2007 Kia Spectra Review: A Mediocre-by-Design, but Adequate Budget Compact

The 2007 Kia Spectra is the very definition of adequate. Other than a roomy back end in the hatchback, there’s really nothing to set this car apart from the competition. But, it’s reliable, and it sells for under $5,000.

Is the 2007 Kia Spectra a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 7/10 – A thoroughly adequate, mediocre car, through and through. Neither a clunker nor a hidden gem, but a serviceable budget compact.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The car earns an extra point for generous storage space in the hatchback, and it loses that point for wobbly-feeling suspension.
• Reliability 8/10 – Maybe the car’s best attribute is that it won’t likely break down on you, maintenance is cheap, and it’s only been recalled once.
• Safety 6/10 – Crash test scores are worrying, and anti-lock brakes are missing.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – 23/30 miles to the gallon isn’t bad, but, if we’re talking compacts, it’s not good either.
• Value 7/10 – It’s cheap and low-maintenance, but the Hyundai Elantra offers a far better driving experience at the same price.

What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Kia Spectra?

Consumer Reports were impressed with the Kia Spectra’s quiet interior and high-end cabin. That’s where their praises ended, however, with criticism doled out for weak braking, mediocre acceleration, slow cornering, and disappointing fuel economy.

Kelley Blue Book praised the Spectra as one of the more generous budget cars out there, but they weren’t so thrilled about the weak handling and low-end performance. KBB users give the car a strong 90% recommendation, though, praising the car as being more reliable than you’d expect for the price.

Edmunds liked the low price point and comfortable, functional cabin. They noted that the Spectra is packed with slots, cupholders, and pockets for your convenience. They weren’t so excited about the noisy engine, weak suspension, and mediocre crash test scores.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Kia Spectra Have?

After more than 16 years on the road, the Spectra has generated just 160 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Airbags take the lead at 59 complaints with drivers reporting airbag warning lights staying on, failure to deploy, and suddenly deployment while parked.

Electrical system complaints number 17, with drivers reporting the doors locking and unlocking on their own, sometimes even trapping the driver in the car, forcing them to play with the ignition key until they can time their escape just right, which is less fun than it sounds.

The 2007 Spectra’s sole recall was for an issue with the fuel tank straps rusting through, dragging the fuel tank along the road and possibly creating sparks. The problem has generated a handful of complaints, with drivers reporting a fuel smell surrounding their vehicle.

Overall, the Spectra has proven a fairly safe, reliable vehicle, with just 1 recall and 1 investigation on file with the NHTSA.

How Long Will the 2007 Kia Spectra Last?

The 2007 Kia Spectra is reported to last at least 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. That may come as a surprise to people who expect these cars to be kind of disposable, but it’s proven to be a trooper. With excellent care you could easily hit 250,000 miles on the original transmission.

Repairpal estimate a very low annual maintenance cost of just $297, with the most expensive common fixes being new AC condensers, starting at around $522, and new fuel injectors, at around $436.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2007 Spectra is basic, but adequate for the model year, with a CD player, 6 speakers, and an auxiliary input jack coming standard. Don’t hold out for an MP3 player or Bluetooth connectivity though.

Safety technology is underwhelming. Anti-lock brakes are missing as a standard feature. Add some fairly poor crash test scores to the mix and this is one of the car’s weakest points.

Is the 2007 Kia Spectra a Good Value?

The 2007 Kia Spectra is a pretty good value. An SX sedan tends to list for around $5,211, while a hatchback typically lists for around $5,096. The fair market range starts at under three grand, though, so take your time and shop around for a good deal.

While there are more fuel-efficient compacts on the market than the Spectra, it’s not the thirstiest car out there, either, and repair costs are very low. So, low sticker prices plus a low cost of ownership make this one of the more affordable used vehicles on the road today.

What are the Different Models of the 2007 Kia Spectra?

The 2007 Kia Spectra is offered in two body styles, sedan and hatchback, and three trim levels, ranging from the base LX to the high-end SX.

With the entry-level LX you’re getting:

• Cloth seating
• CD player with 6 speakers and auxiliary input
• Tire pressure monitor
• 6-way manual adjust driver seat

The mid-range EX adds:

• Manual air conditioning
• Remote keyless entry
• Heated mirrors

The top-of-the-line SX features:

• Premium cloth seating
• Fog lights

What Engines Come In the 2007 Kia Spectra?

• The 2007 Spectra comes packed with a 2.0L inline-four engine delivering 138 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, and it averages 24/32 miles to the gallon, city/highway.

What Colors Does the 2007 Kia Spectra Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2007 Kia Spectra?

The 2007 Kia Spectra is roomier than it looks from the outside, with an intuitive layout and a back row stretching 54 inches across. The suspension rides a bit wobbly, though, so you may be feeling bumps in the road a good quarter mile after you’ve passed them.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Kia Spectra Have?

A sedan holds 12 cubic feet of cargo, which is a bit smaller than comparable compacts like the Elantra. The hatchback packs 18 to start with, and up to 53 cubic feet with the seats down, which almost makes it a small SUV.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2007 Kia Spectra was the third to last model year for the short-lived compact, and the fourth of the car’s 2nd Generation.

2006: The Spectra got a modest fuel economy bump for 2006, from a highway MPG of 30 to 33.

2007: New grilles and bumpers were debuted for the sedan in 2007, modernizing the car’s overall appearance.

2008: 4-speed automatic transmissions were added as a feature to the LX model for 2008.

2009: The 2009 model Spectra was the nameplate’s last hurrah, featuring standard active front headrests and cruise control, and sunroofs in the EX model.

How Does the 2007 Kia Spectra Compare to the Competition?

Any budget compact that comes out in any model year, you’re going to have to compare it to the Hyundai Elantra, which tends to sell at around the same price as a Spectra, but it’s more fuel-efficient, quicker to accelerate, and more comfortable inside the cabin.

But, the 2007 Elantra isn’t available as a hatchback, and the Spectra compares favorably to other wagon-style compacts like the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which is a little less fuel efficient than the Spectra, and not quite as dependable.

To put it bluntly, the Kia Spectra is nobody’s first choice of budget compact. But, it might be your second. If you can find a really good deal on one, give it a test drive and see what you think.

Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Kia Spectra?