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2009 Kia Spectra Sedan

4dr Sdn Auto SX

Starting at $12,050 | Starting at 24 MPG City - 32 MPG Highway

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2009 Kia Spectra Sedan

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

Just a few equipment changes grace the 2009 Kia Spectra, such as standard active front headrests on all trims as well as standard cruise control the EX trim and an optional sunroof. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Spectra offers LX, EX and SX trims. In addition, the Spectra5 five-door hatchback features 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, when folded, increase the cargo space to 52.8 cubic feet. The SX trim adds sporty suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior accents and sport seats. Powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque, the Spectra comes with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic transmission is optional on all trims except the LX sedan. Kia Spectra fuel economy ratings boast 24 mpg city/32 mpg hwy and 27 mpg in combined driving for the automatic transmission, and the manual transmission trims rate a bit lower. Spectra standard safety features include front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints, while antilock brakes are optional on the EX and SX.

Benefits of Driving a 2009 Kia Spectra Sedan

The 2009 Spectra has more interior space than most everything in its class, with an impressive 97 cubic feet inside. The Spectra also stands out for its very low base price and generous equipment list as well as for its extensive warranty coverage. The Spectra is also a comfortable small car, with a refined ride and quiet interior.

What's new for 2009?

The 2009 Kia Spectra model line now has a wider option lineup that includes sunroof, anti lock brakes, and satellite radio. Otherwise, the car is carried over to 2009 with no significant changes.

Model Strengths

  • Low base price
  • plenty of interior space
  • refined ride
  • long warranty
  • large amount of trunk space.

Model Review

The 2009 Kia Spectra has a starting base price of $13,200. The Spectra5, the hatch version, has a starting price of $16,345.

Printable Version

2009 Kia Spectra Sedan

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2009 Kia Spectra

Source: The Car Connection

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the new Kia Spectra in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com has also researched available road tests on the new Kia Spectra to produce this conclusive review, including a roundup of other choices, pros, and cons, to arm you with the most useful shopping advice.

The 2009 Kia Spectra is a lot of car for the money, but it's outclassed by more refined competitors.

The 2009 Spectra is available in three trim levels: LX, EX, and the sporty SX. All versions feature Kia's 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which uses variable valve timing to generate 138 horsepower. The engine can be somewhat loud and thrashy when pushed hard. Fuel economy is unimpressive for a small car, with ratings of 24/32 mpg with the automatic and 23/30 mpg for the manual.

The Spectra feels peppy with the standard five-speed manual, but it's unusually responsive in the mid-rev range, so it works well with the relatively smooth-shifting four-speed automatic.

The 2009 Kia Spectra5 and the SX sedan have sportier suspension tuning, but the standard Spectra sedan favors ride comfort over sporty handling. The Spectra5 and the SX sedan feature wider tires that make these versions much more enjoyable to drive if you routinely navigate curvy roads, with only a slight change in ride quality. Note that these models have increased road noise, though. The SX models are distinguished by their black mesh grille, fog lights, rear spoiler, and larger 16-inch wheels.

Last year the Kia Spectra5 received a makeover from the front doors back, with hatchback convenience and a tall roofline that continues almost all the way to the rear of the vehicle, yielding impressive cargo space--especially when taking advantage of the fold-flat backseats.

The 2009 Kia Spectra has quite a bit of seating space, with a nicely proportioned height-adjustable driver's seat. The Spectra comes well equipped, but its interior appointments are a weakness; it's very basic in design, which is fine, but it lacks the lustrous materials and cohesive styling that's now par for the course, even among bargain-priced rides.

Those accepting only the safest will want to look elsewhere. The insurance-affiliated IIHS rates the Spectra with an Acceptable score in frontal protection and Marginal score in side protection. In federal government crash tests, the 2009 Kia Spectra earns five stars for frontal protection and four stars for side-impact protection. Front side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers, are standard on all Spectras. Anti-lock brakes remain optional on the Spectra.

Standard equipment on the 2009 Kia Spectra includes dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a rear defroster, and a tilt steering column. An AM/FM/CD stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack is also standard. The EX and SX models get standard power windows and door locks, keyless entry, air conditioning, and floor mats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, metal sport pedals, and cruise control are also included with the SX, while an AM/FM/MP3 stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a power sunroof are SX-only options. Remote start is offered on the Spectra, but neither a Bluetooth hands-free system nor satellite radio is available.


The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Kia Spectra has a roomy interior and respectable performance at a bargain price.

Printable Version

2009 Kia Spectra Sedan

Safety Ratings help

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.

Driver Crash Grade Excellent
Passenger Crash Grade Excellent
Rollover Resistance Good
Side Impact Crash Test - Front Good
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear Good

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction

4-Wheel ABS Opt
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Std

Passenger Restraint

Driver Air Bag Std
Passenger Air Bag Std
Side Air Bag Std
Side Head Air Bag Std
Rear Head side Air Bag Std
Child Safety Locks Std

Road Visibility

Fog Lamps Std
Intermittent Wipers Std
Variable Inter. Wipers Std
Printable Version

2009 Kia Spectra Sedan

Original Warranty  help
Original Warranty
An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment.
The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including:
Basic Warranty:
Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters.
Drivetrain Warranty:
This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be.
Roadside Assistance:
The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car.
Corrosion Warranty:
This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal.
Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.

Miles

Months

Basic 60,000 60
Drivetrain 100,000 120
Corrosion 100,000 60
Roadside Assistance 60,000 60

Kia Certified Pre-Owned Warranty  help
Certified Pre-Owned Warranty
To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points.
Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer.
Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include:
Age/Mileage Eligibility
To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers.
Lease Term Certified
Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less.
Point Inspection
These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details.
Return/Exchange Program
Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car.
Roadside Assistance
Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty.
Special Financing
Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers.
Transferable Warranty
When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect.
Warranty Deductible
This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.

120-months/100,000-mile Powertrain warranty from original in-service date
Age/Mileage Eligibility up to 5 model years old w/ less than 60,000 miles
Lease Term Certified No
Point Inspection 150
Return/Exchange Program No
Roadside Assistance 10-Year/Unlimited Mileage from In-Service Date
Transferrable Warranty Yes
Warranty Deductible $50

Learn more about certified pre-owned vehicles

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