2007 Kia Spectra Trims and Specs

As the base model for this compact sedan, the 2007 Kia Spectra LX offers few standard features -- more focused on budget than on comfort and convenience. The four-door sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter, 138-hp DOHC I4 engine and 5-speed manual transmission only. Standard features include intermittent wipers, rear defrost, 15-inch wheels, tilt steering wheel, and overhead and front consoles.

Rear seats split-fold to increase trunk storage. ABS is not offered even as an option, but dual front head and side airbags are standard. Air conditioning and a rear spoiler are some of the short list of options. The LX is definitely aimed at owners who don't want to spend a lot for a car, yet still receive nice styling and quality performance.

Piling on a few more features to the LX base sedan, the 2007 Kia Spectra EX is the more upscale offering in the lineup, even though it has the same 2.0-liter, 138-hp I4 engine. Unlike the LX, it comes standard with a 5-speed manual, but is also available with a 4-speed automatic. To the intermittent wipers, rear defrost, and overhead console, the EX adds air conditioning, power locks, windows, and power heated mirrors, and an MP3 input.

New options for 2007 include a rear spoiler and 15-inch alloy wheels, along with the already existing cruise control option. ABS is not offered, though front and side airbags and a tire pressure monitor are standard. Owners feel it is well equipped for an economy car, but complain about the labored acceleration.

The 2007 Kia Spectra SX sedan is new this year and is a counterpart to the sporty Spectra5 wagon. Along with the 2.0-liter, 138-hp I4 engine and choice of either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, the 2007 Spectra SX includes a sports suspension, stiffer shocks, larger anti-sway bars, and 16-inch tires (all other trims are 15-inch). As part of its slicker package, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and leather trimmed steering wheel are also standard.

It comes with the power windows, locks, and heated mirrors, tilt steering, intermittent wipers, and front and overhead consoles that the other trims have, and it also adds cruise control as a standard feature. On the outside, the 2007 Spectra SX distinguishes itself with its own grille, an integrated front spoiler, and ground effects. Unlike the other models, ABS is optional for the sporty SX. A sunroof and MP3 player are other options.

The Kia Spectra5 wagon was introduced in 2005, and the 2007 Spectra5 gets the same exterior and interior updates and restylings as the other cars in the Spectra lineup. It is a sporty and more versatile version of the sedan, though it features the same 2.0-liter, 138-hp DOHC I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Like the SX sedan, it has a stiffer suspension, stronger shocks, larger anti-sway bars, and 16-inch wheels. Fog lights and a rear spoiler complete the sporty appearance.

It shares features with the SX sedan, including power windows, locks, and heated mirrors, cruise control, tilt steering, overhead and front consoles, intermittent wipers, leather trim, and a rear defrost. Back seats fold 60/40, and the cargo space is 18.3 cubic feet with the seats up and 53 cubic feet with them down. Like the SX sedan, ABS brakes are available on the 2007 Spectra5 wagon, as is a sunroof. Owners like the overall headroom, storage capacity and road handling for this budget compact, but complain about the slow acceleration, ground clearance, and engine noise.