![]() Sometimes, though, it's refreshing to get into a car that is self-evident to operate and doesn't cost a fortune to run. Forgive us if it sounds like we're asking for a revival of the Escort Pony. The widespread availability of manual transmissions, you-wind-em windows, money saving aircon and radio delete options are all things that we at least like to see on the order form. ![]() Those were the bad parts, but there were some aspects of basic cars that we miss. Vinyl-swathed interiors, cheap and nasty plastics, medieval seats, etc. Not that the EX is a …Ĭlick above image for high-res gallery of the 2007 Kia Spectra EX Time was, buying a small car from an entry-level brand meant you'd end up in the penalty box. The SX is the model we wish we'd tried, just to sample the sportier suspension. Inside and out, the Spectra needs no excuses or shroud of overwrought styling to distract from inferior mechanicals. In fact, the Spectra's quite handsome, and the front has a flared-fender stance that gives the car a little visual muscle. The looks are not groundbreaking, though they're neither weird or ugly. Outside, the body panels are assembled with Lexus-tight gaps, and the styling has a whiff of Passat with its gestural character line tracing an arc through the flanks. A departure from the old days, however, is the fact that the Spectra is a quality piece. Look! you can even get rid of the power windows and the AC in the LX, just like the old days. From the EX trim level, you can go up to the sportier SX, or down to the LX. This level of equipment was luxury-grade twenty years ago. The only item in the option column was cruise control. Ours was filled with things like power windows, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, tilt wheel, power locks, and a stereo with CD and aux input, all standard in the EX. trim that will return 33 combined miles per gallon without being babied one whit. Not only that, the Spectra has nearly as much interior volume as a 5-series BMW, with many dimensions actually marginally superior to the far more expensive Euro sedan. Sure, you could dig up any manner of used-up used cars that would trade for less, but for what you'd spend on a 3-4 year old entry level European car with high miles, you can get a Spectra with zero miles. That brings up a second point with the Spectra, you get a new car for used-car money. Mainly, it was a whole lot more expensive for the original buyer. That car is a whole different thing than the Spectra. click on any image to enlarge Perhaps calling my daily driver Volvo S60 overkill is premature. %Gallery-9673% All photos ©2007 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc. After sampling the Kia Spectra EX, we're inclined to think that everything else might be overkill. Find out more about our advertising opportunities.Click above image for high-res gallery of the 2007 Kia Spectra EX Time was, buying a small car from an entry-level brand meant you'd end up in the penalty box. Advertise Advertising on is well-targeted, has unique benefits, and is highly successful. Looking for something lighter? Read our funny complaints to see people who found humor in a bad situation. Vehicle Problems Find out what cars to avoid, view the latest problem trends, or keep up-to-date with the most recently reported problems. Contact us with any comments or concerns. Car Problem Resources Around the Site Information Find out more about us in the press or read stories from drivers who praise our work.The complaints are organized into groups with data published by vehicle, vehicle component, and specific problem. ® is an online automotive complaint resource that uses graphs to show automotive defect patterns, based on complaint data submitted by visitors to the site.
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