DecodedCars2008 Kia Spectra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD LX, 4dr Sedan FWD LX Conv/LX Premium, 5 4dr Hatch FWD LX/LX Conv/Sx
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 170.9–176.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,701–2,972 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2008 midsize car (21.1 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Kia Spectra is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,701 lb (4dr Sedan FWD LX).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 32 highway), 28% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Spectra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Spectra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD LX | 176.8 in | 67.7 in | 57.9 in | 102 in | 59.1 / 58.3 in | 2,701 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD LX Conv/LX Premium | 176.8 in | 67.7 in | 57.9 in | 102 in | 59.1 / 58.3 in | 2,972 lb | 61/39 |
| 5 4dr Hatch FWD LX/LX Conv/Sx | 170.9 in | 68.5 in | 57.9 in | 102.8 in | 59.1 / 58.3 in | 2,844 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +28% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Spectra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +23% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Kia Spectra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Kia Spectra (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Kia Spectra.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Kia Spectra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Kia Spectra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 35 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 11 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 102,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Kia Spectra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Spectra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Spectra | 27 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 64 |
| 2007 Spectra | 26 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 52 |
| 2006 Spectra | 25 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 37 |
| 2005 Spectra | 25 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 20 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →