2005 Kia Spectra Review
Fuel Economy
25 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its lengthy equipment list, high-quality interior and better-than-average performance, the Spectra sedan and hatchback are an excellent low-cost alternative to a Honda Civic or Toyota Matrix.
Pros
Low price, spunky engine, well-finished interior, standard side-curtain airbags, excellent warranty.
Cons
Obtrusive engine noise at high speeds, ABS not available on LX model.
What's New for 2005
A five-door hatchback model dubbed the Spectra5 joins the lineup, along with a sporty SX sedan. Both models come with a front spoiler, black mesh grille, black headlight bezels, upgraded tires, 16-inch alloys, side sills, rear valance panel and rear spoiler. Inside, there is leather wrapping for the steering wheel and shift knob, gray sport cloth upholstery, metallic trim pieces and metal pedals. A sport-tuned suspension is also included, and models with a manual transmission get a front strut tower bar as well.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Okay car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is 4th year of my owner ship of kia Spectra5. Car seems to be ok , other than the fuel efficiency and service expenses.I keep my service schedule and I am not a agressive driver I get 21 MPG with in city ( got 24400 miles on car) and 28 -30 MPG on highway. Which is far lower than Japanese brands. I had to change my front brakes at 22000 miles I guess brakes should lost more. Good Year tires on this car lasted for 24400 miles and I guess they should last more. Bottom line is this car needs more maintenance in long run, that defeats the purpose of saving 2000 - 4000 bucks you save on this car when compared with other brands.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Red Runner
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
In having my Kia for almost 5 years now, I can truly appreciate it. Gas mileage is wonderful and even without scheduled maintenance from time to time, it's a tough little car. It was announced totaled a few years back and still ran strong w/ no problems or major issues. I love this little car and would purchase another if needed.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage and body style.
Suggested Improvements
I would only suggest perhaps raising the car a couple of inches from the ground.
Mostly a good car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 2 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I think the car is too close to the ground. It is impossible to park head-in without scrapping the curb. Even going up slanted driveways causes problems. The gas mileage on mine is horrible. After nearly 5 years of driving in town and on the highway, I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. I get about 18mpg in town and 21 on the highway. So sad! I thought FWD meant front wheel drive. If I have front wheel drive, why do my rear tires spin when starting on a hill?
Favorite Features
O love the interior space, I love the get up and go it has.
Suggested Improvements
Raise the car 2" to get better clearance. Change block to cast aluminum to decrease overall weight. Then perhaps the advertised mpg would closer to the actual mpg.
80,000 miles no work ever needed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Just change the oil and get a k and n air filter and drive it. I still have the same head lights since new after 5 years. I got 80,000 miles and only on the second set of tires, first set lasted 54,000 miles.
Favorite Features
easy knobs on the dash.
Suggested Improvements
stop thinking that this is a cheap car, it's only inexpensive.
Dismal fuel economy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Generally, nice car. Ranked higher than others in the same price range and body style (Sport suspension and 4- wheel disc brakes led me to choose it over the others). However, gas mileage is terrible (26 mpg with 1 person; 21 mpg with 2 people - consistently so for 42,000 miles). Of course, Kia is unwilling to address the problem. Totally defeated the purpose for buying the car. Adding to the problem, it requires 91 octane.
Favorite Features
Sport suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes
Suggested Improvements
Attain advertised highway fuel economy
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Kia Spectra
- 2008 Kia Spectra
- 2007 Kia Spectra
- 2006 Kia Spectra
- 2005 Kia Spectra
- 2004 Kia Spectra
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