Overview & Reviews

The 2009 Kia Spectra gets just a few equipment changes. Active front headrests are now standard on all models, and EX models get cruise control as standard. Additionally, a sunroof can now be ordered for EX models.

• Low price, comfortable and functional cabin, plenty of storage space, great warranty.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 32.00

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  Best for the money - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Mister Big - February 14 - 7:46 am

  I get 30 plus mpg around town, and got 37 mpg on a 1000 mile trip of hiway and city,and thats with automatic transmission. Bad stuff: Not the best paint job. Paint surface is rough down near and on the rocker panels, and the paint chips easily; ABS, floor mats are not standard. Good stuff: Peppy performance, great gas mileage; cool, intuitive dashboard controls; comfy seats (easy on my sciatica); solid warranty; roomy trunk; stylish, at least to my eyes. The Spectra is, I think, the best value out there. To get anything even slightly better, youd have to pay lots more. I love my Spectra!

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  Glad I bought this car - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Makeda - June 15 - 5:23 am

  This is my very first car and I know I made a great choice. It takes less than $25 to fill up my tank and I am good for the rest of the week. The interior is comfortable and I get compliments on the exterior. For a first car or something that in inexpensive and good to drive get this car. It is also roomy for my family of four.

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  Drastic change puts it in perspective - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By LakeTravis - December 2 - 5:40 pm

  I traded in a Suburban for a Spectra, so the shock value alone took some getting used to. Overall, this is a great little car. Mechanically engineered well, great gas mileage (I averaged 34mpg the first weekend, 300 miles of mixed use), looks pretty decent parked next to a Nissan or Toyota. The "carpet" is more like some sort of fuzzy cardboard, well see how the rest of the interior holds up over the next 3-4 years. Overall, for the price I dont think you can beat this car in terms of warranty, safety, features, and performance. Sticker on mine was $17,250 - drove away for $10K after trading in a 1996 Suburban with 230K miles. Yeah, I keep them for a long time!

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  A Step Up - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Derail - January 16 - 1:00 am

  My previous car was an 03 Focus. The Spectra is much more zippy in acceleration, yet has the same size engine as the Focus. And fuel economy is 20 percent better. I like how spacious the engine compartment is, in terms of accessibility to hoses, belts, battery, etcetera. These items are easy to see and inspect. And replacement, when necessary, should not be difficult. What I miss about the Focus is the softer seats. The Kia seats are are quite rigid. What I have a concern about is the cable actuated gas cap door. Cables and plastic latches fail in cold climates. I may have to improvise a better system to insure I can refuel in the winter.

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  Great Value - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Kev.NY - October 28 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle this past June so wanted to give it time before passing judgement. The peace of mind of having such a great warranty is priceless, and the added value of such a good MPG vehicle (getting 29 to 34) was an important factor. The controls are in easy reach, and the vehicle drives very comfortably. The interior is spacious and overall very pleasant to drive. I purchased the gold color with black and tan interior which gives off a mature but stylish feel to the vehicle. I never thought I would say this but so far this vehicle from Kia is a pleasure to drive.

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  First new car ever, Spectra EX - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Trevor Totman - June 4 - 2:43 pm

  I havent had my Spectra for very long, but so far it has been the best car Ive owned. Its quite zippy for a grocery getter,even with it being an automatic transmission. Stereo system(hey, Im 24, this is important stuff!) is great. I love that Ive got an auxillary jack and I love the hidden charger in the middle console. It helps keep wires out of the way, and you can set your MP3 player or iPod/iPhone inside to keep it from sliding all over the car. The DOHC is a nice touch, but I wish the fuel economy could be a hair better. All in all, a nice roomy car that is incredibly affordable and great for the post college kid or the starting family.

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  great quality and great mpg for money - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By glen - July 20 - 1:50 pm

  I was skeptical at first and concerned that i might not get 30 mpg. Have only had short time but first fill up 29.5 mpg and second fill up 32.2 mpg in mixed driving. Drives very smooth and handles well and looking forward to great mpg once it breaks in.

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  Love the car - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By puppywhipsers - April 1 - 6:26 pm

  I bought my Spectra 8 months ago with barely over 8,000 miles on it, I bought it because of the manual transmission and so far I love the car. The only trouble I have experienced is the cruise control wont always set, it goes to the dealership on Monday. Contrary to other reviews I get excellent mileage on my KIA. I commute 55 miles one way to work, I have gotten anywhere from 30-38 mpg depending on my driving habits (if you know what I am saying ;)). My in town mpg is even better, I regularly get 40+ mpg and have had as high as 52mpg in town. I recalculated 3x because I couldnt believe it! Its a great car and with the sunroof & factory rear spoiler and on it, it looks sporty too!