2008 Kia Spectra LX 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Great for the price tag!

Faults:

Haven't had any problem with the car whatsoever. Just regular maintenance (oil changes).

General Comments:

I really appreciate all the equipment available in the car for the low price.

I get great gas mileage! Although my foot is a little light, I can get up to 7L/100 KM on the highway, which is pretty impressive.

I must say though, the interior styling of the car is no better than average.

Yet, it is very efficient, having lots of convenience features like cup holders, a very good armrest, etc.

Overall, I love my Kia Spectra! Second one I've owned (used to have a 2005 Spectra), and although the previous model (pre 2006) was average, this one is great!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2013

2008 Kia Spectra EX stock from North America

Summary:

Gotta love my KIA!

Faults:

Not a darn thing!

General Comments:

Bought it brand new in Albuquerque 11/2007. This car has been the greatest car I have ever had. EX 5sp.

Not one issue so far, and I'm at 45000 miles. I've driven it to New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada. Gas mileage is outstanding!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2010

2008 Kia Spectra SX Hatchback 4 cylinder, 2.0L 138 HP from North America

Summary:

I would never ever own a KIA - even if they paid me to take it!

Faults:

Steering wheel vibration @ 370 miles

Engine noise @ 375 miles

Lack of acceleration @ 370 miles

Decelerated while giving gas @ 375 miles

Loss of power steering @ 370 miles

Roadside assistance had to tow @ 384 miles

Dealer rotated tires and balanced tires due to tires being out of balance @ 384 miles

Steering wheel vibration @ 680 miles

Engine noise @ 680 miles

Lack of acceleration @ 680 miles

Decelerated while giving gas @ 680 miles

Loss of power steering @ 680 miles

Dealer reset the ECU and recommended we take it to the tire manufacture to replace the tires.

The dealer put in missing bolts from the mud guard.

General Comments:

Car handled great for the first 60 miles after we bought it. (before it had the first 200 miles).

Since then it vibrates, randomly refuses to shift up, down shifts when you are trying to accelerate (automatic) and the car has horrible hesitation. The shifts are super hard and you can feel them from the passenger seat. The car is very jerky. I'm terrified to drive it.

It is a brand new car but feels like it is on i's last leg. I have driven a car with a blown head gasket that drove better!

I would not recommend the KIA Spectra5 to my worst enemy! It's cute but not worth the hassle or the money!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2008

22nd Oct 2008, 08:48

My 2005 Kia Spectra 5 is an awesome car. I purchased it new with 5 miles on it. The car now has 120,000 miles on it and is going strong.

20th Feb 2009, 11:24

I bought an 08 Spectra 5 last year and love the car. Just turned 12k on the odometer and it hasn't been in the shop once except for oil changes. You must have gotten a lemon. Everyone I know that has purchased a new KIA in the last few years loves them.

11th May 2009, 19:13

To the original poster, I would check and see what the lemon laws are in your state. Having that many problems that early, I would think the dealer would be legally obligated to replace the car.

3rd Oct 2010, 17:25

My son has 2008 KIA Spectra and now has over 40000 miles on it. He has no complaints so far.

18th Jun 2020, 13:08

Hello,

What a review?

I am having a hard time believing what you're saying (also you say it's manual, and then you say it's automatic..!??)

I bought this car used 5 years ago and I am still driving with no engine/transmission problems, the car has 260000km and it is still driving good.

Thank you Kia.