Used 2009 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews
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Better than I had hoped
nolarobert, 06/17/2015
updated 12/27/2017
2009 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
42 of 42 people found this review helpful
I bought my Spectra SX new in July of 2009. It was priced to move since the brand new 2010 Forte was hitting the market. If I could have afforded to spend more I would have likely gone with the Honda Fit. Imagine my surprise 8 years later that my Spectra is still going strong with no major issues. It has proven to be an enjoyable car that is darned reliable.
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Life Saver
DrAwkward, 07/07/2009
2009 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
This car saved my life, along with three passengers, when a drunk driver crossed into our lane. Its responsive handling allowed us to avoid a head-on collision, and the side-airbags minimized the seriousness of our injuries. Everyone in the accident thanked me for choosing this car after putting its safety to the test.
Love the car
puppywhipsers, 05/04/2012
2009 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
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 won't 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 couldn't believe it! It's a great car and with the sunroof & factory rear spoiler and on it, it looks sporty too!
Good highway car
dexter, 04/12/2009
2009 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car to drive to school (260 miles round trip) four days a week. It gets 36-38 mpg and rides surprisingly well. Good build quality especially for the price. Never owned a kia before but if the quality of this car is indicative for the rest of their line I see an Amanti in my very near future.
Satisfied overall
mholly99, 03/12/2009
2009 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I waited 5 months to write this review because I wanted time to adjust to the car. Overall, its a good value for the money. I also test drove the Corolla and Civic, but the low price and excellent warranty is the reason I chose the Spectra. Handling is responsive and the car meets my needs very well.
11 years and going strong
JD, 02/05/2021
2009 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My dad bought his '09 Spectra used with 29k on it. After he passed, I started driving it. It's really phenomenal! It's cost pennies to run, it's comfortable, and it's surprisingly fun for an economy car with automatic transmission. It's got plenty of power, the heat and AC work exceptionally well, and at 11 years old and 127k miles, all I've done is regular maintenance with the exception of a $15 brake light switch. It's a tough little car that I've really grown to love.
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A Step Up
Derail, 10/31/2008
2009 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Impressed with Kia
Felt32, 02/07/2010
2009 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I wanted a fuel efficient, inexpensive vehicle, with all of the up to date features (such as cruise control, CD, aux outlet) and I got all of that in this Kia. My only regret is that I had waited until the end of the year to get the Kia Forte!!
Good Commuter Car
Alexmb, 11/14/2016
2009 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Over all really good car to go off to college with for what I paid. I bough it with 32,000 miles at the end of 2012 now end of 2016 around 60,000k. I have had no major issues with the car just I have done standard maintenance and only thing that I have replaced are headlights, tires and windshield wipers. Easy to control in tight spots. It still has the standard radio system which works well including the aux input and cd player. Really like having sunroof makes the car feel more open. Only complaint would be the clear coat which has started peeling.
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Great Value KIA
nolarobert, 07/02/2009
2009 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a new purchase. I was able to get the "Copperhead" color, so the car looks sharp & it has fog lights and a rear spoiler. Before you laugh at the spoiler, I was cruising the I-10 at 105 mph & this engine was up to the task. At 85 mph & below the cabin noise was minimal. I took some local back roads and the suspension was solid and the car felt glued to the road even as I took the curves at a goodly amount of speed. The brakes bring the car to a quick stop with no spongy fade. I look forward to taking my new Spectra on a long road trip to visit family in TN. The 700 mile journey will allow me to wring this car out & see if it holds up for the 11 hour drive.