Honda and Toyota practically invented the high-quality, low-cost family sedan nearly 30 years ago, and the giant Japanese automakers have dominated that market ever since. While several companies — both American and otherwise — have tried to topple these two mechanized goliaths from their throne at the top of the economy car food chain, most competitors have had a difficult time offering a high-quality car with a long list of standard features and a low price tag. Several Korean manufacturers have attempted to step into the ring over the past decade, but none have made it past the first or second round thanks to subpar quality control and anemic power plants.
After listening to these squawks and suggestions from consumers and the automotive press alike, the top brass at Kia set out to build a fun-to-drive compact sedan capable of beating the Japanese at their own game. We think the new Spectra accomplishes that goal and more, as its stellar warranty and sub-$15K price tag make it a solid choice for families and first-time new car buyers looking for sporty and economical transportation.
Rather than trying to update the previous-generation Spectra in an attempt to come up with a better package, Kia engineers decided to start with a proven platform borrowed from their sister brand and improve it in just about every way. We have already praised the Hyundai Elantra as one of the best values in its class, and a dose of that winning formula combined with a leap forward in build quality and ergonomics makes Kia's jaunty little sedan a truly successful endeavor.
First and foremost, the new car is lower, longer, wider and roomier than the previous Spectra. In fact, with 97 cubic feet of passenger space in the cabin, it has the largest interior in its class (and even bests a few European competitors like the Audi A4 and VW Jetta). Things changed drastically on the outside as well, where classic lines and tasteful styling touches give the car an elegant look that makes it appear more expensive than it really is. We see more than a touch of BMW 3 Series in the taillights and body lines, and if you're going to borrow a few styling tricks, the venerable Teutonic sport sedan is as good a choice as any to imitate. Jeweled headlamps, flared wheel arches and optional five-spoke alloy wheels lend further credence to the Spectra's upscale new look.
Take a peek underneath its sheet metal and you'll see the Spectra's underpinnings are all new as well, boasting independent suspension complemented by front and rear stabilizer bars and controlled by a new speed-sensitive power rack and pinion steering setup that ensures taut and responsive handling. Improvements in engineering weren't limited to the chassis, as a new 2.0-liter inline four manages to pump out 138 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque thanks to high-tech goodies like dual-overhead cams and Kia's first variable valve timing system. For those of you keeping track, that's an extra 14 hp and 16 lb-ft of torque over last year's model, making it the most powerful standard engine in its class.
With all that extra oomph underfoot, the new car needed extra help to slow things down, so standard four-wheel disc brakes were added to the package with ABS as an option. Other safety features include standard front, side, and side curtain airbags (six in all), a first in the economy car category. As an added incentive, Kia loaded up the higher-trim EX model with a pile of standard goodies, including auto-off headlights, keyless entry, eight-way adjustable seats, power windows and door locks, air conditioning and a six-speaker stereo. Factor in one of the best warranties in the business (five-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper; 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain) and you can see how hard the Korean automaker is trying to win over American buyers.
The best part, however, is the price. Our dark gray Spectra EX test vehicle carried a $13,750 base price, and the grand total after factoring in the added cost of alloy wheels ($360), cruise control ($200) and carpeted floor mats ($80) came to a meager $14,930. Consider the fact that a comparably equipped Toyota Corolla costs over a thousand dollars more, and you can see why we couldn't wait to get the Kia out on the road for a little real-world testing.
Sliding in behind the wheel, the front bucket seats are incredibly comfortable with thick foam padding and small side bolsters. Unlike most small cars we've sampled, the seats in the Spectra withstood long drives without any discomfort or back pain. This is probably because they offer the rare combination of excellent lower back support and a properly placed headrest that actually supports a person's head. The combination of an eight-way adjustable seat, standard tilt-steering wheel and plenty of legroom make finding a comfortable driving position a snap, and the wheel itself is thickly padded and easy to grip.
The interior design is excellent, especially for a car with a sub-$15K price tag. Two-tone dark gray and beige panels give the cabin a well-thought-out, classy look, and the dash layout is clean and simple with little clutter or unnecessary complications. Plastic panels abound in any car in this category, so we were very impressed with the fit, finish (gaps were extremely tight and even) and quality of the textured plastic. The console and door panel armrests are as thickly padded as the wheel, and all of the switches are clearly labeled and illuminated. Leg- and headroom are plentiful, and the plush upholstery is quite possibly the nicest we have ever experienced in an economy car. The carpet seems a little thin and matted down, but $80 optional floor mats helped to make up for the shortfall. We counted four cupholders and multiple storage compartments tucked away all over the interior. Overall, the Spectra's interior rivals or exceeds the competition in every way.
On the road, we were surprised by the car's power and agility. The 2.0-liter inline four provides more than enough muscle for the small sedan, making lane changes and passing on the freeway grin-inducing experiences. Acceleration is brisk across the power band, especially from 3,000 rpm to redline at 6,500 rpm. Our test vehicle came equipped with a five-speed manual transmission that was fine for low-speed cruising, but got a little frustrating in traffic thanks to a shifter that suffered from long throws, a notchy feel and an overly sensitive clutch pedal. Our only other complaint about the Spectra is that it makes an incredible racket on the highway at speeds above 70 mph. A combination of short gears and lack of insulation results in such excessive engine noise and vibration at highway speeds that holding a conversation at normal speaking volume becomes difficult. In fact, we kept reaching for sixth gear in an attempt to quiet things down, only to discover that a sixth gear didn't exist. We'd like to think that the four-speed automatic might be a better overall choice in this application.
Otherwise, we were very pleased with the way the Spectra handled itself in every driving situation, even in the twisty mountain roads near the Edmunds.com home base. The suspension feels very crisp and sporty, with little body roll and no torque steer whatsoever. Road feel is excellent, as the new speed-sensitive power steering makes the wheel light and easy during parking yet firm and stable at higher velocities. Overall, this does not feel like a low-cost economy car.
After spending two weeks of traversing traffic-clogged freeways, open roads and the grizzled streets of L.A., we feel that Kia has produced a solid contender that's more than capable of taking on the reigning Japanese economy car champs. Thanks to its peppy performance, unique upscale styling, top-notch warranty and highly competitive price, the 2004 Spectra is a great choice for new car buyers looking for something a little different than the same old Hondas and Toyotas. Now will someone please pass the kimchi?
After listening to these squawks and suggestions from consumers and the automotive press alike, the top brass at Kia set out to build a fun-to-drive compact sedan capable of beating the Japanese at their own game. We think the new Spectra accomplishes that goal and more, as its stellar warranty and sub-$15K price tag make it a solid choice for families and first-time new car buyers looking for sporty and economical transportation.
Rather than trying to update the previous-generation Spectra in an attempt to come up with a better package, Kia engineers decided to start with a proven platform borrowed from their sister brand and improve it in just about every way. We have already praised the Hyundai Elantra as one of the best values in its class, and a dose of that winning formula combined with a leap forward in build quality and ergonomics makes Kia's jaunty little sedan a truly successful endeavor.
First and foremost, the new car is lower, longer, wider and roomier than the previous Spectra. In fact, with 97 cubic feet of passenger space in the cabin, it has the largest interior in its class (and even bests a few European competitors like the Audi A4 and VW Jetta). Things changed drastically on the outside as well, where classic lines and tasteful styling touches give the car an elegant look that makes it appear more expensive than it really is. We see more than a touch of BMW 3 Series in the taillights and body lines, and if you're going to borrow a few styling tricks, the venerable Teutonic sport sedan is as good a choice as any to imitate. Jeweled headlamps, flared wheel arches and optional five-spoke alloy wheels lend further credence to the Spectra's upscale new look.
Take a peek underneath its sheet metal and you'll see the Spectra's underpinnings are all new as well, boasting independent suspension complemented by front and rear stabilizer bars and controlled by a new speed-sensitive power rack and pinion steering setup that ensures taut and responsive handling. Improvements in engineering weren't limited to the chassis, as a new 2.0-liter inline four manages to pump out 138 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque thanks to high-tech goodies like dual-overhead cams and Kia's first variable valve timing system. For those of you keeping track, that's an extra 14 hp and 16 lb-ft of torque over last year's model, making it the most powerful standard engine in its class.
With all that extra oomph underfoot, the new car needed extra help to slow things down, so standard four-wheel disc brakes were added to the package with ABS as an option. Other safety features include standard front, side, and side curtain airbags (six in all), a first in the economy car category. As an added incentive, Kia loaded up the higher-trim EX model with a pile of standard goodies, including auto-off headlights, keyless entry, eight-way adjustable seats, power windows and door locks, air conditioning and a six-speaker stereo. Factor in one of the best warranties in the business (five-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper; 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain) and you can see how hard the Korean automaker is trying to win over American buyers.
The best part, however, is the price. Our dark gray Spectra EX test vehicle carried a $13,750 base price, and the grand total after factoring in the added cost of alloy wheels ($360), cruise control ($200) and carpeted floor mats ($80) came to a meager $14,930. Consider the fact that a comparably equipped Toyota Corolla costs over a thousand dollars more, and you can see why we couldn't wait to get the Kia out on the road for a little real-world testing.
Sliding in behind the wheel, the front bucket seats are incredibly comfortable with thick foam padding and small side bolsters. Unlike most small cars we've sampled, the seats in the Spectra withstood long drives without any discomfort or back pain. This is probably because they offer the rare combination of excellent lower back support and a properly placed headrest that actually supports a person's head. The combination of an eight-way adjustable seat, standard tilt-steering wheel and plenty of legroom make finding a comfortable driving position a snap, and the wheel itself is thickly padded and easy to grip.
The interior design is excellent, especially for a car with a sub-$15K price tag. Two-tone dark gray and beige panels give the cabin a well-thought-out, classy look, and the dash layout is clean and simple with little clutter or unnecessary complications. Plastic panels abound in any car in this category, so we were very impressed with the fit, finish (gaps were extremely tight and even) and quality of the textured plastic. The console and door panel armrests are as thickly padded as the wheel, and all of the switches are clearly labeled and illuminated. Leg- and headroom are plentiful, and the plush upholstery is quite possibly the nicest we have ever experienced in an economy car. The carpet seems a little thin and matted down, but $80 optional floor mats helped to make up for the shortfall. We counted four cupholders and multiple storage compartments tucked away all over the interior. Overall, the Spectra's interior rivals or exceeds the competition in every way.
On the road, we were surprised by the car's power and agility. The 2.0-liter inline four provides more than enough muscle for the small sedan, making lane changes and passing on the freeway grin-inducing experiences. Acceleration is brisk across the power band, especially from 3,000 rpm to redline at 6,500 rpm. Our test vehicle came equipped with a five-speed manual transmission that was fine for low-speed cruising, but got a little frustrating in traffic thanks to a shifter that suffered from long throws, a notchy feel and an overly sensitive clutch pedal. Our only other complaint about the Spectra is that it makes an incredible racket on the highway at speeds above 70 mph. A combination of short gears and lack of insulation results in such excessive engine noise and vibration at highway speeds that holding a conversation at normal speaking volume becomes difficult. In fact, we kept reaching for sixth gear in an attempt to quiet things down, only to discover that a sixth gear didn't exist. We'd like to think that the four-speed automatic might be a better overall choice in this application.
Otherwise, we were very pleased with the way the Spectra handled itself in every driving situation, even in the twisty mountain roads near the Edmunds.com home base. The suspension feels very crisp and sporty, with little body roll and no torque steer whatsoever. Road feel is excellent, as the new speed-sensitive power steering makes the wheel light and easy during parking yet firm and stable at higher velocities. Overall, this does not feel like a low-cost economy car.
After spending two weeks of traversing traffic-clogged freeways, open roads and the grizzled streets of L.A., we feel that Kia has produced a solid contender that's more than capable of taking on the reigning Japanese economy car champs. Thanks to its peppy performance, unique upscale styling, top-notch warranty and highly competitive price, the 2004 Spectra is a great choice for new car buyers looking for something a little different than the same old Hondas and Toyotas. Now will someone please pass the kimchi?
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