Skip to Main Content
Close Button

Menu

Cars
Cars
SUVs
Hybrids/EVs
Luxury Cars & SUVs
Sedans & Hatchbacks
Minivans & 3-Row SUVs
Pickup Trucks
Used Cars
Electric Bikes
Bike Racks
All Car Research
New Car Buying Guide
Used Car Buying Guide
Build and Buy
Used Car Marketplace
All Car Buying & Pricing
Tires
Tire Retailers
Car Batteries
Car Insurance
Car Repair Shops
Car Reliability Guide
All Tires, Maintenance & Repair
Car Recalls
Car Safety
Car Seats
Talking Cars Podcast
All Key Topics & News
All Cars
Appliances
Appliances
Cooktops
Countertops
Dishwashers
Freezers
Microwave Ovens
Wall Ovens
Ranges
Refrigerators
All Kitchen Appliances
Air Fryers
Blenders
Breadmakers
Coffee Makers
Electric Kettles
Food Steamers
Food Processors
Rice Cookers
Knives
All Small Appliances
Vacuums
Robotic Vacuums
Washing Machines
Clothes Dryers
Washer/Dryer Pairs
Pressure Washers
Steam Mops
Laundry Detergents
All Laundry & Cleaning
Air Conditioners
Air Filters
Air Purifiers
Central Air Conditioning
Dehumidifiers
Thermostats
Water Heaters
Space Heaters
All Heating, Cooling, & Air
All Appliances
Home & Garden
Home & Garden
Mattresses
Pillows
Sheets
Bidets
Toilets
All Bed & Bath
Grills
Lawn Mowers & Tractors
Leaf Blowers
Pressure Washers
Snow Blowers
String Trimmers
Floodlight Cameras
Chainsaws
All Lawn & Garden
Decking
Door Locks
Flooring
Generators
Paints
Security Cameras
Security Systems
Wood Stains
Windows
All Home Improvement
Door Locks & Smart Locks
Home Security Cameras
Home Security System Services
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Storm Emergency Guide
Indoor Air Quality
All Home Safety & Security
Cat Litter
Dog Beds
Dog Food
Dog Harnesses & Carriers
GPS Pet Trackers
Pet Cameras
Pet Insurance
All Pet Products
Bakeware
Cookware
Food Storage
Water Filters
All Kitchen
All Home & Garden
Electronics
Electronics
TVs
Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers
Soundbars
Streaming Media Players
Headphones
Streaming Services Guide
All Home Entertainment
Laptops
Desktop Computers
Printers
Computer Monitors
Tablets
Wireless Routers
All Home Office
Smartphones
Smartwatches
Headphones
Cameras
All Smartphones & Wearables
All Electronics
Health
Health
Curling Irons
Electric Razors
Hair Dryers
Insect Repellents
Sunscreens
Toothbrushes
All Beauty & Personal Care
Bike Helmets
Electric Bikes
Ellipticals
Exercise Bikes
Fitness Trackers
Rowing Machines
Treadmills
All Exercise & Fitness
Bread
Coffee
Frozen Pizza
Ice Cream
Milk & Milk Alternatives
Pasta Sauce
Salad Dressing
Veggie Burgers
Yogurts
All Food
Hearing Aids
Blood Glucose Meters
Blood Pressure Monitors
Heart-Rate Monitors
All Home Medical Supplies
All Health
Babies & Kids
Babies & Kids
Car Seats
Strollers
Cribs
Bassinets
Diapers
Baby Monitors
High Chairs
Safety gates
All Babies & Toddlers
Thermometers
Babies & Kids Safety
All Children's Health
Water Beads
Backpacks
All School-Age Kids
All Babies & Kids
Money
Money
Banks & Credit Unions
All Banking & Credit
Investment Companies
Credit Cards
Rewards Cards
All Personal Finance
Car Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Pet Insurance
All Insurance
Coolers
Insulated Cups
Luggage
Plasma Lighters
Sleeping Bags
Car Rental Companies
All Travel
All Money
Everyday Essentials
Deals
Best Time to Buy
Bill Negotiator
Car Savings
Car Recall Tracker
Food Safety Alerts
Security Planner
Permission Slip
Repair or Replace
CR App
Issues & Advocacy
Issues & Advocacy
Car Safety & Sustainability Food Safety Financial Fairness Digital Security & Privacy All Issues & Advocacy
Take Action
Take Action
Volunteer with Us Add Your Voice Join a Research Project Attend an Event More Ways to Take Action
Support Our Work
Support Our Work
Donate Other Ways to Give
About Us
About Us
What We Do How We Do It Our People Our Partners Policies & Financials Media Room
Close Button
Home & Garden Food Safety Cars Best Time To Buy Repair or Replace Home & Garden
AskCR Try AskCR

Suggested Searches

Recent Searches

Suggested Searches

Product Ratings

Resources

Chat With AskCR

Resources

All Products A-Z
Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Join Now Upgrade Donate
2009
Used 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Kia Spectra

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
Overall Reliability
Reliability Details
Owner Satisfaction Details
See All Ratings & Specs
Road Test

This edition of the Kia Spectra boasted ride and interior quietness among the best in the class. We also found the fit and finish impressive, particularly when considering the car's low price. However, because of its reluctant cornering, middling acceleration and so-so fuel economy, the Spectra ranks midpack in those areas. Braking performance was not a strength either. We also found it difficult to get a vehicle with antilock brakes. The Spectra has improved from Poor to Marginal in the IIHS side-crash test.

2009 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars
See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Driving Experience
NA
Comfort
NA
Value
NA

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2009 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door hatchback
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 (138 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Cargo Volume
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
See All Ratings & Specs
Model History