replacing in-tank fuel filter
The fuel pump and filter assembly appears to be held in place in the tank with a large metal ring with 8 small holes in it. How do I get the old filter out of the tank?
6940 views
2008 Kia Spectra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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After a redesign and new sport sedan version appeared in 2007, the 2008 Kia Spectra receives few updates. The four-door midsize budget sedan and Spectra5 hatchback have improved performance and appearance over the years, making them increasingly attractive choices for money-conscious drivers when combined with the 100,000-mile/10-year warranty.
For 2008, the Kia Spectra gets a new black grille with chrome trim on the base LX and upscale EX, along with a new design for the gauges and shifter. Along with the LX and EX, the SX sedan and Spectra5 hatchback offer a sportier version of the front-wheel drive Spectra, with a sports-tuned suspension, larger tires, shocks, an anti-sway bar, leather trim, ground effects, and supportive sport seats. However, the sportiness does not extend to the powertrain, as all models feature the same 2.0-liter, 138-hp inline-four engine with a standard 5-speed manual. All but the LX can opt for a 4-speed automatic with overdrive.
The base model LX starts with a CD player, clock, and tilt steering, but you have to move up to the EX to get power features and air conditioning. The small decklid spoiler is joined by a front spoiler in the SX and Spectra5. Safety is prominent for Kia, and the 2008 Spectra comes with six airbags, including side impact and side curtain for both rows. One drawback is the lack of ABS brakes, which are offered as an option only on the SX and Spectra5. Despite its compact size, the 2008 Spectra rates highly for roominess and comfort, with split-folding rear seats and a 12-cubic-foot trunk. Thanks to its high safety rating, warranty, and low price, it remains a popular and solid choice for a starter car, as long as you're not concerned about acceleration power or noticeable road noise.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Kia Spectra
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by Bella S
Aug 05, 2021
This car a a great value for the miles it had and the year it is. Runs very good and a very good first car. The car was not too dirty. Dirty enough for me to clean but it is a great value for a car :)Aug 05, 2021
by Vernar H
Apr 17, 2021
I like the shape I like your size and I like how I lookApr 17, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 04, 2015
It's a nice car if you want something a little flashy but don't want to spend too much money.
It has also been very reliable to drive to and from work with this car. On long trips it has been comfortable and a lot of things fit in this compact car surprisingly. Mar 04, 2015
User rating:
by Bella S
Aug 05, 2021
This car a a great value for the miles it had and the year it is. Runs very good and a very good first car. The car was not too dirty. Dirty enough for me to clean but it is a great value for a car :)Aug 05, 2021
by Vernar H
Apr 17, 2021
I like the shape I like your size and I like how I lookApr 17, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 04, 2015
It's a nice car if you want something a little flashy but don't want to spend too much money.
It has also been very reliable to drive to and from work with this car. On long trips it has been comfortable and a lot of things fit in this compact car surprisingly. Mar 04, 2015
by Brian T
Oct 24, 2014
This is a low cost car to drive and maintain and is proof that Kia has made some major improvements since they first came to the US. It has lived up to expectations and isn't like the bargain basement commuter cars of the old days.Oct 24, 2014
by Kate B
Jan 07, 2012
Overall this car is extremely low maintenance and the fuel economy it has is refreshing when facing these gas prices. Great car for commuting near or far. Perfect for a small family or single person. Nothing out of the ordinary needed fixing, so we weren't surprised by anything unnecessarily.Jan 07, 2012
by JustIn K
Jun 14, 2010
Fun to drive sleak look.
But its a v4, added a couple of performance upgrades goes around 156hp atm which isnt bad. Storage is no problem with this car. I get 25mpg. Brakes go pretty quick on this car. The handling is great on this due to its an SX which the car has a lowered spring kit bringing it lower to the ground making handling sharper.
Interior is great looking for awhile then starts getting dull. Going to do a color scheme to it soon. I love this car just wish it had a bigger engineJun 14, 2010
by Anonymous
May 12, 2010
I love our car! I would say it is no sports car. It is a great family car or daily driver with pretty good gas mileage, depending of course on how you drive it. I think this car is more for a younger generation, because it is a fun car to drive!May 12, 2010
by Alisha M
Sep 14, 2009
really loud acceleration, anything past 2nd gear is way slow. kind of expensive to fix. the paint seems to be low quality, chips and scratches easily. cruise control is not mandatory. I like the trunk opener on the keychain and the location of the buttons in the car. would be pretty sweet if it wasnt such a dog on the road.Sep 14, 2009
by Justin D
Jul 31, 2009
Quick Responsive, Needs more power, handles like no other car i have had in the past. Brakings is decent.Car only had one problem was that an engine hose blew, Due to a forced air intake I installed. Gas milage is decent at best, I get 20-25 not bad but its also only a 4cyl. I would rate this car a 6/10 on the fun factor if upgrades were avaliable for this car i would vote it a 10/10.Jul 31, 2009
by Courtnie L
Jul 08, 2009
Its awesome cause it's my car.. DUH! It goes fast and it also has really good gas mileage and a lot of room. It also has a big trunk. It is a fun car and a good road trip car.Jul 08, 2009
by Tiffany W
Jun 15, 2009
acceleration is ok could be faster brakes work great..handling is good...had this car for a year never needing any repairs...has 11000 miles and still running brand new... would look nicer in a different color but thats not the cars fault ...gas mileage is wonderful...35 mpg... and it is a manual so ofcourse its fun to drive...Jun 15, 2009
by Ari P
Apr 21, 2009
it sucks freakin balls don't buy any kia at all unless you can't afford any other car in the world. You get less from the car than what you pay for just can't say anything else about this POS. you really can't do anything in this car. u save a little more gas but it still isn't worth itApr 21, 2009
by Tanya H
Sep 26, 2008
we traded 2006 4x4 Suzuki Grand Vitara for that one, reason - fuel economy & to cut on car payments and we pretty happy with that little car. For me its like little sporty european car. I was surprised overall about Kia products - they getting better. After thinking to buy Kia Rio we actually stopped on Spectra5.Sep 26, 2008
by Flemming B
Jan 27, 2008
getting it start feb.Jan 27, 2008
by Furkan A
Jan 26, 2008
impressive, full performance and comfortJan 26, 2008
What users have asked
Transmission won't go into gear
I had to put my car up on ramps to change a alternator belt. But when I went to get back down it would go in reverse. I had to push it off. Then it wouldn't go in drive. But it would in reverse. I shut it off. Tried again but then wouldn't go in either. And now it only works in reverse sometimes. I've changed the transmission fluid. And if I push really hard on my brake it will go into reverse but not drive
40 views
Car won't start but starts again later
I tried to start my car after driving it and there was not even a click when I turned the key. An hour later, I turned the key and it started. What's happening?
34 views
2008 spectra won't start but turns over
I have a 2008 spectra I've replaced fuel pump and have great pressure all replaced plugs,wires,an coil oaks. I have spark from each spark plug and also replaced crankshaft sensor an cam sensor also got 180 lbs pressure each cylinder so why won't it start???
985 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Kia Spectra?Compare this car
2008 Kia Spectra Pricing
Original MSRP
$12,895 to $15,995Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.1 · Rear brakes: drum
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.85
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.84
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.84
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.84
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent