Why it matters

As repeatedly reported over the past several months, volatile gas prices have lead to a gradual shift from thirsty large cars and SUVs to smaller, more efficient vehicles. That's good news for companies with a healthy lineup of the latter, companies like Kia. One example is the freshened Spectra/Spectra5, which looks to provide a growing segment of buyers with promises of respectable fuel economy (up to 34 mpg on the highway), room for four or five passengers, safety features like side-curtain airbags, and prices ranging from the mid to high teens. Plus, Kia offers customers the backing of a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and powertrain coverage spanning 10 years or 100,000 miles.