What's under the hood

Kia powers the front-wheel-drive 2007 Spectra and Spectra5 with a 16-valve 2.0-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine with continuously-variable valve timing, recording up to 34 mpg on the highway. Horsepower rates 138 at 6,000 rpm, while 136 lb.-ft. of torque peaks at 4,500 rpm. Buyers can select either a standard five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. A rack-and-pinion steering unit works with MacPherson struts up front and a rear multi-link setup, along with 15-inch (LX, EX) or 16-inch (SX) wheels to maintain the Spectra's composure. All models are equipped with vented front disc brakes, though the rears are drums on the LX and solid discs on the EX and SX.