30PM (11/07/2007)
Good write up! This is a pleasant car. And for the price, I think most buyers are quite satisfied.
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Hank 1:40PM (11/07/2007)
A friend of mine bought one of these when the current gen. first came out. I've only ridden, not driven, but have to say that I'm very impressed with it. I'm 6' and found the back seat surprising comfortable. And you're right, it's impressively quite and smooth with a good ride for a small car. He's had not one problem in the past couple years, either.
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Randy S 1:50PM (11/07/2007)
I echo your sentiments on the Spectra (I wrote a piece in my blog on it). Yet, the only complaint I have with the car is the trunk. Every time I closed it, it simply felt light and its "thunk" really didn't instill any confidence with it. Then again, maybe I should overlook this one detail on a very nicely done compact.
It makes me want to go out and rent another one. Come to think of it, if the rear room passes "the test," I may even consider buying one when I shop for a new car next year.
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Menice 1:54PM (11/07/2007)
Kia is going turning into a threat, just like Hyundai already is.
yrs ago it was toyota, now the best buys dollar for dollar are kia/ hyundai
10 yrs ago I laughed at,and wouldnt be caught dead in one... now I own 2 Hyundai vehicles.
you better move your asses 'big 3'
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Scott K. 2:46PM (11/07/2007)
I rented a Hyundai Elantra (sister car to teh Spectra) and while it was nowhere near the worst rental I had this year (Ion anyone?), most compliments I had for it would have had to include 'for the money.' The engine was weak and buzzy (to the point that it was an ongoing joke between my passenger and me), the interior felt cheap, and the seats were, at best, passable. The steering was good, the ergonomics seemed fine and the quality control seemed competetive, but I came away never wanting to drive one again. (Maybe the Sport or EX would have left a better impression?)
Conversely, the Sonata I had two weeks later was much nicer and was probably the best rental I'd had this year.
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Hank 2:50PM (11/07/2007)
Was that the just fazed out model, or the 2008 Elantra (because there is a world of difference).
Just curious, because we may be in the market for such car next year.
Scott K. 3:11PM (11/07/2007)
I'm pretty sure it was the 2007, though looking at the pictures of the 2008 on the Hyundai website sure look the same to me (also comparing to web pictures of the 2007). Ergonomics are subjective, of course, and as I said the build quality looks good. If it wasn't for the engine, I wouldn't have had nearly as much of a problem. It took all the fun of driving away.
The seats did feel thin to me. But I can also say didn't feel cramped (I'm 6ft 2in) and I did not ache after my 90 minute drive (each way), unlike the Ion which had me so sore in 30 minutes. I liked the Sonata a lot more.
tanooki2003 3:15PM (11/07/2007)
It must have been the previous generation. The one that I bought for my wife is the newly redesigned one for 07, which will carry over to 08.
The seats in the 07 Elantra are very comfortable with 2 way adjustable head rests (meaning not only do they go up and down but you can move them forward or back). It also has a very decent performing 4 banger that can definitely outrun a corolla and a Civic. if you know how to drive a 5 speed manual then you will get even more life out of the Elantra's torquey motor.
The rear seats are the most comfortable seats for any mid sized car in it's class. Heck a tall person like me feels comfortable when sitting in the back, even with the front seat pushed all the way back.
The trunk space will totally surprise you as it still does for my wife and I as it is quite large for a car this size. That happens to be one of the cool tricks that these Koreans can do with a small car. It has more room than my retired 96 Ford Thunderbird LX.
The only thing I can say is don't always base your final judgment from the opinion of others, especially if it is a small percentage of a negative crowd. I am also certain later this blog will get polluted with domestic fanboys, import haters, Korean car haters, and BMW/Mercedes drivers who look down on anythign that costs less than $37,000 You will have to go to a Hyundai/Kia dealer and test drive one for yourself. The dealer I went to let me test drive it on the highway a few times. They are very nice, of course depending on who owns the dealership and the management...etc. When I test drove the car for the 3rd time I was totally sold on it as my wife.
Scott K. 3:40PM (11/07/2007)
Unfortunately, being that it was a rental, I had the automatic. I have two manual (4-cylinder) Toyotas at home, so I would have liked that option. I can't explain such a different opinion of the engine. If I was accelerating to pass or just build up any speed, I was met with a downshift and loud buzz from the engine.
I think Hyundai (and Kia) have made tremendous progress (my dad had the Excel so I've experienced that), and the safety (airbags for everyone!) and the 10 year warranty are great, but I didn't like this car. I did like the Sonata, and if our next vehicle is a car, it'll be on the list of cars to look at.
JG 5:09PM (11/07/2007)
The Spectra is a sporty looking KIA, but I still think they would be wise to come out with something that is even sportier looking (like Hyundai did with the Tiburon)
http://www.kia-forums.com
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crustygates 5:44PM (11/07/2007)
Great review. I too am at the point where I want to appreciate a more elemental vehicle, a kind of a modern throwback to the econoboxes we used to drive years ago. My solution was the Suzuki SX4 Sport. All of them come w/ 50 series tires for example and much more. All Japanese content but obviously, dealer location can be an issue. Based on reaction to this article, it's obvious that some of your readers enjoy simplicity and value for our for-real garage.
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SocalObserver 6:06PM (11/07/2007)
I rented an '07 Spectra EX back in March. Overall, it was OK. Nothing more. The engine was buzzy and it handled like complete crap (almost spun the thing out taking a particular fast turn on my way to work...but to be fair, the same thing happened in a rental Impala) , but I don't think people that buy these care about stuff like that.
Only big gripes were the windshield washers funtion didn't work (probably Enterprise's fault), the fact that the Korean version of "new car smell" smells like ass, and most disturbing, each time I turned on the car I would hear the sound of water gushing behind the center AC vents. Can't be good.
In all, after reading all the press about how far Korean cars have come over the past decade, I wasn't impressed.
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