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2007
Kia Spectra

Starts at:
$12,895
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New 2007 Kia Spectra
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Manual LX
    Starts at
    $12,895
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Manual EX
    Starts at
    $14,895
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto EX
    Starts at
    $15,895
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Manual SX
    Starts at
    $15,995
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto SX
    Starts at
    $16,995
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra 2007 Kia Spectra

Notable features

Restyled for '07
2.0-liter four-cylinder
Manual or automatic
Six standard airbags
Sporty SX model available

The good & the bad

The good

Ride comfort
Fuel economy
Driving ease
Headroom
Price

The bad

Engine noise during hard acceleration
Acceleration with automatic
ABS not standard
Resale value

Expert 2007 Kia Spectra review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
For 2007, Kia has updated front and rear styling — including the grille, bumper, lights and deck lid — on its compact Spectra sedan. Interior changes include a restyled dashboard, new seat fabrics and an upgraded audio system. Thanks to the modified exterior, the Spectra adds about an inch of length over the 2006 model.

Kia introduced a redesigned Spectra compact sedan as a late 2004 model. The new Spectra was larger than its predecessor and featured more power and six airbags.

Fitted with variable valve timing, the Spectra’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder develops 138 horsepower (132 hp in Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle form).

Trim levels include the base LX, uplevel EX and sport-tuned SX. The SX has similar equipment to the Spectra5 hatchback.

The Spectra5 hatchback received similar styling changes for 2007. It’s listed separately in the Cars.com Research section.

Exterior
On the Spectra LX and EX, freshened exterior elements include the grille, bumper, lights and deck lid. The Spectra SX features a new face with integrated ground effects, a bright exhaust finish and redesigned wheels. Overall length increases 0.8 inches for the LX and EX sedans, and 1.2 inches for the SX.

Kia promotes the Spectra’s sculpted appearance and the more aggressive look it has over many of its rivals. Large, angular headlights flank the grille. Full-length body creases are meant to impart a sense of motion.

Spectras have a four-wheel-independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars. EX sedans roll on 15-inch tires.

A sport-tuned suspension with 16-inch wheels is used on the Spectra SX sedan. The installation of a strut tower bar is said to improve handling.

Interior
Interior updates include new metallic accents and revised seat fabric. The audio system adds an auxiliary jack for iPods or other MP3 players, and a six-CD changer is optional on the Spectra SX.

The Spectra sedan holds five people on front bucket seats and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Trunk space totals 12.2 cubic feet.

Air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry and heated power mirrors are included in the EX sedan. Extra features in the SX sedan include a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, aluminum pedals and metal-finish trim.

Under the Hood
The Spectra’s 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder teams with a standard five-speed manual or the optional, revised four-speed automatic transmission. In the five SULEV states, Spectras with the old automatic have an environmentally friendly SULEV rating, but that engine is rated at 132 hp.

Safety
Antilock brakes are optional. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags are standard.

Driving Impressions
Similar to earlier import-brand models, the Spectra steers with a pleasantly light touch and maneuvers smartly. This is a generally enjoyable car that exhibits no more body lean than other sedans in its league, but it lacks a feeling of tight control. The tires aren’t likely to squeal when cornering, though the Spectra might “plow” through curves.

On most surfaces, the ride is satisfyingly smooth. The SX sedan is tauter, with no penalty in ride comfort.

Acceleration reaches past adequate with an automatic transmission, but passing yields a lot more blare than response. Kia’s easy-shifting manual gearbox works with little effort and helps extract the most power from the engine.

The seat bottoms are short, and cushioning feels adequate but not abundant. You get plenty of headroom, elbowroom and legroom. Scalloped front seatbacks help give backseat riders more knee space than some small cars offer.

2007 Kia Spectra review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
For 2007, Kia has updated front and rear styling — including the grille, bumper, lights and deck lid — on its compact Spectra sedan. Interior changes include a restyled dashboard, new seat fabrics and an upgraded audio system. Thanks to the modified exterior, the Spectra adds about an inch of length over the 2006 model.

Kia introduced a redesigned Spectra compact sedan as a late 2004 model. The new Spectra was larger than its predecessor and featured more power and six airbags.

Fitted with variable valve timing, the Spectra’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder develops 138 horsepower (132 hp in Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle form).

Trim levels include the base LX, uplevel EX and sport-tuned SX. The SX has similar equipment to the Spectra5 hatchback.

The Spectra5 hatchback received similar styling changes for 2007. It’s listed separately in the Cars.com Research section.

Exterior
On the Spectra LX and EX, freshened exterior elements include the grille, bumper, lights and deck lid. The Spectra SX features a new face with integrated ground effects, a bright exhaust finish and redesigned wheels. Overall length increases 0.8 inches for the LX and EX sedans, and 1.2 inches for the SX.

Kia promotes the Spectra’s sculpted appearance and the more aggressive look it has over many of its rivals. Large, angular headlights flank the grille. Full-length body creases are meant to impart a sense of motion.

Spectras have a four-wheel-independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars. EX sedans roll on 15-inch tires.

A sport-tuned suspension with 16-inch wheels is used on the Spectra SX sedan. The installation of a strut tower bar is said to improve handling.

Interior
Interior updates include new metallic accents and revised seat fabric. The audio system adds an auxiliary jack for iPods or other MP3 players, and a six-CD changer is optional on the Spectra SX.

The Spectra sedan holds five people on front bucket seats and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Trunk space totals 12.2 cubic feet.

Air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry and heated power mirrors are included in the EX sedan. Extra features in the SX sedan include a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, aluminum pedals and metal-finish trim.

Under the Hood
The Spectra’s 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder teams with a standard five-speed manual or the optional, revised four-speed automatic transmission. In the five SULEV states, Spectras with the old automatic have an environmentally friendly SULEV rating, but that engine is rated at 132 hp.

Safety
Antilock brakes are optional. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags are standard.

Driving Impressions
Similar to earlier import-brand models, the Spectra steers with a pleasantly light touch and maneuvers smartly. This is a generally enjoyable car that exhibits no more body lean than other sedans in its league, but it lacks a feeling of tight control. The tires aren’t likely to squeal when cornering, though the Spectra might “plow” through curves.

On most surfaces, the ride is satisfyingly smooth. The SX sedan is tauter, with no penalty in ride comfort.

Acceleration reaches past adequate with an automatic transmission, but passing yields a lot more blare than response. Kia’s easy-shifting manual gearbox works with little effort and helps extract the most power from the engine.

The seat bottoms are short, and cushioning feels adequate but not abundant. You get plenty of headroom, elbowroom and legroom. Scalloped front seatbacks help give backseat riders more knee space than some small cars offer.

Safety review

Based on the 2007 Kia Spectra base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
4/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 42 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.3
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • 270,000 miles, have driven since 164,000 5sp manual that

    270,000 miles, have driven since 164,000 5sp manual that I picked up with third gear out, changed the transmission, difficult to find due to most seeming to be automatics. have changed oil, tune up, clutch, and clutch, it has been very reliable and comfortable commuter car for a 20 mile commute, have driven long distance and it has been comfortable for a 6 footer, (myself)
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Good Durable Transportation

    Very reliable, Very Affordable, I relied on this car for both long trips and heavy inner-city driving. AC was serviced once or twice but always had good AC, good handling and reliable transportation for over 100K miles.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car

    Excellent car good on gas has 375000 miles on it and still going. Other than regular maintenance starter water pump alternator ... Been a great car
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 2007 Kia spectra ex

    This compact sedan gets around good on crowded city streets and into small parking spaces. The front wheel drive and 15 inch tires handle sufficiently uphill on snow filled streets as well. Maintenance costs are relatively inexpensive with the exception of the a c condenser. After 3 years of driving, nearly 50k mi, the odometer is now at 172k.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Dependable Car

    Great card runs great. Dependable. Great for Commuting back and forth to work. Handles good in the snow and the rain. Car that you can trust.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Perfect economic car .

    Looking for something to fit your pocket book. On a budget this is the car power windows ,a/c, immaculate interior, good on gas mileage great for student. Easy to drive. Low maintenance as long as you do scheduled oil changes. Buck for buck it’s a great value.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Excellent commuter! '07 SPECTRA SX sedan

    I found this little spectra sx on a corner lot at a reasonable price with 70k on odo. CC and cold a/c(A little history)I drive approx 400 miles per week (80 mile roundtrip)to & from work and one day near home,I'm sitting at a light,i hit the gas & the tranny goes in limp mode. Took it to autozone and they scanned 2 codes telling me basically the tranny is shot. I took it to the kia dealer and they said the same thing. GREAT!!! So i had a new transmission put in and related parts,new timing belt and related parts,belts,hoses,struts,water pump and coolant flush. Cost: $5,500. Btw,i paid 5 grand for the car. Now it runs like a new car with a 'ton' of new parts. I put in a power chip so it gets close to 34/35 mpg and close to 200 hp. Overall,it is NOW a excellent commuter(6 months since repairs) thats reliable and should last me til i retire in 5 or so years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very Reliable Car!

    This car more than meets my needs. Structurally sound, very fuel efficient, and quiet running. It is very comfortable, especially on long trips. I would recommend this car to anyone!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Test drove

    Car was very smooth ride. All controls easy to get to. Although only test drove will more than likely purchase the Kia. It is a used car but very nicely maintained
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Got me through college!!

    Love this car. Perfect for college and for traveling near or far with a friend. I love it! Very reliable and quick and easy fix if needed one!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • MOST RELIABLE CAR I'VE OWNED

    OWNED CAR FOR TWELVE YEARS. NEVER NEEDED REPAIRS OR SERVICE OTHER THAN MY OWN. EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE, AVERAGE OF 38 MPG. EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE AND PICKUP
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Good car for the price

    This car was purchased for my teenage daughter and is actually the second 2007 Spectra for her. The first one she totalled when she hit a semi on the interstate. Amazingly her and my other daughter walked away from the accident unharmed. She likes the size of the car because it's easy to get in and out of small areas and I like the safety and price.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2007 Kia Spectra?

The 2007 Kia Spectra is available in 3 trim levels:

  • EX (2 styles)
  • LX (1 style)
  • SX (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2007 Kia Spectra?

The 2007 Kia Spectra offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2007 Kia Spectra reliable?

The 2007 Kia Spectra has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2007 Kia Spectra owners.

Is the 2007 Kia Spectra a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2007 Kia Spectra. 90.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 42 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.4
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