2008 KIA SPECTRA vs. 2008 Mazda 3
The Spectra delivers reasonable performance, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and a reasonable price tag. Comfortable, practical interior with relatively good materials for the price, well-styled exterior, among the best in its class, with many standard safety features. On balance, test drivers of the 2008 Kia Spectra agree that it offers an accommodating interior with plenty of passenger and cargo room for its class, a nice array of safety features, and a reasonable price tag.
This little four-door has a lot to offer, including a host of standard safety features that are either optional or unavailable on rival cars. This Kia is widely observed to be one of the better-looking vehicles in its class, with a pleasant, contemporary exterior, and a well-laid out interior.
The Spectra, in the judgment of most reviewers, is a good value.
The Spectra is the least-expensive car in its class with full-length curtain air bags complementing the standard advanced-front- and seat-mounted side air bags. Most reviewers agree that the 2008 Kia Spectra provides performance for its class. The Kia Spectra is not a hot rod, but its performance is respectable. Reviewer consensus is that the Spectra’s interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with a surprising amount of cargo room for its size and class.
Kia offers a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty for the Spectra.
Vehicle Comparison
VEHICLE |
||
year |
2008 |
2008 |
make |
Kia |
Mazda |
model |
Spectra |
MAZDA3 |
trim |
LX 2WD 4-Dr |
2.0 I Sport 4-DOOR 2WD |
|
|
|
WARRANTY |
||
anti perforation warranty |
5 years / 100,000 miles |
5 years / unlimited miles |
limited warranty |
5 years / 60,000 miles |
3 years / 36,000 miles |
powertrain warranty |
10 years / 100,000 miles |
5 years / 60,000 miles |
roadside warranty |
5 years / 60,000 miles |
3 years / 36,000 miles |
FUEL ECONOMY |
||
capacity/gal |
14 |
14.5 |
fuel type |
unleaded |
unleaded |
SAFETY |
||
driver front airbag |
standard |
standard |
passenger front airbag |
standard |
standard |
passenger front airbag switch |
standard |
standard |
front side airbags |
standard |
optional |
front & rear side curtain airbags |
standard |
optional |

More about the Kia Optima
5 Star safety rating - front and side impact!

