| Model year | 2004 |
| Make | Kia |
| Model | Spectra |
| Style | EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) |
| Base MSRP | $13,750.00 |
| As-tested MSRP | $14,930.00 |
| Drive type | FWD |
| Engine type | DOHC inline-4 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2.0 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 133@6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 136@4500 |
| Transmission type | 5-speed automatic |
| Suspension, front | Independent |
| Suspension, rear | Independent |
| Steering type | Power rack and pinion |
| Tire brand | Goodyear |
| Tire model | Eagle LS |
| Tire size, front | 195/60R15 |
| Tire size, rear | 195/60R15 |
| Brakes, front | 4-wheel disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 5.3 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 8.4 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 12.9 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 16.47@84.3 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 36.09 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 139.65 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 62.2 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 33.2 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | Low |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 76 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 73 |
| Acceleration comments | The Kia Spectra is faster than you would think for an economy car. The car feels quick even without a radar gun tracking it, and high 16s in the quarter mile are impressive for a sub-$15k car. The powerband is very broad and flat, especially for a four cylinder. The ev limiter kicks in at 6500 rpm, which feels right and the shifter itself works well, although its not very sporty. We couldn't find anything wrong with this car, and while that doesn't really sound like a compliment, when you have a vehicle in this price range and can say that there isn't anything wrong that's impressive. The engine has enough torque to burn serious rubber off the line, and we improved our performance numbers by launching at high rpm. Nicely setup drivetrain. |
| Braking rating | Good |
| Braking comments | With no ABS, we were braking the old fashioned way. Pedal pressure is progressive and relatively easy to modulate. Tires lockup a little easier then they should, but they're very small with a small contact patch. The Spectra is evenly balanced front to rear, and the proportioning seems to be fairly well dialed-in. Unfortunately it doesn't have ABS, but for an economy car the numbers aren't terrible. |
| Handling rating | Excellent |
| Handling comments | While this isn't a performance car, it was very easy to figure out and understand its handling dynamics. Pulling sub-seven second times after just a few runs is a testament to the car's predictability. the steering benefitted from good weighting and ratio, the tires are very progressive, and the car is totally predictable. With solid power under foot, it was easy to get it up to 60mph. n The way it behaved and the numbers it pulled were in sport sedan territory, or at the very least pocket rocket numbers. Very impressive for $14k car. -- Karl Brauer |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 25 City 32 Highway |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 14.5 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 2701 |
| Length (in.) | 176.4 |
| Width (in.) | 68.3 |
| Height (in.) | 57.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 102.8 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.8 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 35.4 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 40 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.2 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 12.2 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 12.2 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not Available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard |
| Head airbags | Standard |
| Antilock brakes | Optional |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Not Avaliable |
| Traction control | Not Avaliable |
| Stability control | Not Avaliable |
| Rollover protection | Not Avaliable |
| Emergency assistance system | Not Avaliable |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not Tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not Tested |
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