Overview:
This week I went once again “back to basics” in a Kia Spectra GSX. Is it back to the future? Is the world changing in the sense that simple is better? Will we find the cost of living pushes us to buy transportation that provides enough and spend the rest of our money on, say food and shelter or our kids college education. Yep, I agree that we should let the kids fend for themselves in this “ME” generation.
Well, there is no question the price says basic, but you know what, this Kia from Korea is a pretty sound car. Is it enough? Yes, I think so. It is roomy and comfortable and you’re going to be surprised, just like I was. And although I was favorably impressed, I did have some concerns. Little things like the windows sticking a bit that indicated a poor fit and it made a clunking sound when it sealed shut all the way. There was also a wiring harness hanging on my foot just over the brake pedal. Nit picking, you say? No, and I’m not making a big deal about those but they are simple warning signs that attention to detail may be a problem later on in ownership. But then, the price – what do you expect. Well, a dear friend has a Toyota Corolla SE that I think is a notch above this Kia, but they have had more time to fine tune their product and I believe the Koreans will do the same in time. The Toyota is similarly priced and should be looked at closely in your comparison shopping.
Handling & Performance:
Really good. This car will flat impress you in most areas. It was a little sluggish off the line, but I’d rather have the automatic and lose a little on the “jack rabbit” starts.
Styling:
What else can you say except “conformity”. There isn’t much creative genius out there any more. All cars look like cloned cousins. It used to be you could tell one from the other but the differences are becoming a blur these days. But then what are cars for, transportation or making a statement? I have my own ideas on that one but you can answer it better than I can.
Fit and Finish:
Pretty darn good.
Conveniences:
Enough, already.
Cost:
I like it and now with the competition you can get a very respectable car at a price most folks can afford. Put a Toyota badge on this car and you have the image of greater quality. Put a BMW badge on it and it will instantly have snob appeal. Put a Ferrari badge on it and I’m in love again.
Recommendation:
Go for a test drive and you’ll definitely be pleasantly surprised. But it is no surprise that the line up of competition is impressive too. I’ve tested all except the Ford Focus and would like your comments on that car. e-mail me.
The competition:
Chevrolet Prizm $13,960-16,010, Daewoo Nubira $10,900-14,160, Dodge Neon $12,640, Ford Focus $12,125-15,260, Honda Civic $10,750-17,545, Hyundai Elantra $11,799, Mitsubishi Mirage $11,877-14,717, Nissan Sentra $11,649-14,899, Saturn SL $10,685-12,895, Suzuki Esteem Wagon $13,399-16,399, Toyota Corolla $12,568-13,383.
Good News:
The price is extremely good. The gas mileage has to be a plus with the price of gas and the expectation that it will not ever be as good as in the past.
Bad News:
Some quality issues. Short company history here in America.
Standard Equipment:
1.8 liter 4 cyl engine, 4-speed automatic trans, power steering, power front disc and rear drum brakes, dual airbags, cloth seats, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM with cassette, air conditioning, power window and door locks, tilt steering, alloy wheels.
Gas Stats:
22 City and 32 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $12,995. Options on this model included 4-speed auto trans, CD player, Cruise control and rear wiper for an added $1834.00.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
