Auto Guide
2008 Kia Spectra
Used

Review and specifications

2008 Kia Spectra

The redesigned 2004 Spectra offers a comfortable ride, quiet interior, and good fit and finish. The four-cylinder engine delivers lackluster acceleration with the automatic and unimpressive fuel economy. A Spectra5 hatchback was available starting in 2005. The Spectra comes with standard side- and head-protection air bags, but it still got a Poor in the IIHS side-crash test. ABS can be extremely hard to find.

Market value
$3,125
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2008
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2004

Pricing

Current retail median
$3,125
Retail value range
$2,750 - $3,150
Original MSRP range
$12,895 - $16,995
Trade-in range
$575 - $915

Ratings

Road test score
57/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
24 MPG
EPA highway
34 MPG
EPA combined
28 MPG
Tested city
18 MPG
Tested highway
36 MPG
Tested overall
25 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,535
Cruising range
370 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.8 sec
0-60 mph
11.4 sec
60-0 mph braking
144 ft
Avoidance speed
50 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
176 in
Width
68 in
Height
58 in
Wheelbase
103 in
Weight
2,875 lb
Maximum load
850 lb
Towing capacity
1,875 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5 in
Front leg room
41 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
28 in
Luggage
3+1+0

Brand context

About Kia

For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento rank near the top in their respective classes for their nice interiors, ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. SUVs like the Telluride have ride comfort, interior space, and overall value that earn it regular placement near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, ranging from compact sedans up to a three-row SUV. Kia’s reliability scores have been improving, but other brands score higher in our rankings. Specific Kia models have earned our recommendation among used cars.

Vehicle ID: 7966 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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