Used 2007 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews
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Still Going!
Purchased my Kia Spectra brand new in Sept of 2007. Over 453,000 later, Still Going Strong! Standard reccomended maintenance. Update: Now March 2018, 465,500 miles and Still Going. Update: September 2018, 477,000 miles and Still Going! Update: September 2019, did it! 500,016 and Still Going!
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Pleasantly Surprised
I bought this car with 34k miles to replace my 05 Honda Civic, which was totaled in a highway accident. I loved my Civic, and was very squeamish about getting a replacement that could live up to its reputation, but my little Spectra has been amazing! I average 28 mpg city, 35 highway. I've put 30,000 miles on it in a year and a half, and it hasn't had one single problem whatsoever. Regular oil changes every 3k miles, tires and gas are all the money I've put into it, and it runs beautifully in every condition - snow, ice, 110* heat, torrential rain (that's St. Louis weather for you).
I love my Kia Spectra 5 SX
I bought my car new in 2007, and I did not regret it. I have now 120000 miles on it and all I basically had to put in was money for new tires and brakes. I have done oil changes regularly and lately replaced all the belts, just in case, but it runs just fine and it has done so from day one. No recalls, no faulty airbags, no nothing. Good customer service from a dealer ship and easy handling - I am very satisfied with my car. It drives when it is dry, when it rains, through ice and snow, good traction, nothing to worry. I have to laugh when I see commercials for all the 'most bought' and 'most reliable' cars, still 'on the road after 10 years' etc and I think of all the recalls all of the big automakers constantly have. No matter how old you car or truck is, there is a recall. I had none and that pretty much satisfies me. And no exploding faulty airbags to worry about, even better.
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BEST CAR EVER!
I bought our 2007 Kia Spectra EX with only 4,000 miles on it. It is currently just shy of 170,000 miles and is still driving like a dream! I have never had any issues with this car, its been beyond dependable since I bought it 8 years ago. We have done regular maintenance (oil changes, tires, brakes, etc) the only thing we had to do was replace 1 front-end tie rod. This car is such a beast (in a very miniature package) that the factory brakes and rotors lasted 155,000 miles before they needed replacing. I was very skeptical about Kia when I was initially car shopping but couldn't beat the price and dependability. The car is overall comfortable, I am 5'5 and have more than enough room; however, I will admit that my 6'2 husband driving it does make it look a little bit like a clown car! My only complaints I have about this car is that it doesn't have cruise control and the front seats feel more like cinder blocks than the cushy seat facade it gives off! To sum it up: If you find a Kia Spectra, buy it! Its the best money you will spend...and now they are classics! 2/18 Update: About to hit 190k miles and she is still going strong!
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Love this car!
I absolutely love the 2007 Kia Spectra LX. I bought it as my first car, and was absolutely amazed. It has a good amount of pep, and handles extremely well. Drives well at high speeds, accelerates pretty quickly, and is fun to drive. I am 5'8" and when i sat in it I felt like a hand in a glove, perfect fit. Great gas mileage, and very reliable. I had the car for two years, from 88,000 to 107,000 miles. I replaced the timing belt when I bought it, but other than that all I had to do was oil changes. I would have loved to keep the car forever, but the LX version does not have air conditioning, and I am soon moving to a hotter climate. Mine was manual, and I did have some problems down shifting into second, as it would grind, and I don't know if that was standard among this model or not. I had to slow down a lot more than normal standards in order to shift into second gear smoothly. Overall this car was amazing and after buying, I was extremely impressed with Kia, and this Spectra. From some other Kia's that I have been in and this one, I see that Kia does a great job at making comfortable vehicles. Very reliable, comfortable, cost efficient, and just an overall great car!
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Work horse
Bought the Kia for a commute to work, been daily driver for years and never had single prblem. Self maintenance is very simple. Overall impressed with the car, it doesn't look stylish but don't judge a book by its cover it performs well. Adequate acceleration with satisfying fuel economy. Transmission shifts smooth without notice, also has sensitive steering. Surprisingly very comfortable ride with plenty of head/leg room for compact car I'm 6'2" and it's pleasant to drive. Has over 250k miles and still drives like new! No oil burns, drips or leaks. Simple maintenance and these cars will run forever.
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A Great Little Car!
Only 1 problem in 3 years--had to get the Catalic Converter replaced but it was under warranty. Took numerous visits to the dealership to get this done--to run all the necessary tests when the check engine light kept coming on. They got it fixed and it's been running fine for 8 months since.
Great little sedan
What can I say? I'm impressed by the overall performance of my 2007 Spectra. I had driven Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra in the past until I decided to try Kia Spectra. This car handles well, engine is strong and very responsive, also great on gas. Based on my experiences, I would say it drives better than Corolla and Elantra, and somewhat similar to Civic. The only difference is probably in the material quality used to build the interior. But considering the price I paid for my Spectra, I feel okay about it. It has now 112K miles on it, and I just got the drive and timing belts, water pump and engine mount replaced. I will at least drive this car until it reaches 200K.
GREAT CAR
97000 and still going i am the only owner and i have put full synthetic everything since new i plan on getting 300000 or more out of this car.
THE WINNER IS.....
My daughter's first car - she wanted the Spectra5 from the start but I made her check out ALL other makes and models first. Long process but worth it since the Spectra5's value is far superior: vibrant styling inside and out, standard equipment that is optional on others, superb warranty, excellent safety features and of course, great gas mileage. Go ahead and check out the others but you'll end up in the Spectra5 when you're done!
Good car
Very small car(Im 6'0) but reliable, mines had the navigation system, fast to go around small/tight corners, felt like a sports car! so those was the best part.. had issues with the brakes(pads, disc, etc) but once i got them fixed it was great again! also had problems with the power steering but it was just one of the belts was to tight. Surprised how WELL it drove in the snow also (Live In Massachusetts).. Had a couple more issues with bearings and control arms and stuff like that but it was because of all the potholes around my area and sometimes my crazy driving when late to work, etc.. GREAT MPG ALSO! Overall its a great car but for people that arent to big/tall or even with family of four, to crowded/small and uncomfortable especially going on long trips! Bought this car when i was single so it helped out big time! Now having a family of four had to get rid of it and get something bigger! I would definelty recommend this car but only if single or just in a relationship with no kids lol... (Had it for 2 full years)
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Great car! Great MPG! Best car I have ever owned!
I would have been happy with this car even if I had spent much more on it. With proper maintenance I did nothing to this car, and before I wrecked it in December it had 176,000 miles. I was very pleased with safety options, after a semi turned in front of me I totaled it, but was left uninjured. You could see how its design left it crunched in the front, but left cabin unaffected. Before the crash I was optimistic about making it to 250,000 miles, as the car still responded the same as the day I bought it new. The MPG's were great, normally averaging 33. It was not much to look at, but if you are looking for a reliable little car it will beat anything.
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Most Fun to Drive under $5000
I own a 2007 Spectra EX - Automatic, It is AeroDynamic, Sporty, Comfort ride at Highspeeds. PROs: 34+HwyMPG, Speed sensitive Steering, Quite, Spacious. Cons: Worst Locks/Keyless entry, Unreliable Electronics, No cruise control
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An Average Car
Car is comfortable and I fit in well even though I weigh 250 lbs. Although a decent car, I probably would have been happier with a Toyota or Honda. Engine seems very noisy in the morning and quieter in the evening. All in all not a bad car but not a great one either.
Great Sedan
This is a great compact sedan and gives you more than expected for the money! The fuel ecomony is awesome. I am currently getting 34 mpg. For a 4 cylinder, it really zips around.
Don't buy Kia
Don't buy Kia. I have had my Kia for 7 years and the check engine light has come on and off since I owned it. brought it in a few time to a dealer and they can't find anything wrong with it. now I have to have it emission tested and the check engine light is on so it failed. Kia won't do anything about it of course because it is out of warranty.
Things I Wish I Knew
I bought this car used in 2014. It only had 49k miles on it and was a one owner car. I thought I had a great deal since it had such low mileage for the age and that it was a one owner car so I bought it after my mechanic looked at it. About a month after purchase I filled my tank and it began stalling (its an automatic) and releasing black smoke out of the exhaust. I immediately got it towed to the dealership and they replaced all of my spark plugs and fuel lines and the problem was fine. Now a year later at 59k miles I filled my tank to only 3 quarters of a tank and the same problem is occurring. I wish I knew what I was getting into or else I would have gotten something reliable.
Rear suspension problems
I have only 38,300 miles on my 2007 Kia Spectra and last week developed a wobble in my left rear tire. A bolt apparently vibrated loose and after six days in the shop with nothing done I am told that it is not under warranty because this problem is "Human error." I have never had an alignment on the car yet that is what is being blamed for the problem so Kia has decided that they will not cover the repair. The tech stated that this part "Never comes loose on its own" so "I must have done something wrong." I am furious with Kia and will never purchase another car from them if they do not make this right. I have 2 warranties on this car and this is the response I get from them.Shameful service
Super reliable and saved my life!
This was my first car. I bought it used with about 140,000 miles on it and I loved it! It was super reliable. Never stalled, broke down, or didn't start up. Very reliable and basic car. My car was recently totaled after being hit head on by a Silverado. I left the accident uninjured, so I would say this is a very safe car.
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smart buy
This was one of the smartest purchases I have ever made.Keeping my money in the bank instead of spending more for another car and getting less.It is a good feeling knowing I get a very reliable car,good looks,all the safety features,great gas mileage,and a low price tag.My bank account never looked better,and in this economy that feels great.
Surprisingly good car
After hearing about safety issues with older Kias (side impact problems), I was a little wary of getting into one, but that has apparently been resolved with the new models. I have had my '07 for almost 2 years now, and it is one of the best, most dependable vehicles that I have ever driven. Smooth driver, but you have to watch your speed (my gf hit 93 MPH without realizing the first time she was on the HWay), I've personally gotten it up to 112 without struggling (I know, bad!). Fantastic fuel economy, good factory sound system with AUX input, intuitive cruse control paddle shifter, GREAT pickup and 0-60 acceleration. Solid feel to doors/trunk/hood.
Spectra 5 is a nice ride
This has been a good car so far. I am not thrilled with the gas mileage, I get about 32. Somtimes that dips to 29 mpg. I had a 94 Escort wagon 5 speed that got 36 no matter how you drove it. It would keep up with the KIA too! Otherwise I have really enjoyed the car, runs great and is comfortable even with all the seats full. Stereo is really nice. Insturments and extra features are really nice. Really has the other companies beat on added features I think. No problems mechanically and I am at 20,000 miles today. Some times if it is really low on gas it does not start on the first try. If you turn the key off and try again, it starts everytime, wierd but not a problem.
Love my Kia
It's built to last, very safe, lots of features, etc.
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Excellent Car!
The car was given to me as a loaner while my Chevy was in for service and I was so impressed with how much better it was than my own car I wound up buying it. The ride is GREAT, even over potholed northern IL roads. I was very impressed that it comes with all-wheel independent suspension. Handling and ride are excellent. The interior is nicely thought out and very comfortable on long trips, and the car does well in the winter. Only issue was it needed a new radiator at 54000 miles. Kia fixed it under warranty for no charge despite the fact I purchased it used from a Chevy dealer. No other problems at all (knock on wood!).
Pleasantly Surprising Car!
I got this car after my 2005 Honda Civic EX was (unfortunately) totaled. I bought it used with 35k miles and it now has 38k. Let me stress that I absolutely LOVED my Civic, so I wasn't exactly thrilled about getting a new car. But after 3000 miles, I've learned to love my Spectra almost as much as the Civic! It only has about 30 more horsepower than my Civic did, but it's very noticeable. The engine is extremely quiet upon acceleration, and I have to watch out or else I'll end up doing 80/90mph without even noticing. Fuel economy is great. I've gotten up to 430 miles on 12 gallons (close to 500 on a full 15 gal). The seats are very comfy (I drive long distances often). Great little car!
LOT OF CAR FOR MONEY
I bought this car for 10,500. Only 13k miles and car was like new. Traded a 07 versa and what a difference. I get38mpg on highway with ac on. Great quiet, tight ride. Smooth ride for a small car. Styling and comfort are very good.Sound system is great. No regrets.
AMAZING gas mileage
I purchased my Spectra the day after Thanksgiving, and I definitely have no complaints. I just calculated that I'm getting an average of 35mpg in a mix of city/highway driving, which is a big step up from my old Cavalier that I traded in. The seats are comfortable, I like the way the dash is designed, and the ample trunk space. The AUX jack makes life easy too. All in all, this is a great economical car, and I hope to have many years with it!
A Great Buy !
This car is well worth every penny. bought this car at 16k. Still like new.Very great design. great fuel mpg.around 32mpg at 75 per hour. I put 600 miles on my car a week, and love every mile of it. great get up and go for a 2.0 If I keep up with the maintenance this car should get 300k miles on it.
First car in 40 years
So Far So Good, averages 28/30 mpg in town, has quick response with good acceleration. Im amazed at roominess. At 6 ft and 200+ pounds, I am very comfortable with lots of head room to wear my Stetson when driving. Back seat is large and roomy, passengers can stretch out their legs and relax even with front seats slid back all the way. The one thing that convinced me to get the Kia was the number of Air Bags in it so in an accident, driver and all passengers are surrounded by air bags. Traded 1993 truck and got 2007 Kia for $7000.00 and monthly payments of $150.00
Best Small Wagon for The Money
Prior to purchasing this car, I had a 2006 model, which was a spectacular car. I never would have guessed that the 2007 model could top it, but it did! The exterior and interior have some great new accents - minor changes, but wow! Especially the interior - silver accents on the dash, armrest controls, and door handles give the black interior a touch of class. The speedometer has a new look, too, and it's easier to read at night. I haven't measured, but I think the 2007 has a bit more clearance. I've not bottomed-out on any potholes yet. Best of all, there's a bit more space both through the hatch and the rear passenger doors. I can fit my folding tables in the 2007, not the 2006. Awesome!
sweet ride
Not overwhelmed with power , but awesome on gas.
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Third set of tires
Im the only owner with 13700 miles on it,started with 75. The car is eating up tires. Im on my 3rd set with 5 alingments. I dont think they know whats wrong. I want a full refund for the car and tires.
Very Happy
I bought my '07 Spectra for $7000 with only 34,000 Km on the clock and use it for my daily commute (half hr each way). It has performed without flaw since August and I haven't had a moment of regret. Seats are comfortable, heater is good and the radio/CD player provides great sound. Performance is more than adequate for highway commuting.
Great Car!
I have had my Spectra for a little over a month and I love it. It is a very comfortable ride. I get around 400 miles to a tank with combined city/highway driving. All controls very easy to reach.
i love my kia
i am in my 50's and my 2007 kia spectra ex is the best car i have ever had. purchased new in 07 now has 91000 miles and not one bit of trouble. still going strong. would i buy another kia. no doubt about. keep up the good work kia.
Black is black...
Great car! I checked out a lot of cars. I sold cars for over 10 years, so I know what to look for. I was amazed that "KIA" quality had surpassed Hyundai, and in some cases the Japanese imports as well! I drove the 5 speed and I know it has a lot more pep. But I was quite pleased with the overall performance of the automatic. So the auto won out. It's black and handles great. I took it to the coast first weekend so I could drive on the beach...what a blast! My only complaint is I wanted the power moonroof but you have to get the ABS option as well (package). And I did not want ABS, so no sunroof. All in all a great car!
I LOVE MY CAR
I love this car! It is the perfect size for me. It drives great and the brakes are awesome too! It compact enough to fit into smaller parking spaces but roomy enough for my 6 foot 4 inch brother to sit comfortably!
2007 Kia Spectra
There was nothing out there from the big 3 (or 2?) that combined the fit & finish, ergonomics, and gas mileage of the Kia Spectra5. I am replacing a Grand Marquis for my 110 mile round trip commute. At 6'1" 230 lbs, not many small cars fit me well. Kia seat is comfortable and everything (switches, etc) is where it should be. First tank of gas got 32 mpg in decent traffic, second tank in stop and go and stop traffic averaged only 29 mpg (my prior car got 19.6 and 12 mpg respectively in these situations, ao this is much better).
Great value, Great car, Great company
Super experience with the KIA dealership. Test drove in pouring rain, handled great w/o abs. Got the EX w/ auto trans. Simple controls, easy drive, decent safety features, and impressive looks for 17,000 car. You won't win the Indy 500, but you'll look great driving in everyday traffic and save $ on gas and laugh at people in their big, expensive gas guzzling SUVs and trucks. Warranty super, so no need for ext. warranty. Auto trans, cruise, and rear spoiler, and I drove away paying less than 17000. KIA has arrived. Give it a try.
Nice little car
I bought my Spectra LX two years ago today. It's been a great little car. Factory tires were horrible. Also the car got out of alignment pretty quick, but that is my only real complant.
First 500 Miles
The car performs very well and is amazingly quiet and well mannered. A long drive does not beat you up. Mileage at mostly 65 mph with periodic in town stop/go was 43 mpg - really! Conversations are in normal tone of voice at 60+ miles per hour. Many conveniences on the EX model I thought would cost more and do on competition models. We are happy with the car and look forward to saving gas $$. Also rated very "green" top 30.
Great car for the money
Plain and simple I love this little car. First time buyer of Korean car. Rides nice, love the mileage, no problems so far in the 6 months I've had it. The sunroof package is great. I noticed some small amount of road wander though, but it's still worth the money. I bought some Kia accessories to really make the car look sharp. I get lots second looks on the highway. I got the car in red, love it, plus it passes a lot of gas stations. I am averaging about 34 mpg. So far, so good, no real complaints. It's a quality built car that I think you should test drive. I got the 5 spd. I think Kia is on track to surpass Japanese quality or at least equal it for far less money. I would buy this car again in a heart beat.
Nice Car
I bought this car last week it had 24000 miles on it and still had a last of factory warrant lest on it. The car drives very nice, and handles well, very comfortable and great sound system. I'm glad I got this car.
You Chose
I bought my car new with only 35 miles on it Sept. 2007. It is a great little car. The makers need to work on the electrical problems. I have had three electrical problems in the past 6 months. I didn't have to pay for the first one but did on the others. The first was wiring harness burnt out, second was break lights and thrid was front lights on dim. It gets great gas mileage compared to what i did drive. Wish the seats were darker easy to see stains.
Great cars, great car co.
Very pleased with my EX. I drive a lot of highway and needed a car good on gas, safe, comfortable and good looking. I checked out other cars in the same class and found no other car close to offering the same features and safety or dependability as did the Spectra. This is my second Kia,I 'm sold.
Best Overall Buy in Class and Style
Bought it, broke it in and then drove from L.A. to Zion Nat'l Park to Lees Ferry to Grand Canyon and back with car fully loaded (included two bikes on a hatch rack). I even slept in it twice. It handled great and was always comfortable! I love it! Pros: spacious, good control placement, storage!, good handling turning when driving aggressively, looks. Cons: odd acceleration - tends to over-rev, rear speakers. Bottom Line: I've looked and this is the best car for the dollar for space, fuel economy, comfort, looks. Another may handle a bit better or jump faster but Kia's the best overall.
Resale
Bought new in 07, wanted to trade it in for a camry, well, disapointed to say the least, i still owe $12,xxx.xx and resale value is only $7,xxx.xx so I am kind of stuck with it. Has been a good car other than my key getting stuck in the ignition. Got fixed real fast. Also, th dealer will not cover you with a loaner unless you are getting the 30 and 60,000 mile check up. I wish I knew this before I bought.
2.5 years 72000 miles running strong
K so I bought this new.. Wanted a hatchback because of the fact the rear seats fold completely flat.. Wanted room without sacrificing gas mileage and getting a suv. Exterior is soft tho.. As all vehicles are nowdays. All dings and bumps show up, and the plastic front bumper not so great with 6 or more inches of snow on the ground.. In effect it became a plow during the winter, but with studs got around great anyway. Interior roomy. Wife and 3 kids and me fit great. Car headliner easily stainable oddly enough not sure what happened there. Car has been across country from Washington to Texas and back with no real issues.
Two words: Fun and Practical
I love my Kia Spectra5! The Kia is sporty to drive and responsive in its handling. No complaints. The 5 speed manual is smooth, and the engine is surprisingly powerful. I like that the look is understated and not so in your face. It grows on you after while and I look forward getting in the car and drive to my next destination. Fit and finish and attention to detail is first rate. Very roomy for a car this size. Lots of storage and handy appointments, even "secret" compartments. Last but not least is value for money. This car costs considerably less than similarly appointed cars, like the Mazda3, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, VW Golf. Highly recommended! 5 Stars *****. :)
Love My Kia!
I traded in a Pathfinder, yes, and I am glad I did, no regrets. Great gas mileage, car has pep, it's fun to drive. I've had no issues at all with car. I've been in for first service and they were awesome. I got the sports package and it beats all comparable cars hands down in styling and utility. I get compliments wherever I go and the cars actually turns heads. I think the sports package is worth the extra money for the features and styling you get.