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2007
Kia Spectra5

Starts at:
$15,995
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New 2007 Kia Spectra5
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
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Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

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  • 5dr HB Manual Spectra5
    Starts at
    $15,995
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Auto Spectra5
    Starts at
    $16,995
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5 2007 Kia Spectra5

Notable features

Restyled for '07
Hatchback body style
2.0-liter four-cylinder
Manual or automatic
Six standard airbags
Sport-tuned suspension

The good & the bad

The good

Maneuverability and driving ease
Passenger room
Ride comfort
Quietness
Fuel economy

The bad

Engine noise on hard acceleration
Rear legroom for tall passengers
Minimal ground clearance
ABS not standard
Resale value

Expert 2007 Kia Spectra5 review

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

Vehicle Overview
For 2007, Kia’s Spectra5 hatchback has been restyled inside and out. Changes include an integrated front spoiler, an updated dashboard and a new audio system. The Spectra sedan has received similar updates.

In summer 2004, a Spectra5 hatchback joined the Spectra sedan that had been redesigned earlier in the year. Equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, the hatchback is meant to attract younger buyers.

One version of Kia’s Spectra sedan, the SX, features equipment that’s similar to the Spectra5’s. The Spectra sedan is listed separately in the Cars.com Research section.

Exterior
The underbody spoilers are better integrated with the headlights, grille and bumper on the 2007 Spectra5. The exhaust gains a bright finish, and 16-inch alloy wheels have a new design. Thanks to the updated exterior, the Spectra5 gains 0.4 inches in total length.

The Spectra sedan and Spectra5 hatchback body styles are similar in appearance, but Kia promotes the hatchback’s “more extroverted personality [and] athletic stance.” Like the sedan, the Spectra5 features arches at each front fender and a sharp crease below the greenhouse. The sedan has a regular trunk, while the hatchback has a lift-up hatch. Their wheelbases are identical, but the sedan is about 6 inches longer overall.

Both the Spectra5 and Spectra SX sedan have what Kia calls an “assertive” front end, which features a black mesh grille. Fog lamps are installed. A strut tower bar provides additional torsional rigidity, and the Spectra5 has a fully independent suspension.

Interior
Inside, changes for 2007 include a redesigned center console with a 12-volt power outlet and new metallic dashboard accents. An auxiliary jack is included with the audio system for interface with iPods or other MP3 players, and a six-CD changer is optional.

Up to five occupants can fit inside the Spectra5. The hatchback has a folding backseat that can expand cargo volume beyond the basic 18.3 cubic feet. A large rear opening on the Spectra5 hatchback makes it easy to load. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and metal pedals are standard.

Under the Hood
The Spectra5 is powered by a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that teams with a standard five-speed manual gearbox or the optional, revised four-speed automatic transmission. In five states, the Spectra5 equipped with Kia’s old four-speed automatic has an environmentally friendly SULEV rating, but produces 132 hp.

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

Driving Impressions
Maneuverability is a strong point for the Spectra5, which serves as a satisfying urban runabout. Unlike some small cars, it can be fun to drive and it easily heads wherever it’s pointed. Most drivers won’t try to push this hatchback too hard through curves, but it handles well for everyday motoring. On straightaways, the Spectra5 tracks well with little correction needed.

Ride comfort is reasonably good — slightly above average — for a small car. Performance with the manual shift is eager but not exactly action-packed. Except for some clanking, the gearshift behaves as adeptly as those in many sporty cars. The seats are softly cushioned but provide satisfactory support. Space behind the backseat is modest.

The engine is quiet in moderate driving, but it gets noisier while accelerating. Lower-body add-on components on the Spectra5 reduce the ground clearance of this hatchback, making it an unwise choice on snow-covered pavement.

2007 Kia Spectra5 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
For 2007, Kia’s Spectra5 hatchback has been restyled inside and out. Changes include an integrated front spoiler, an updated dashboard and a new audio system. The Spectra sedan has received similar updates.

In summer 2004, a Spectra5 hatchback joined the Spectra sedan that had been redesigned earlier in the year. Equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, the hatchback is meant to attract younger buyers.

One version of Kia’s Spectra sedan, the SX, features equipment that’s similar to the Spectra5’s. The Spectra sedan is listed separately in the Cars.com Research section.

Exterior
The underbody spoilers are better integrated with the headlights, grille and bumper on the 2007 Spectra5. The exhaust gains a bright finish, and 16-inch alloy wheels have a new design. Thanks to the updated exterior, the Spectra5 gains 0.4 inches in total length.

The Spectra sedan and Spectra5 hatchback body styles are similar in appearance, but Kia promotes the hatchback’s “more extroverted personality [and] athletic stance.” Like the sedan, the Spectra5 features arches at each front fender and a sharp crease below the greenhouse. The sedan has a regular trunk, while the hatchback has a lift-up hatch. Their wheelbases are identical, but the sedan is about 6 inches longer overall.

Both the Spectra5 and Spectra SX sedan have what Kia calls an “assertive” front end, which features a black mesh grille. Fog lamps are installed. A strut tower bar provides additional torsional rigidity, and the Spectra5 has a fully independent suspension.

Interior
Inside, changes for 2007 include a redesigned center console with a 12-volt power outlet and new metallic dashboard accents. An auxiliary jack is included with the audio system for interface with iPods or other MP3 players, and a six-CD changer is optional.

Up to five occupants can fit inside the Spectra5. The hatchback has a folding backseat that can expand cargo volume beyond the basic 18.3 cubic feet. A large rear opening on the Spectra5 hatchback makes it easy to load. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and metal pedals are standard.

Under the Hood
The Spectra5 is powered by a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that teams with a standard five-speed manual gearbox or the optional, revised four-speed automatic transmission. In five states, the Spectra5 equipped with Kia’s old four-speed automatic has an environmentally friendly SULEV rating, but produces 132 hp.

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

Driving Impressions
Maneuverability is a strong point for the Spectra5, which serves as a satisfying urban runabout. Unlike some small cars, it can be fun to drive and it easily heads wherever it’s pointed. Most drivers won’t try to push this hatchback too hard through curves, but it handles well for everyday motoring. On straightaways, the Spectra5 tracks well with little correction needed.

Ride comfort is reasonably good — slightly above average — for a small car. Performance with the manual shift is eager but not exactly action-packed. Except for some clanking, the gearshift behaves as adeptly as those in many sporty cars. The seats are softly cushioned but provide satisfactory support. Space behind the backseat is modest.

The engine is quiet in moderate driving, but it gets noisier while accelerating. Lower-body add-on components on the Spectra5 reduce the ground clearance of this hatchback, making it an unwise choice on snow-covered pavement.

Safety review

Based on the 2007 Kia Spectra5 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

4.8 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.6
Value 5.0
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • Wish I could buy another one

    I inherited mine from my daughter and did not expect it to last long, wrong. I have had it for 4 years and other than needing motor mount replacing it has been trouble free. It’s handles and drives like a sports car with plenty of power. It has 180,000 miles now and is still going strong. For a car that I thought would only last me till the next smog check it sure has surprised me
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car for the money

    I purchased this car for my teenage daughter. It is proving to be a great first car. It is easy to work on and has really good safety ratings.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I love to hate this car

    I bought this car because I needed a second car while my fzj80 Land Cruiser is in the shop. Bought used from a friend with 230 000 km in. The little engine shows no signs of stopping soon. It's ugly, small, uncomfortable, the body is paper thin and poorly sound proofed. But hey, I didn't buy this Kia for it's luxury, but to run small errands around town. The maneuverability is excellent and the acceleration is decent. The reliability is next only to Toyota. I've never had a problem that wasn't easily fixed. Plus, this little car is super easy to work on! I get around 25mpg on average which is nice.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • We really love our Kia!!!

    We bought this car because it had more pep than the other compact hatchbacks we test drove and still got great mpg 29 mpg most of the time. We noticed that the interior was much nicer and did not feel cheap like Fit, and Corollas. We also liked the 100K warranty. The cargo area was bigger than most in its class. Our Kia has never let us down or left us stranded anywhere. Very few repairs needed. Our Kia looks great and drives great and has been out best friend for the past 8 years. When freshly waxed the paint still looks like new.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • BESTcar I have ever owned - Really!

    Bought this car new. I was looking at the Sedan EX sedan at a special price of $10,900. Saw this bright blue on black sporty Spectra 5 and fell in love! Super fun to drive, very safe and stable, handles great and true to steering. Great get up and go. Avg 27-30 mpg depending on a/c use and drive mostly highway @ 65-80 mph daily. I haul 2 teenagers and all their sports gear and friends daily. I have also hauled 6 x 50lbs bags of dog food and horse feed in the hatchback - No problems ever! In 2007 paid $11,500 for this and today with 70k mile still bluebooks for $9k. Like I said best car ever! I have definitely gotten my moneys worth and feel good passing it down to my teenager next year. Hopefully the new Forte is just as good a car and deal cuz Kia stopped making the Spectra :(
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    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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  • A sharp little car

    Have owned my 2007 now for 16 months. Just turned 34 K on it. Love this car. Fun to drive, great styling, good gas mileage. The practicality of the hatchback. Plenty of interior space. Only problem with car so far was a broken sensor valve stem, which Kia replaced at no charge. Can't understand why Kia discontinued this model.
    • Purchased a Used 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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  • Get the most for your $

    By far the best value in this category. Tops the Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevy Cobalt, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic & whatever that Suzuki thing is. I test drove all of these & none compare to giving you as much as the Kia Spectra5 does for $17K. You'll pay a lot more for the Civic or Corolla & get the same. You can't beat the awesome warranty either.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fun Drive

    It is a fun car to drive. Quiet drive, very little highway noise. I like the sporty look. Decent mileage. It has been very reliable vehicle
    • Purchased a New 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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  • Fun to Drive

    This car is fun to drive. It has a lot of pep for a 4-banger. The handling is superb - especially going into and pulling out of corners. The only drawback is the lack of ABS as a standard item.
    • Purchased a New 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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  • I love my kia

    This is probly the best car I have ever had and this is coming from a Parts Pro from Advance Auto Parts.
    • Purchased a New 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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Kia dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2007 Kia Spectra5?

The 2007 Kia Spectra5 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2007 Kia Spectra5?

The 2007 Kia Spectra5 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 Spectra5 reliable?

The 2007 Kia Spectra5 has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2007 Kia Spectra5 owners.

Is the 2007 Kia Spectra5 a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2007 Kia Spectra5. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 5.0
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