Used 2008 Kia Spectra Sedan Consumer Reviews
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2008 kia spectra owned 10 years now
Joseph Hall, 01/10/2018
updated 07/12/2021
2008 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2008 Kia Spectra from the dealer with 2 miles on it in april of 2008. I am pretty sure those 2 miles were put on by me in my test drive too. She now has 114K miles on her over 12 years and I can safely say this is the best car I've ever owned. Despite what the reviews seem to say here, my LX does have ac which has never once needed to be repaired, only recharged once. As for maintenance I have only had to do regular service, and, as long as you treat the car well, you'll most likely never have to do any advanced repairs for a long time to come. This car is amazingly reliable and affordable. It also has more climate control settings than your average car that costs twice as much, with 9 fan speeds and many more temperature settings than any other car I've driven. I love it and have come to rely on it. I drive a 2017 subaru outback for work, and despite the outback having more power, I far prefer my Spectra. Update 7/11/21: the car still runs great. I've had to recharge the ac once since this review was written, but other than that I've had no major maintenance that has had to be done. She's still a very good car and I love her a lot. Still the best car by far over ever owned. I'm at around 122k miles on her odometer now.
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I love my KIA soo much!
James, 06/04/2010
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
OMG, where do I start. I bought it new NOV 07, I got to choose the one I wanted any color anything. Took one look at my white EX 5spd rear spoiler, and I was hooked. So long story short 2 1/2 yrs later and car approaching 60,000 miles on it now, not a thing has gone wrong. People always comment on my car, and how clean and good it has held up! I take care of my car but don't baby it! I think it handles really well, and at times I feel like I'm in a sports car. The rear spoiler makes it look so much better and 5 spd Overdrive, I don't have to always down shift up hills (only when some trucker or slow car gets in front of me. All and all At least take a look and consider!
2nd Time Around
cph0857, 10/26/2011
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I totaled my '07 Spectra about 3 weeks ago and was heartbroken. This car had been flawless with no problems. My collision was at 40 mph, with an immoveable object. (Tree) Yes, I was sober. My Kia took great care of me in the accident, crumpled all around me with no serious damage to the passenger compartment. I wish the exterior panels had not been so damaged, but I will trade the totaled exterior for the protected interior any day. I walked away with just a tiny cut on my finger from the broken glass. I found an 08 with 5,000 miles and we are settling in nicely. I expect to have a long and happy life with my new Spectra.
High miles and still going
Michael brown, 06/28/2018
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've owned my spectra sx twice now I bought it used in 2014 when it had 280000 miles on it and haven't had to hardly do anything to it t runs as if it was a brand new car I got rid of it in April of 2016 when it had 302000 mile on it to get a 06 Yukon Denali and then recently this year I got it back at 304000 and now it has 305000 Iles and still running like new I love this car its roomy has great quality.
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Not bad for the money
Bryan, 12/30/2009
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I am a young driver(21) bought this when I was 19(actually still making payments) and this has been a great car. The 5 speed really lets you open up the engine and get the most out of it and I wouldn't have it any other way. Mine has developed a rather strange problem lately, the rear floorboards are getting soaked but there is no leake up top, so I am guessing water is coming in from the bottom? This will be my first experience with KIA customer service so I hope they treat me well and I get my car back soon. This seems like a rare problem so I won't blame the car just yet. Overall, great car for the money hands down.
BEWARE!!! Engine dies - Steering wheel locks!
C.B. Dunlevy, 06/24/2016
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 19 people found this review helpful
■ 2016 April 23 I brought my car in for the regular “The Works” package maintenance to Kia of Dayton. Thereafter, my car ran a little rough. I did not think much of it until my car began “pausing/hesitating” as I drove it. ■ 2016 May 25 I was driving to an interview and thought the car was going to die on the highway. My car has never behaved like this; and, again, this was after the most recent routine maintenance on April 23, 2016. In addition, sometimes when I put on the brakes, the car stops and then lunges forward. This does not happen all the time; it happens intermittently. ■ 2016 June 10 I had my two twin granddaughters in the car. We met my husband for lunch and then went to Kettering Hospital to visit a relative. While driving in city traffic (going approximately 35 MPH), I gradually applied the brakes to stop at a stop light. When the light turned green, I realized that the engine had died. This concerned me as this has never happened. ■ 2016 June 13 I brought my car in to the dealership and described what was occurring. A diagnostics was performed and the car was driven. The Tech advised that nothing showed on the diagnostics and that when the car was driven, no issues occurred. ■ 2016 June 18 I drove from my house to the local grocery and back to my home. As I went to make a right-hand turn from, I gradually braked, made the turn and then realized the engine had died because my steering wheel locked! I had the air conditioner on, the radio on and was singing to it, so I did not hear the engine die. Further, because I could not steer, I went into the other lane and thankfully, no one was in the lane or I would have hit them. In addition, if someone would have been behind me, they would have hit me as they would not have expected me to turn and suddenly stop—especially since I did not have my foot on the brake after I turned. ■ 2016 June 20 I took my car back in to Kia of Dayton and reported the June 18, 2016 incident. I told the tech that I was very concerned about these incidents and relayed that I considered these to be very dangerous and life-threatening. I also called the Fixed Operations Director, and relayed that my car has been running rough since I got it back on 4/23/2016, feels like it is pausing/hesitating when I drive it; died while I was driving it without warning on 6/10/2016. (I had put on the brake for a stop light and did not know it had died until I tried to accelerate.) I advised that the diagnostics done on 6/13/2016 did not produce anything and that I thought maybe all of this was just an odd happening, so I continued to drive the car. On 6/18/2016, when I was right turning, the car died and the steering wheel locked and that I considered these incidents to be extremely dangerous and life threatening. I called the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and provided information regarding this issue. I wrote the Fixed Operations Director a letter documenting the incidents and my concerns and noted that I had copied the NHTSA. 2016 June 22 the tech called and said that they ran another electronic diagnostic and have driven the car over 50 miles and nothing shows up on the diagnostic and they cannot reproduce the incidents. I reiterated that I do not feel safe driving the car. I asked if any of the incidents were recorded in the car’s memory. No. I asked if the sensors in the car were able to record things like this. No. So, the sensors are not sensitive enough to record such incidents. I asked him what might cause the car to pause/hesitate while I am driving and he said that it might be the spark plugs. I asked if he checked these and he said no as that would mean that they need to tear apart the car to check these. I also asked about the fuel filter and the same thing applies. He said that tearing apart the car and looking at it will cost me. 2016 June 23 I called and left a message with the Fixed Opertions Director around 12:30 pm advising that I would like to speak to him regarding my car. Since I did not hear back from him, I called Kia of Dayton and asked for the corporate office # and was given 1.270.783.8080. I called and spoke with a woman named Tricia. I explained to her what was going on with my vehicle and she suggested that I call and speak with the General Manager of Kia of Dayton. I called Kia of Dayton and spoke with the General Manager and conveyed my concerns about how serious these incidents are. He offered to do a trade in with me. Unbelievable. I advised that I am the only owner of this vehicle, that she has run fine until 4/23/2016. I am currently waiting for Kia Corporate to look into all of this as an internet search documents that the issue of Kia's suddenly dying while being driven goes back to at least the 2001 models. Query as to how many "accidents" have occurred that were attributed to a driver when it was a product failure! BEWARE!!! And, I love my car.... :-(
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Love my Lil blue fox!
Mr. Fox, 03/05/2017
updated 09/12/2022
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It's been the best car I've had in a long time. Never had even so much as a check engine light the whole time I've owned since it had 6 miles on it. On a straight freeway trip once I actually obtained 44mpg with cruise set. I was absolutely amazed! Even around town my fuel mileage in my Lil Fox is stupendous! She only eats a Lil bit and goes a long way on that. I can't speak highly enough of this vehicle! ( Maybe I just got a hold of a good one?) Regular service as needed, that's all. Never, ever left me stranded. Showing just a Lil bit of normal wear and tear, but still looking good. And most importantly, mechanically the best! I'm retired, this might very well be the last vehicle I may own. I'm sure it will be around for a long time with lots of love. *Update!* My lil fox just turned over 100,000 miles! Still doing wonderfully great. Even in the blasting heat of this summer she ran cool, no overheating problems! I can only say that it is a bit saddening that the Spectra model is no longer produced today.(The last year they made this model was 2009). If they still did, if I ever decided to trade up, it would be to the newer Spectra. Kia makes wonderful cars but the rub is that none of the newer makes/models can obtain the fuel mileage I can achieve with my Spectra to this day. As long as my lil fox will answer the call of my key, I will keep her. She always takes me where I need to go, without hesitation, summer, winter, anytime. Kudos to Kia for the Spectra! ***Update as of 9/7/2019*** My lil blue fox (spectra) now has 163,000 miles and runs as good and smooth as the first day. Just had the factory fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator valve replaced, yes they lasted 10 1/2yrs!!! Exceptional as far as I'm concerned.
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Zippy car!
Teresa, 02/28/2018
updated 09/10/2018
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I previously owned a 2005 Ford Freestyle, fully loaded. Never had an issue with this car and suddenly the transmission failed. I have never owned a Kia, until now. While I am disappointed in the lack of "extras", it is a simple car and what I could afford at the moment. It has a surprising bit of get up and go. I feel like I could pass anyone on the road. Everything on the inside (radio, trip meter, lights, etc.) is very easy to find and operate. I tend to think of it as a "sleeper" car because the acceleration is so awesome but it's just a simple four-door sedan. This would be a wonderful starter vehicle for someone. I plan to keep the car for a year and build my credit, but if I continue to be happy with it, I will be a Kia owner after this! Side note, I bought this car from a Kia dealership and it was very clean and I was told the mechanic tore it apart and fixed what was wrong (which wasn't much). Update: after owning for 6 months the only issue I have is the driver door cannot be opened from the inside. Seems to be a problem for other Spectra owners.
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Goodbye Toyota, Nissan - Make Way For Spectra!
William, 07/02/2018
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought new - standard 5 speed - now has 240,000 miles - replaced: Clutch at 200K miles, Alternator at 190K miles - that's it!!! DROP MICROPHONE AND WALKED AWAY!!! ENOUGH SAID! AWESOME LITTLE CAR!!
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Best Valued Commute Car!
themagicfarmer, 05/01/2013
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought my 08 Spectra (with 18K on it) from an official Kia dealer about a year ago. No disappointment so far. The car has all necessary functions, basically powered everything, Air conditioning and so forth. It's built cheap but in a simple and neat fashion, plus designed with safety and accessibility in mind. Spacious, driver's seat, back seats and truck, every where. Kia's service center is excellent too. They perform everything necessary, and never charge for pointless services, like mandatory car wash if serviced which many Honda dealers do. It's the type of shop you want to rely on. (my dealer is located 3 mins from where I live, I'm happy!) To sum up, isn't it an ideal commute car?
2008 Kia Spectra
Bob E., 03/27/2009
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall the vehicle has done what I needed and expected. Power is fine, mileage was about 30-31 mpg until I reached 25000 miles then I tipped 38mpg a few times depending upon passenger content, and city/highway percentage of driving when tracking the mpg of a tank of fuel. Sound system is good with nice bass and crisp highs. My tires wore out at 27000 miles to the wear bars even though I kept pressure monitored closely and rotated according to recommendations, but you know how the new car new tires are worse mileage than the ones you replace them with! The only thing would keep me from another spectra purchase is the timing belt has terrible moaning noise in the engine. Dlr says its fine!
Spectra
KIA, 02/25/2010
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Spectra, new. The gas mileage is great! I usually get 26 mpg around town; 39 mgp highway. It's the perfect car for around town, but a little small for interstate driving. It has great pick up and handles turns well.
Love my little car
Janet, 06/16/2018
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my little white Spectra for nearly 10 years, and it has never ever, not once, given me a lick of trouble. It's not fancy, it's too old to have all the bells and whistles, but it has a great radio and CD player, climate control keeps me always comfortable, it's reliable and dependable, gets pretty good gas mileage, and gets me where I need to go every time. It holds two carseats in back, and a little person can fit between them, allowing me to transport four grandkiddos at a time. What more, really, does one need in a car? I love my little Spectra.
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Buyer's Remorse
James, 10/05/2008
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is really uncomfortable to drive for more than an hour. The driver's seat curves up sharply jabbing into your rear end. I'm not a skinny guy, but by no means large either. But the real disappointment is in the 23 mpg avg I'm getting. Mostly highway, this is very disappointing in a car this size. Now one nice thing is that the controls are easy to reach. Second, this car really has some kick. It will jump out in traffic like a 6 cylinder vehicle if you need to. But it fails to be a good ride and to be economical to drive.
Parking lights stay on sometimes
Don, 02/01/2009
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought car 6 mo. ago, had this problem since I bought car, dealer said if it doesn't happen all the time, they couldn't fix it. That was fine in the summer but when I had to have it jumped 3 times in the parking lot at work in -10, that's a problem. Brought it back, still wouldn't fix it. Car is 6 mo. old, 13,000 miles, lost 6 grand in value. My mpg were 24-33 thats terrible. My folks' big Buick gets 30 and it's a nice ride, not like this.
Will never buy a Kia again!!
Heather, 06/03/2009
2008 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I do enjoy by Kia. I got it with 12 miles on it in May 08. I don't drive it very much, just to work. But I've had it in the shop 3 time. My kia is a manual and I think thats the problem. the 1st 2 times it was in the shop was 4 months after I got it. It would not go into reverse.Well a new transmission and cluch later the service department said it was "Fixed". WRONG at 11months old sure enough its doing it again so i take it to the delership and they say nothing is wrong. Am I the only person having trouble???
Disgusted
Tony, 10/09/2010
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 14 people found this review helpful
Do not believe any favorable since they must be written by all of the useless salesmen who cannot sell the Kia Brand. Tires horrible, front end struts and steering arm, water sloshing, bad paint job, rear end noise. Never again. Buying Chevrolet.
Great value, like all the "kiadai" cars
Jose in Dallas, 06/10/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall this vehicle is great for a subcompact. The Hyundai 2.0 L sounds fantastic at 6000 RPM but gets rather thirsty. Engine noise is very little until you get on the freeway. Very comfy suspension with the smoothness of a Caddy until you take a sharp corner where it leans like a pickup truck. The overall build and quality of these Korean cars (Hyundai & Kia) has been improving every year but they are still not on the same level as the Japanese. With the 100,000 Mi warranty the vehicle is a great value for the price.
Bargain Small Car
Rob, 07/27/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a fine small car that has all of the features you need at a price considerably less than the Japanese makes. Quality of the major Korean brands has improved markedly over the last 15 to 20 years and they are almost on par with the major Japanese brands. The ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet. Engine power is adequate but no "ball of fire". Handling is ok but this is no sports car. This is a great first car for a teen or a second car for getting around town. With rebates the selling price of this car was $14,200 + TTL vs. a list price of $16,700. That is a strong price vs. what late model used cars are selling for without the strong factory warranty.
Nice car for the money
ikillbugs, 10/14/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2008 Kia used but with very few miles on it. I love the looks and the overall ride is excellent, even at 80 mph on the interstate (although past 80 it does get a bit shaky). I got the EX model, and given a choice (after the fact) I would certainly look for an SX model with the sportier suspension. It does not handle that well in tight corners, but I bought it for a commuter, not a race car. I rated it at 8 for BUILD QUALITY and RELIABILITY simply because I just don't know. I have only had the car a month. So far so good ;-)
Kia Spectra-Thumbs Up!
KiaFan, 11/17/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I drove my Kia Spectra EX Automatic over 3700 miles in Western Canada and USA after buying one month before. Excellent comfort, cruise control was flawless, held the road well, achieved average of 35 mpg (39 in one stretch), great brakes. Plenty adequate pickup on entering a freeway. Very quiet engine at highway speed of 70 or at idle (wondered if in was running while waiting at a stop sign). The finish and fit is excellent. The price was right - at least $3000 less than a Corolla or Civic or Jetta. I also checked it to its sister/brother the Hyundai Elantra... compares well, same engine, nicer interior. Stereo/CD radio very good. Great warranty.
Great Commuter Car - Thumbs UP!
billddrummer, 11/26/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle seeking reasonable price point and good fuel economy. The car delivers both with excellent results! I have daily multi-destination commutes and put nearly 600 miles/week on this vehicle among 3 drivers. We routinely get 30+ miles/gallon in mixed driving, and the car is comfortable for all of us, ranging from 5'5" to over 6 feet. Seats are wide enough for middle-aged spread, and pickup in lower gears is exceptional. No complaints from this happy owner! Check this out before buying a Honda or Toyota Corolla.
My Kia
uptomischief, 11/30/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my Kia about a week. What a fun car. It has excellent pick up and you feel safe scooting out in traffic. The car is very comfortable. Easy to maneuver the seat and tilt wheel to make it comfortable. The keyless entry is great. It has a ton of trunk space. Inside is roomy enough for four people. It has a lot of extras you would not expect such as place to plug in ipod, sturdy cup holders including ones in back seat, CD player, etc. What I found amazing was that this car had all these extras but cruise control is not standard. Overall, this is a great car. It is fun and easy to drive, very economical, comfortable, reliable, safe, and less expensive than the competition
Great Band For Your Buck!
williamkreth, 06/03/2009
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i have owned 2 kias besides this one, and once again kia has surprised me, with their great cars they manufacture! i have been a long time kia owner, and that is not going to change, i drive alot usually 25,000 miles a year! and the kias hold up just fine! and i love their basic yet stylish designs and layouts!
My only Problem is Humming Noise
Dwight Judd, 06/16/2010
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I enjoy driving the car it has great pick up. Now the problem that I'm having is when I'm driving the car and the wind is blowing at the passenger side of the car I'm picking up a high pitching humming noise inside the car sounds like it's coming from the driver side dash and window area but not sure.
Some problems, but good car
mountaineer6, 04/07/2014
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2008 Spectra about 2 years ago with 18,000 miles Certified Pre-Owned. Only major problem I've had is the front end is so out of whack (sometime shaking violently at highway speeds other times not and knocking noise), and no one can seem to fix it. Was told it was probably the tires, so I replaced them for the problem to resurface as soon as the were worn in. Now I'm about to drop another $500 to replace the front struts and hopefully resolve the issue. Kia says that it isn't covered under the warranty (because apparently the struts on a car with 40,000 miles should go bad.) Get 30mpg, SO FUN TO DRIVE, kinda slow but peppy, maneuverable, good visibility, ugly but sporty look.
Nice little car for the money
KYPhoenix, 04/27/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have just recently purchased this vehicle. After looking at other vehicles in this class (Dodge Caliber/ Avenger, Ford Focus, etc) I believe this to be the best value, by far. The 2.0 with a manual is peppy, the engine is all but unnoticeable until 4k rpm (About 80+ in 5th), and with all the convenience features I got, makes me feel like I got a great deal. Gas mileage has been 22ish (city) thus far, but I only have about 150mi on her right now, and by all accounts mpg gets much better as it breaks in. Overall a great car for a person who needs affordable transportation, but likes a car to have a bit of pep and personality.
Luv my car
kath, 05/19/2008
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I luv this car! I have gone from a suburban to this highly fuel efficient compact car. I drive approx. 60+ miles per day. It is very smooth and fun to drive. I thought the big car small car transition would be hard. Not a problem at all. But, when I go from this car to my husband's suburban I feel like I'm driving a bus. Have had about 1 month and getting 31 MPG in town. My mom bought one at the same time and she can't keep my dad out of it. It's hard to explain. You just have to test drive. It has a lot of get up and go. Very easy to maneuver. Can't say enough good things. Have the SX standard. Mom has the SX automatic, sister the EX, nephew the SX and I will be going back for one for my son.
08 Kia a good buy
irishgreg83, 05/24/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned my kia for about three weeks now, and I have to say I really like this car. I was a little worried switching to a 4cyl foreign car, after drving 6 cyl chevys for as long as I have been driving. The car feels very sturdy while driving it. The 2.0 liter engine can get up and go although the engine gets kinda load over 4000 rpm. I get greats gas mileage, sometimes close to 38 mpg on the highway at reasonable speeds (80 mph or less). The drivers seat leaves a good bit of room for the driver which is nice if you are 6 ft plus, and there is plenty of head room. All in all I am happy I chose this car you cant beat it for the price.
Terrible trans!
disgusted, 09/18/2010
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 9 people found this review helpful
First transmission replaced at 17,000 miles, 2nd at 23,000. Water "sloshing" around somewhere in the dash/floor area that "can't be fixed". I like the warranty, but when the car's in the shop, you're stranded. No rental, no loaner, just stranded. I paid $950 for a used Mazda 626 with 175k on it and it's way more reliable than this!
Big Suprise
PT, 06/07/2008
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We walked away with this bargain for under 12k. This has been completely reliable and fun to drive for us. Very spacious interior and you feel completely secure wrapped in airbags, this is honestly the only car I have ever really enjoyed owning. Highly recommended by his owner.
Surprisingly Good Car
jabhiji, 07/14/2008
2008 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned a LX for about a month now and have been pleasantly surprised at the gas economy and reliability so far. Most of the miles so far are on the highway (with the A/C on) and I have consistently obtained 34+ MPG, with the maximum so far being 37.8 MPG. The vehicle handles very well on the highway, but can be a bit awkward at low speeds. Does not handle turns very well, even at low speeds. Feels like the car is going to rollover if you take those curved exit ramps at more than 30 to 35 mph. But overall, considering the price, I am a very satisfied owner.
Great Buy!
Tina, 08/14/2008
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first new car and I don't think I could have done any better! Smooth driving and great gas mileage.
Bought another
B.J. Miller, 09/03/2008
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I originally had a 2006 Spectra which was totaled in an accident when someone lost control of their SUV after they were hit by someone who ran a stop sign. Fortunately the airbag worked well. I was very happy with my 2006 Spectra but before I purchased another one, I wanted to see what other options I had. I drove every make and model out there and could find nothing else that I was more comfortable in or satisfied with than the Spectra, so I promptly purchased another one and have not had, even for a second, any regrets. I even turned down a purchase of a 2005 Jaguar that was selling for the same price as the Spectra. I found reviews of the Spectra to be more reliable than the Jag.
My next car will be a Kia
Derrick, 10/06/2008
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love it. It looks great in a parking lot and sexy on the road! My friends and family all want to drive it and wish their car was a kia. I love my spectra sx!
unexpected... an inexpensive, great car
midwest customer, 12/23/2008
2008 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Perfect for my purposes. Lots of city driving with the occasional cross country drive. I was blown away when I drove almost 500 miles at about 75mph before needing gas. The roomy interior is perfect as I often have a full car. Safety is a huge issue for me and I always feel good in this car. ABS served me well while driving through N.E. snowstorms. The cruise control is great too. Drives very smoothly, and the CD changer and iPod hookup are great for long drives. I love being able to have my GPS, cell phone charger, and iPod all plugged in at the same time. I have had this car for 4 months and have received tons of compliments.
Crushed Spectra replaced with a Spectra
BJM, 01/11/2009
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I originally bought a Spectra in 2004 and really like it. I never had a problem with it until the day an SUV coming at me in the opposite lane was hit by a car that ran a stop sign, lost control, came into my lane and wiped me out. My Spectra was totaled. Although I was happy with my Spectra, I went to CarMax to see what else was out there. I drove a half a dozen cars or so, and nothing was better than what I had. I purchased another Spectra and have been very happy with it. I must have gotten a good one because I routinely get just over 40 miles to the gal. The comment I get most when people get in my car is "This is a KIA?" in an unbelieving tone.
Great car and a great value
qcspectra, 01/11/2009
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new last summer. Great build quality and materials, especially at this price. Have previously owned 8 Hondas and 2 Mazdas, and this Spectra easily compares to them. My EX w/manual transmission has averaged 31 in mixed driving (65/35 city/hwy), well over the 23/30 EPA rating. Shopped the '08 Civic, Mazda3, Corolla, Elantra, and Cobalt.
The Kias are Alright
Sam/Hain, 05/11/2008
2008 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As of this writing, the Kia is a good little car. A smooth ride, and cheaper than the competitors. (Learn to love that word folks, its great.) As a commuter, I give a thumbs up.
very reliable
Jim, 08/30/2021
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned my 2008 Kia Spectra for 13 years with no issues!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
great little car for the money
wilburn mchone, 03/08/2010
2008 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have put a custom cold air k. N intake system and a greedy exhaust on the car and have e. 3 iridium spark plugs and it is a straight drive and has an adjustable ait controller by surge performance it is fully adjustable and they say up to 50 or more horse power that is what they say 30 to 40 is what you are going to get but with intake exhaust and ait controller that 60 horse power over stock and it still runs in a safe zone where there is no worries about engine damage just break the engine in first before being aggressive with your driving style until broken in and you will have no problem break in is everything, no break in you end up with a broken down car so just be gentle until broken in