DecodedCars2009 Kia Spectra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 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 — 25% better than the average 2009 midsize car (21.6 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 23 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 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), 25% better than the 2009 midsize car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Spectra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Spectra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hwasung, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2009 Spectra configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 | +25% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Spectra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +20% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Kia Spectra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Kia Spectra (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Kia Spectra.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Kia Spectra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Kia Spectra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 44 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Seats — 7 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 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 2009 Kia Spectra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Spectra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Spectra | 27 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 69 |
| 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 →