2001 Kia Spectra

Americans have an aversion to hatchbacks not shared by the rest of the world. The hatchback has acquired a negative perception that has nothing to do with its actual function and that's a shame, because it's difficult to imagine a more practical vehicle for single-car households. What other body style can haul bicycles and skis, furniture or friends, all with equal aplomb? Okay, an SUV can. But isn't a small SUV just a very tall, underpowered hatchback that doesn't handle as well? How cool is that? So we think Kia deserves major kudos for trying to sell the five-door Spectra to a skeptical American audience. Spectra's base price at just $10,995. Kia sweetens the deal with a warranty program that extends basic coverage to five years or 60,000 miles, and powertrain coverage to 10 years or 100,000 miles; it also includes five-year/100,000-mile rust perforation protection, and a five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan. At that rate it's hard not to look into a Spectra, through all five doors if necessary.