Front seat comfort decreases in direct proportion to the driver's height and weight. Taller people, those with a inseam of 32 inches or greater, are forced to either sit splay-legged behind the steering wheel or close enough to the floor to roll like Snoop Dogg, despite the standard driver's seat height adjuster. Making matters worse is seat cushioning that is mushy and undersized. To improve, the Spectra5 needs more seat track travel and a bigger bottom cushion that adjusts for angle to provide proper thigh support.

Don't call "shotgun!" because the tall, firm, supportive, split-folding rear bench seat is the better spot to ride. The front seatbacks are covered in hard plastic, but even the knees of taller people barely brush them, so it's no big deal. Another reason to love the Kia Spectra5 is for it's handy hatchback design. The cargo area is roomy, equipped with a hard cover, and is illuminated so you can see at night. Plus, the rear seats are simple to fold - you don't even need to remove the headrests.

Interior materials are nicer than the expectation set by the Kia Spectra5's price tag, most of the controls operate with an upscale fluidity, and the layout of the cabin is simple and intuitive. Metal pedals and metallic-finish interior trim are unique to the Spectra5, and the car comes with a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. Other standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, a tilt steering wheel, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, and heated power mirrors. Spectra5 buyers can pay extra for cruise control, floor mats, and a power sunroof if they choose.

There's plenty of refinement, features, and value for the price, but audiophiles be warned: low-voltage radio stations are difficult to find and keep with the Spectra5's stereo head unit and antenna.