Used 2008 Kia Spectra Wagon Consumer Reviews
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2008 Kia Spectra5 SX
Choncer, 12/21/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
31 of 31 people found this review helpful
The Spectra5 is a very fun spunky car that can't quite out-accelerate other like makes, at higher speeds it dominates. Turning and cornering is exceptional, sound system is lacking in quality, but replacing the door speakers makes a world of difference. Controls are very functional and convenient, construction is solid. After market accessories are limited, but that's to be expected with a new vehicle. Not fond of the fact that the glovebox doesn't lock. When rear seats are folded down though, all kinds of rear space. I can't say enough good things about this car.
Bye Bye Kia
Bri, 02/10/2009
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Well, I owned this car for 11 months and totaled it a couple weeks ago. Overall I enjoyed the Spectra5, and it did pretty well with a rear collision at 50 mph. Pushed me into another car, so both the front and back ends got it, but neither crumpled that far. Safety-wise it did pretty good. The driver seat during the collision slid to the back and put me into a reclining position. Strange, but not a serious fault in my opinion. So, good on safety, brakes stopped me, but the Civic behind me... not so much.
Great Value for the Dollar!
G.Peter, 01/09/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is one of finest compact cars on the market today. The features that this car offers are absolutely phenomenal. I initially checked out other compact cars such as the Dodge Caliber, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, and Nissan Sentra. I have to admit that each of those cars left me desiring and seeking much more. Then I decided to check out the Kia Spectra 5 and that was the best decision I could have made. The car was everything I was looking for in a compact car. The look was sporty. The exterior quality was extremely obvious. The interior was loaded with features that even some bigger cars and SUVs didn't have. Then came the drive. I was sold and the car was mine. Thank you Kia.
First and Last Kia
stoneattic, 03/06/2009
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
If you use the stereo aux with a satellite radio or charging ipod there is a very noticeable alternator whine. The dealer had it twice, now claims that's the way it's supposed to work. If you are going to have a convenience feature it should work properly. As annoying as this is the real clincher is that the parking lights will go on by themselves in the middle of the night for no reason, draining the battery. I'm not the only one with this. Search Kia forums and you will find many with the same issue. Kia claims a new BCM will fix it, but it hasn't corrected mine. Then there's the goofy shift points, but there's not enough room to list all of my complaints. Dealer is awful too.
Unresolved Problems
Peggy, 03/04/2009
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Spectra5 for gas mileage reasons and it was a cute car. It was great for the first 4.5 months - consistently 30 to 35mpg and the car was so quiet stopped or running. After that I get 15 to 20mpg with no changes to driving habits, route traveled or where gas purchased and the car is a lot louder. Service dept blames it on weather, car breaking in or just say they don't know and no attempt to look it over. It started at the end of summer before cold started. Make sure that you buy from a dealer that cares. I should have kept my SVU - same gas mileage and no car payment.
Outstanding! Move over Toyota!
joe, 09/17/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Before you pay more for a Toyota, Honda,etc, you owe it to yourself to look at the Kia! I bought this car a month ago and i can't say enough good about it. Style and features outside are great! Interior features and style, looks and feels awesome, then we get to the best part. This car handles and drives incredibly! I have the SX model which has the sport tuned suspension and it handles and feels like a sports car! I don't understand edmunds review about the motor. They say it gets noisy at high rpm, not mine! The 2.0 in this car has plenty of power and does not require high rev's to push or pass! I have the 5 speed manual, it's great! Don't overlook the Kia, you'll just pay more!
So Happy
Cathy, 12/16/2009
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I'm so happy that I bought this car. I drive 45mins to and from work every day and is great on gas. I love is car.
not worth it
John C, 07/13/2009
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
the gas mileage was disappointing.. The Spectra stared to fall apart in a year.. the service department was horrible.. I was hoping it would hold up and the dealership would honor the warranty but after taking it in three times for the door on the gas cap, they said it was a poor design and only cleaned it again.. and were so rude! they said I must have broken it and the seat belt that wouldn't retract.. the side door wouldn't always close.. and I always smelt something burning.. I wasn't planning to sell it in a year after buying new but lost confidence in this car and the warranty.. it is very top heavy and not a good car to drive in the real world.. I took a huge loss with Kia..
Lemon
Disappointed, 11/11/2010
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought this car less than a month ago and has already been in the shop twice. First mistake was buying used but I guess they saw a sucker coming. I got a lemon. Service dept. tells me its bad spark plug wires and spark plugs. Really every two weeks. They cannot replace them all until defective if under warranty. Really? Bet my warranty runs out first.
Replaced a 1997 Gr Caravan
Mike, 06/03/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We had just purchased an Optima for my wife and I had noticed the Spectre5 on the lot. Not many cars make me stop and give them a second look, but this one did. Some quick reference checks and I bought it 3 days later. Although I miss the room in my Caravan I have to say this is one of the most fun cars to drive. Gas mileage has been just under 30 MPG in mostly city type driving but I know that will get better as it breaks in. Although no car is perfect I haven't found any major items to complain about. There has been some talk of Kia not honoring their warranty but you just need to maintain very through records if not serviced at a KIA dealer,
More than I expected
Islanders, 06/27/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have only had the Spectra5 for a week, but I'm 6'3'' and have plenty of head room and enough leg room in both the front and back seats. The cabin is roomy with good cargo space. Nice trim kit, power windows, locks, strong AC. A great car to drive. I'm also impressed with the build quality. Nice solid feel to the transmission, and engine, etc from the first time I test drove it. Getting 30 mpg mixed driving with AC on. I'm trying to conserve fuel, but also haven't been passed by anyone. That might drop a little if it is a real grid lock urban crawl. So far I'm very pleased. I had a trailer hitch installed for a bike rack. Also getting Thule roof racks and sat radio. Great car.
Can't beat 'em
AJ, 06/29/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 05 Kia sportage v6 for the spectra5 sx and I gotta say, you can't go wrong with these cars. I had to trade for better mileage which wasn't very good on the sportage and I'm glad I did. The spectra is fun, sprite, well equipped, and a lot of bang for the buck. I compared Mazda3, Pontiac Vibe and Chevy Malibu and in the end I stuck with what I knew.
good car
bnk, 07/02/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i had a rodeo before so it sucked the gas and I went and bought this car. It's not too fast but it's the sx so it's sporty. Wish it had chrome wheels and a system
Right Stuff
Mush, 07/15/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The spectra 5 auto is fun and easy to drive. It looks great, holds the road real good and handles better than the Camry LE 2008 sedan which I test drove. I also test drove the Honda Civic 2008 but with all elements considered, I bought the Kia. Kia has good driving visibility (I am short) and the hatchback is a plus in this price range (cheaper by about $5K).
Great purchase
Keepintune, 08/24/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded in a Ford Explorer XLT due to gas mileage. I am a piano technician and have to carry tools at all times. This was a great choice after searching for 3 months. Compared American, Japanese and Korean cars. I wanted the Prius, but there were none to be had, and then dealers were selling for "market price". I made a great choice for me. I am 6'3" and above 250 lbs. Comfort is there for leg room, but to me, seat surfaces are not soft enough. That being my only complaint of the inside, everything else is great. I love the stereo-great sound and flexibility; cd changer, ipod & xm to Aux input is fabulous. Easy to work. Car well laid out. Easy to read instruments.
WOW! What a fun car!
Pacific NW Customer, 12/24/2007
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Spec5 from the dealership as soon as it was available. I do a LOT of business driving, and love the roominess of the hatchback when I have to carry my supplies with me. The peppy 2.0 liter engine with the 5- speed makes this car a blast to drive. I'm getting almost 30 mpg in town, and closer to 35 on the open road. I haven't run out of power when passing or accelerating, and it climbs in the mountains great too! Never a problem in the first 8000 miles! Love the 7500 mile oil changes, and of course the great warranty!
What a fun surprise!
Kia Mia, 11/26/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I wasn't looking for a Kia when I went to this dealership. A salesman talked me into test driving a Spectra 5. I was totally surprised at how quiet and smooth this vehicle was. Road noise was absolutely minimal! The great looking interior is very comfortable. All instruments and accessories are easy to use while driving. I drove this car cross country twice and it was very comfortable the whole way. The car is very stylish. I've had numerous people inquiring about it with great interest. My wife liked the car so much that I gave it to her and bought another one, identical to it! The one thing I would change would be to have head rests that pivot from front to back. What a treat!
Awesome value, can't go wrong.
scott, 01/26/2009
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love driving this car. I laugh at matrix owners knowing they paid thousands more and I have a safer ride. I was worried if Kia's quality was where it should be but after owning it I can say it's better than most. Far better than the american car I own.
Super Spectra 5
Julie, 02/22/2009
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because the combination of reviews, price and fuel economy were hard to beat and it has exceeded my expectations! Great fun to drive and I rarely get less than 30-32 MPG. Have gotten as much as 35 pretty regularly. My only complaint is that it could use a few more little storage compartments and I miss having the temperature and compass feature that I had in my last car.
Nice little car
Bob, 01/03/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have put about 1500 miles on in two weeks. Mixed driving (city and 75 mph interstate) with AC on about 25% of the time. Mileage 30-32 mpg. May get better as it breaks in. Reasonable power for an econo car. Engine noisey when pushing beyond 3500 rpm, but under normal driving a very quiet, pleasant ride. Good fit and finish. No wind noise in the interior unless wind is really blowing outside (30+ mph). Suspension a little soft. Sounds like it is bottoming out when I hit a pothole. I intend to keep this car a long time. If it is reliable, this car is an excellent buy.
Great Car
hdwestmont, 07/06/2009
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in February and since then have already put over 7,000 miles on it. I drive a lot! I've never gotten worse than 27 mpg and have gotten as good as 38, and trust me, I don't drive like an old woman and that's usually with the AC on too. Was planning on buying an American car, but after endless test drives, this car had more get up and go (compared to Pontiac Vibe, Dodge Caliber). I also liked it better than the Nissan Versa (way over priced) and the Toyota Matrix (also way over priced). All in all, It's been a great car, got more options for less money and it doesn't look like a pregnant roller skate! =)
Wanted a Wagon
Greg, 09/13/2010
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall i like the car it's got good power and a lot of features for the money. It has a quit cabin and handles bumps in the road like a more expensive car. I have been on a few camping trips with this car and it was a joy to drive.
Great and fun commuter
ARConcepts, 12/10/2007
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With now 2000 miles under its belt, I would like to say this was a great purchase. There are some slight noises through the cabin, but overall fit and finish is very good. The manual transmission is the way to go to get the most from the engine, though the clutch takes a little getting used to and rpms tend to hang a little per shift. Long strokes between gears, but a $90 aftermarket short shifter should allievate this problem. Great gas mileage thus far ,worst MPG so far 28.79 mpg on the first tank (best 33.06 mpg last tank 1806 miles). Roomier than my old 98 Explorer storage wise and lots of great features make it a welcome little car. Was really fun in the mountains, just needs more HP.
Hardy Recommendation
Danielle Prevette, 05/15/2008
2008 Kia Spectra Spectra5 SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am very pleased with this car. It has so far been one of the best cars I have owed over my 40+ years of ownership, which has included Honda, Toyota, Subaru and VW. I have had absolutely no problems in the ss 1st 5 months of ownership.