When you do need to kick down, the transmission's a little reluctant, but the Spectra isn't a vehicle you need to cane incessantly to keep up with traffic. That propensity to get into 4th keeps the tachometer needle on the quiet side of the gauge, and we didn't catch the transmission hunting when climbing grades thanks to the torquey engine. Idle is quiet and smooth, thanks to hydraulic engine mounts, and the torque delivery feels meaty, allowing the 4-speed automatic to jump for high gear as fast as possible. The iron-block DOHC four has a gravelly growl, but it's never thrashy or harsh. Consider the 2,800-2,900 pound curb weight, and you'll see that the Spectra doesn't have a problem getting out of its own way. The 2.0 liter unit in our car had CaliforniaĮmissions, delivering 133 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque while earning an There's also plenty of power provided by the This hardware would be at home in Kia's flagship Amanti. Ancillary controls are usually taken for granted, until they're so horrible that you notice how flimsy things like blinker stalks are. All of the switchgear inside the Spectra feels high-end, in fact. Three big knobs control the HVAC system, and they operate smoothly. While the seats could improve, the ergonomics are above complaint. There is room for improvement the seats could use more bolstering, and some lumbar support would be welcome, too. Theĭoor panel inserts wear an attractive fabric, and we were impressed that the interior felt like it would be at home in a car costing $10,000 more. Some surfaces look better than they feel, but the overall effect of contrasting earth tones presents well. The interior is quiet and attractively styled and none of the materials have that specular sheen of nasty plastics from yesteryear. So, perhaps there are better autocross cars, but the Spectra's just right for the daily grind. Kia has done a good job infusing the Spectra with a lively feel while also giving it a smooth ride that doesn't smash its bump stops over every irregularity. When the steering goes all gooey in the middle of a corner, you know the Goodyear Eagle LS tires have given up. The ride is smooth, bumps are absorbed with aplomb, and handling is sharp, until it's not. There could also be a scoshe more firmness in the suspenders, but the sometimes loose wheel control in other In the end, we get the impression that the chassis is capable of more, but in this case, it's let down mostly by its tires. A non-sporting bent mustn't always equal mediocrity while the Spectra EX won't keep up with a Mazdaspeed3, it doesn't mind if you try. Not that the EX is a slouch, but nor is it a The SX is the model we wish we'd tried, just to sample the sportier suspension. Inside and out, the Spectra needs no excuses or shroud of overwrought styling to distract from inferior mechanicals. In fact, the Spectra's quite handsome, and the front has aįlared-fender stance that gives the car a little visual muscle. The looks are not groundbreaking, though they're neither weird or ugly. Gestural character line tracing an arc through the flanks. Lexus-tight gaps, and the styling has a whiff of Passat with its Outside, the body panels are assembled with
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Look! you can even get rid of the power windows and the AC in the LX, just like the old days.Ī departure from the old days, however, is the fact that the Spectra is a quality piece. From the EX trim level, you can go up to the sportier SX, or down to the LX. This level of equipment was luxury-grade twenty years ago. The only item in the option column was cruise control. Stereo with CD and aux input, all standard in the EX. Ours was filled with things likeĪir conditioning, tilt wheel, power locks, and a trim that will return 33 combined miles per gallon without being babied one whit.Ĭheck the Monroney. Not only that, the Spectra has nearly as much interior volume as a 5-seriesīMW, with many dimensions actually marginally superior to the far more expensive Euro sedan. Used cars that would trade for less, but for what you'd spend on a 3-4 year old entry level European car with high miles, you can get a Spectra with Sure, you could dig up any manner of used-up
That brings up a second point with the Spectra, you get a Mainly, it was a whole lot more expensive for the original buyer. That car is a whole different thing than the
#2007 kia spectra problems driver
Perhaps calling my daily driver Volvo S60 overkill is premature. All photos ©2007 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.
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