2008 Kia Spectra

Starting price: $13,545
2008 sales, year to date through July: 48,867
2007 sales, year to date through July: 42,927
Percent change: +13.8%

U.S. demand for the Kia Spectra is so high that the car is in short supply, spokesman Alex Fedorak said. That's remarkable for an older model. An all-new Spectra is due next year for the 2010 model year. The Spectra is No.3 in sales, in the growing U.S. lower small-car segment, after the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit, AutoData said. The Spectra's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 138 hp. With an automatic transmission, EPA-estimated mileage is 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway, slightly better than a manual. Most customers also order optional air conditioning, which costs an additional $900.