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    2008
    Used 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Kia Spectra

    EPA MPG: 28 mpg
    Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
    Overall Reliability
    Reliability Details
    Owner Satisfaction Details
    See All Ratings & Specs
    Road Test

    This edition of the Kia Spectra boasted ride and interior quietness among the best in the class. We also found the fit and finish impressive, particularly when considering the car's low price. However, because of its reluctant cornering, middling acceleration and so-so fuel economy, the Spectra ranks midpack in those areas. Braking performance was not a strength either. We also found it difficult to get a vehicle with antilock brakes. And, even with standard side- and head protection airbags, the Spectra got a Poor in the IIHS side-crash test.

    2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    NA
    vs. Similar Cars
    See All Models Reliability

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA
    See All Ratings & Specs

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA
    See All Ratings & Specs

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

    See How All Brands Stack up

    Owner Reports

    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    NA
    2001
    NA
    2002
    NA
    2003
    NA
    2004
    NA
    2005
    NA
    2006
    NA
    2007
    NA
    2008
    NA
    2009
    NA
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    2019
    2020
    2021
    2022
    2023
    2024
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    NA
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    NA
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    NA

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

    See How All Brands Stack up

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

    See How All Brands Stack up

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA
    See All Ratings & Specs

    2008 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

    See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings
    Features & Specs
    Body Style
      4-door hatchback
      sedan
    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    Front
    Engines Available
    • 2-liter 4 (138 hp)
    Transmissions Available
    • 5-speed manual
    • 4-speed automatic
    Warranty
    Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    See All Ratings & Specs
    Model History