2008 Kia Spectra Review: Unimpressive, but Adequate

The 2008 Kia Spectra is a hard car to get excited about, and a hard car to complain about. It’s efficient and capable, typically sells in the mid-$4,000 range, and worth every penny… unless you can find an Elantra at the same price.

Is the 2008 Kia Spectra a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 7/10 – The 2008 Spectra is adequate in almost every way.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Hatchback models feature plenty of cargo space, and cabin quality is decent for a budget compact. But you’ve got to dock a point for squishy suspension and bare-bones entertainment features.
• Reliability 8/10 –  The 2008 Spectra promises cheap repairs and a good 200,000 before the first major breakdown. It’s not exactly a Toyota, but it ain’t a Jeep, either.
• Safety 7/10 – Crash test scores are unimpressive, and standard safety features are skimpy.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – At 24/32 miles to the gallon, city/highway, there are more fuel-efficient compacts out there, but the Spectra’s not exactly a gas guzzler.
• Value 8/10 – The Spectra might not be the deal of the century, it’s one of those cheap cars where “you get what you pay for.” But in this day and age you’re gonna take notice of a reliable compact that starts out under $3,000.

What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Kia Spectra?

Consumer Reports liked the 2008 Spectra’s quiet cabin and high-end interior trim, noting that the car was especially impressive for the price. They weren’t so enthused about the car’s mediocre acceleration and fuel economy, nor its wimpy braking.

Kelley Blue Book praised the Spectra5 SX in particular for putting the value where it counts, delivering a sporty driving experience without a lot of bells and whistles. But, they note that that sportiness is compromised by the car’s middling inline-four engine.

Edmunds liked the low price and comfortable cabin, noting the car’s generous storage space, and that it has more cupholders than you’ll likely need. They handed out a few red marks for mediocre crash test scores, squishy suspension, and anti-lock brakes being exclusive to the SX trim.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Kia Spectra Have?

The 2008 Kia Spectra has generated 133 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 72 of these are for airbags, with drivers reporting failing occupant sensors on the passenger side, resulting in airbag warning lights staying on and, in some instances, airbags failing to deploy as needed.

16 electrical complaints point to a wide assortment of issues from fidgety door locks and failing key fobs to the car randomly starting for no reason. Most common among these issues: Door locks engaging and disengaging at random.

A handful of exterior lighting complaints point to issues with the parking lights engaging while the car is turned off. Drivers report turning the car off and removing the key, and the parking lights still remain on.

The 2008 Kia Spectra has not been recalled a single time as yet. An investigation was launched regarding the occupant sensor issue, but the problem was ultimately handled via extended warranty rather than recall, and there hasn’t been a complaint on this matter since late 2021.

How Long Will the 2008 Kia Spectra Last?

You can expect a Kia Spectra to last at least 200,000 miles with adequate care. Drivers have reported passing a quarter million miles on the original transmission, but you’ll want to bet on the lower end when deciding if a used car is worth your hard earned money.

Repairpal estimate that the 2008 Kia Spectra should cost you around $381 a year in maintenance. Replacement fuel sensors are the most expensive common fix, starting at around $1,100, with AC evaporators not far behind, at $706.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment features in the 2008 Kia Spectra are pretty basic, even in the higher-end trims. CD players with 6 speakers are about as fancy as it gets here.

Safety technology is even more basic. Anti-lock brakes are available on the SX trim, but lower trim levels feature airbags and pretty much nothing else.

Is the 2008 Kia Spectra a Good Value?

The 2008 Kia Spectra is very affordable. The base LX sedan typically sells for around $4,587, while an SX hatchback goes for around $5,441. Fair market prices start as low as $2,966 if you know how to shop around.

If you’re happy with a stripped down, no-frills compact, Spectra prices are hard to beat. The car is fuel-efficient and low-maintenance, too, so cost of ownership is pretty low. Is it the bargain of the century? Not exactly. But it’s a good, reliable car at a rock bottom price.

What are the Different Models of the 2008 Kia Spectra?

The 2008 Kia Spectra is available in two body styles, hatchback and sedan, and three trim levels, from the base LX to the high-end SX.

With the entry-level LX you’re getting:

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

The mid-range EX adds:

• Manual air conditioning
• Heated mirrors
• Remote keyless entry

A top-of-the-line SX features all that, plus:

• Anti-lock brakes
• Premium cloth seating
• Fog lights

What Engines Come In the 2008 Kia Spectra?

• The 2008 Kia Spectra comes packed with a 2.0L inline-four engine delivering 138 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, and it averages 24/32 miles to the gallon, city/highway.

What Colors Does the 2008 Kia Spectra Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2008 Kia Spectra?

The 2008 Kia Spectra is moderately comfortable. The cabin is nice and quiet, the interior trim is better than you expect for the price, and it stretches 52 inches across at the hip, which ain’t bad for a compact. But creature comforts are limited, lacking even power-adjust seating, and the suspension feels a bit saggy.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Kia Spectra Have?

The 2008 Spectra packs about 12 cubic feet of cargo, which will store four medium suitcases and a carry-on or two. Hatchback models pack around 18 cubic feet, which is comparable to a full-size sedan’s trunk. The interior offers plenty of slots, pockets, and cupholders for four passengers.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2008 was the second to last model year in the short-lived compact’s 2nd Generation run, making it the second to last model year for the nameplate itself.

2006: Some under-the-hood tweaks brought the Spectra up to 33 mpg on the highway, a 3 mpg improvement over the 2005 edition.

2007: The sedan received a subtle makeover with modernized grilles and bumpers.

2008: LX models were equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions for 2008.

2009: For the final model year, the Spectra received active front headrests and cruise control as standard features, and the EX got a new sunroof.

How Does the 2008 Kia Spectra Compare to the Competition?

The first car you’re likely to compare any budget compact to is the Hyundai Elantra. The Hyundai prices in the same range as the Spectra and may last around 50,000 miles longer before the first major breakdown, making it the clear winner, unless you can get a really, really good deal on a Kia.

On the other hand, the Spectra outclasses the PT Cruiser on fuel economy and longevity.

If you’re after a dirt-cheap budget compact that will last you a few years while you save up for something newer, the Spectra might not be your first choice, but it belongs on the list, and it’s worth considering if you can get a good deal on one.

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Kia Spectra?