The Car Exam Quick Quiz #10: The 2011 Kia Sorento EX

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Good Grades: Nice interior, comfortable seats, smooth power from the 3.5 liter, 276 horsepower V6, attractive exterior styling. This SUV is fully equipped and well appointed. In fact, it’s the most impressive Kia I’ve driven to date.

Bad Grades: Fuel economy could be better, it could be a bit lighter in weight, large blind spot because of the C-pillar.

Final Grade: Kia has come a long way in terms of styling, quality and reliability the last several years. Kia’s vehicle line is shaping up to be a good one—and let’s hope Kia keeps it up!

The Car Exam Grade: B+/A-

The Car Exam Quick Quiz #9—Before the Forté: The 2009 Kia Spectra EX

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Good Grades: Okay interior room and materials, peppy low-end engine power, inoffensive styling, good ergonomics, good trunk space, decent fuel economy.

Bad Grades: The engine is "buzzy" when accelerating and also at highway speeds, flat seats lack adequate support, the ride can be rough--you can feel almost any bump on the road, only fair handling feel. The whole car needs to feel more “substantial” in general.

Final Grade: The Spectra works as a “get around car.” I don’t think I would want to use it for a long trip. I hope the 2010 Kia Forté (which replaced the Spectra) excels in many of the areas the Spectra only proved to be “just average.” I hope to drive the Forté kater this year and compare it to the Spectra. Still, the 2009 Kia Spectra EX works as basic transportation.

The Car Exam Grade: B/B-

MSRP: $16,550