Used 2005 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews
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review
justen, 10/12/2005
2005 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All around good commuter; you're not going to win any car shows but you know you'll get to work on time and might even have some fun doing so.
Excellent car
Rachel, 07/13/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a nice car for the money. We are very happy with ours. It seems like a very safe clean car - we love it.
2005 Kia Spectra for sale near you
Showing 3 of 9 listings
- EX SedanMSRP: $3,000269 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $2,498889 mi away
- Spectra5 WagonMSRP: $4,7771,090 mi away
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My Kia
Jeromy, 07/18/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine May 7 and have put over 7k miles on it, I love the way it handles and drives, and that there is enough storage to put whatever I need in the back. My only problem and concern is that my front spoiler fell off during my test drive and I am still waiting on the dealership to figure out how to reinstall it and keep it on the car. My dealers service is really bad and I will not go to them even for the smallest things, like an oil change. Overall on the car, as my girlfriend would say..... IT ROCKS!!!
super ride and economy
Art Katser, 10/21/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As the price of fuel goes up, my attitude toward this car goes up appropriately. It's fun to drive and my Spectra5 looks as great as it rides.
2 months of ownership
Norm Sheldrake, 07/20/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The over all car has been great however the seat ratchet device has been a problem since purchase, The company has a new seat ordered and have to set up a time to replace it. All the tires are mounted on Aluminum alloy wheels; they are awesome however both the right tires have been losing air and have had to be reinflated on a daily basis. there is what appears to be a brake caliper noise in the left front wheel are since first purchasing the vehicle in June up to the present of july , 19th 2005. I started off with getting 23 MPG. it went up to 40 MPG. after having it in the garage for check up the mileage has deteriorated to 28 MPG. Overall, I truly love the vehicle.
a decent car for a decent price
b wirsing, 07/30/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle drives better than a Corolla, Honda, and any other import car. It is as spacious as a van or SUV yet gets killer gas mileage and fits in those hard to get places. I am 6 foot and 230 pounds and took this thing camping; folded the seats back and was able to sleep comfortably in the back. I couldn't believe it. I also got 160 miles on an 1/8 of a tank.
A dream ....
bfrazer05, 02/06/2006
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this to save a little money on gas and for the warranty as I put 20k on a car a year. I love it; most surprised by Kia's awesome features, especially for the low low price. I'm sure I will be purchasing another Kia product in the future.
KIA Spec V
KIA Spectra 5, 08/01/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First, this car has been great to drive. I've had one big issue with the car and its due to the ground effects on the vehicle. The ground effects are too low for my area in Wyoming. I only have 1200 miles and I'm going to have to replace the ground effects. I've contacted KIA and the regional manager won't replace the part which is going to cost 365. I think they should reconsider this because the car hasn't been driven abusively or in any manner of the performance range of this type of vehicle. I've owned many cars and truly take car of them explicitly. This is the first KIA I've owned and I hate that a cosmetic part of the car is taking away from the experience of owning this KIA.
WHAT A GREAT CAR - KIA
JACK FROM WA, 05/01/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great for the money. Paid $9450 for it brand new. Comfortable, fun to drive, good on gas, turns the heads from the "Honda Punks". People can't believe that it's a Kia. The quality and performance is what you would expect from a toyota/honda. A great Bang for the Buck.
Great Value!
mike, 12/13/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got rid of my FORD Lemon and looked around. Was turned off by rude salesmen at Honda and went to Kia. Took the car for a test drive, loved it and bought it. Got a great deal. It gets better every week. Rides great and the gas mileage is above average. I recommend it highly (my kids think it's cool!).
Whoa ...
adventuresome63, 08/07/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What were they doing when they figured this thing with auto-tranny gets 34 mpg, towing it?? 28 mpg on the highway. Disappointed with that. Otherwise it appears to be a solid car. No problem so far. Lots of stuff for $16k.
One sweet import.
Devin, 07/07/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After looking at Civic, Corolla, Cobalt, Mazda 3, and Spectra5, it was a pretty easy choice. Cheaper, more features, better warranty, and a hot looking car to boot. And it's always nice to be able to pull up along side some little punk in a Corolla or Civic, and blow him away off the line. They don't seem to appreciate it as much as I do though....
Spectra is build for life
Joe Gagner, 12/02/2004
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a Spectra 5 Hatchback. This car is sweet. This car is fast looks good and has a standard spoiler how cool is that. Toyota and Honda charge 500 for all standard. Safety must be first when it comes to this car 6 Airbags plus an automatic airbag that shuts off when someone under 75 or no one is sitting in the passenger seat. Great suspension
Great Car
Gerald Sewell, 01/13/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It has been a great car for the price.
Nice car
KIA Dude, 12/20/2004
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
KIA is just out-doing themselves. They totally re-designed this car and in a huge way. Sporty style, interior comfort, power and ride for an unbeatable price. Lookout carmakers!
My Spectra 5
Julia, 07/09/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car in April. I love it! Its fun to drive. Good brakes, speeds up quick. Great stereo system and factory speakers. Great car for your first time driving teen too. Very reliable and sporty looking too!
2005 Kia Spectra5
Josh, 01/03/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Thoroughly impressed with the build of this vehicle. Very fun to drive. After researching all of the cars in the class, the Spectra5 definately has the most for your money. Stereo is mediocre, and the engine could benefit from a bump in horsepower, but everything else is great.
I luv this car!
young j, 01/27/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my 2005 Kia Spectra. Ii previously owned a 2003 Corolla and it didn't even have as many features as the Kia. I love the automatic transmission - shifts smoothly and revs easily.
Kia Pet
srm858, 07/26/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have not driven the car for too many miles yet, but it does handle well, great A/C, excellent mileage, very roomy interior. I bought it for a winter car while my Mazda RX8 sits in the garage. It's no RX8, but it will hold my bike and go through the snow, which were my primary requirements. The price was very reasonable at $12,500 and I like the look. Just hope it holds up as well as our old '92 Saturn which still looked and ran great after 12 years and 175,000 miles.
Great Car
Southernmsboy, 02/22/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Spectra 5 is a great car. It offers class leading interior room and great build quality. Every one of my friends who drive the car are surprised to find out it was a KIA. I traded my '03 Optima on this car. KIA has come along way. It deserves a look.
My Kia
Ms. Amy, 08/16/2005
2005 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did not think this car would fit my needs but me and my son are having fun with it and it is very good on GAS. As we all know how expensive it is to fill up a tank now. This car is excellent for a college student, it's roomy and has a nice size trunk. I am very happy with my Kia.
Better than expected
erns, 01/22/2008
2005 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have just over 22,000 miles and the cars still feels solid, no rattles. 29 mpg in mixed driving!
Lovin' It
Misser, 08/20/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a Spectra EX, with the moonroof, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels and I'm lovin' it. My husband is 6'5" and we were replacing my Chevy Lumina and looking for something I liked but he could fit into. All other cars this size (Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Camry) all very uncomfortable for him. We went to look at a Sportage and while at the dealership I saw the Spectra, love at first sight, he got in and had LOTS of room. Took it for a test drive, loved the pick up it has for a 4 cylinder. Interior very comfortable, TONS of space, large trunk. The car is an optical illusion, so much interior space in a smaller car. Love the warranties, can't beat them.
Spunky Ride
Warren, 04/26/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Get rid of those preconceived notions and leave them behind. This car surprises the minute you move. The car handles nicely-I like the sports tuned suspension. Handles lane changes in a snap and stops on a dime. Like those disc brakes. Audio system is fine, but got CD stuck in the slot and can't get it out, requiring an untimely service call. Feels roomy and comfy, especially on long rides to work. Commute distance is 38 miles one way, mainly highway. Hugs off ramps quite nicely and accelerates to a decent speed rapidly. Five speed is OK, sometimes tough going from 4th to 5th; almost wants to go into 3rd. Watch out, it's happened; thanks for the tachometer.
The Blue Streak
WickedMobile, 08/28/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my "5". I bought this vehicle based on MPG, price, storage capacity, safety, and comfort for the two of us. It's very devious in how small it looks outside, but how big on room it is inside. My fiancé is 6'3", 300lbs and isn't cramped. Knee room good. Passengers in the back have great room too. There are a lot of places to put stuff. Strong A/C. Handling is great for this compact car (dry). I went from a V6 to this 4 cylinder, and the only difference I see is that one needs a lot more oomph to accelerate rather quickly (It does use more gas in hillier areas.) Use the cruise! It took me a week to get used to no ABS. Sound system plays better with CDs than on AM/FM.
nice car
joe from rio rancho , 05/08/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
nice car. I got the EX model. I think its fun to drive.Braking is really good,very peppy off the line.sound system is good 6 speakers.great for the money.
My Kia Spectra
Larry, 04/15/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Even though I have only had the car for a few weeks, I found it to be a very fun car to drive. The fit and finish on this vehicle is better than I thought it would be. The seats are very comfortable compared to our Kia Optima. At 6'3 I find that there is plenty of head and leg room in this car.
satisfied customer
terry, 05/22/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is a very well designed auto . great pick up . the inside is as nice as the outside in design and comfort . the exterior even looks like a luxury car.
I'm Loving It
trisha, 10/10/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Was shopping for a car for about 4 months. Never really paid much attention to the Spectra. Was looking at Toyota and VW and Honda. I fell in love with this car. My husband has an Accord, loves my car better. Both cars are garage kept and when my car is parked in the garage beside his, it doesn't even look like a compact car. I would recommend this car to anyone not just first time buyers. Because I'm not a first time buyer and I will get another Kia when it is time for another one. Now my husband wants a Kia. And you get all of that bang for your buck. So get it now before Kia realizes they are giving away too much.
New blue ride
004TJK, 01/20/2006
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Trust Edmunds, I did. Good things from Kia do come in blue packages. Engine is smooth and pulls well in normal driving. Seats are very comfortable, finding a comfortable driving position was a snap. All of the controls are within easy reach and the buttons are intuitive. Handling is very good; it handles bumps and ruts in the road nicely. It's a great commuter. The radio/cd is not as bad as the reviews seem. Just don't try to thump the base too loud. Getting 30-32 mpg. I'm having a blast driving the car and my son's friends think it's "cool" to boot. Not bad for less than $15k!
I love my Kia!
misgapeach, 08/24/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a Kia Spectra in July and have driven it for almost 2 months. It handles well on the road and the fuel economy is great! I am a tall person, and the Kia has plenty of head and leg room. I like the rear spoiler and the tail lights. I didn't get a sunroof, but I wish I had. This little car is perfect for commuters and anyone trying to save money on fuel without compromising on style. I also like the fact that it has several airbags, since I have 3 children who ride with me. I recommend giving the Kia Spectra a test drive. The rebates were a nice incentive also!
Not bad for a cheap car
Cheap Car, 08/11/2010
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it used for my wife to commute in with 44K on it. It now has 86K on it and is still running strong.That pesky check engine light goes on and off when it feels like it.It must be something minor because it has no effect on performance or gas mileage.Other than normal maintenance I have had no problems with it. I did notice that in hot, hot weather the speedo and tack go wacky for a while. I have changed the transmission oil twice and have had no problems with it after reading about transmission problems other owners have had. I must have got a descent one because I do not have all the problems that other Kia owners have.
Happy with KIA
Greg, 07/18/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall happy with the car. Could use a little more noise insulation a little thicker exterior metal and higher quality paint job.
Better than a Mazda!
Andrew, 05/03/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2003 Mazda 6; that car sure looks good but the cheapness of Ford came through. I traded it in for the more economical Spectra5. I immediately loved the car. It gave me great gas mileage, about 30 mpg. It is also way cheaper to maintain and my insurance dropped a whole lot. Overall the car is a lot better of a deal then the Mazda 6 I would even go as far as saying as it being better quality.
Fun car to drive
Greg, 09/03/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very fun car to drive. Am getting about 28 mpg city/hwy. Will improve as engine gets broken in. Seats four very comfortably & has lots of storage. Need to offer a upgraded sound system as an option. Standard stereo is nice but would like a little more power.
Never Too Old
Andy A., 05/16/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving full-size American-made sedans and SUVs it was time to try something fun and fuel-efficient. This car is full of features and is more fun to drive. Lots of miles between gas stops, well-built, quieter than other cars, quick and nimble!
Kia Spectra Spectra5
john waugh, 03/09/2006
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am happy I chose to buy my new Spectra5; first Kia l have owned. I have been driving for 53 years so I consider myself as a fair judge of cars. I have had my Kia for a year now and enjoy it. I am in my senior years and this car, with its sporty appearance etc., makes me feel young ... well younger!
Awesome Price
DA_MAXX, 07/29/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had a 1996 Kia Sephia. Not impressed. Car shook bad when hit 70 mph. I've had '02 Honda Civic. This car is as fun and best bang for the buck. Have all the features. EX with A/C, keyless entry, CD, power doors, power windows, etc. Used as commuter 80 miles daily. Fun to drive. Haven't seen the advertised highway mileage of 34. Averaging 31. This might be because I drive 75MPH. Great car for the price.
Lovin my Spectra 5
Robin G, 11/06/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I looked for about 3 months, mainly at Corolla's, Civics, and Mazda's. The minute I got in my Spectra, I knew that was the car for me. This car is sporty, corners well, looks great, gets great mileage, and the standard features are incredible. The interior design was the nicest I saw during my car searching, and since I have children, I was thrilled with the 6 air bags. I have received so many compliments on the look of my car. What more could you ask for?
My Kia
kwinn, 08/11/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine on July 5th. Overall I am happy with the car. However I must say it lacks thigh support. After an hour on the highway my legs were begging for a break. The fuel economy is not that good either. I am averaging 26 on the highway on my automatic. Since I don't drive in the city that much I don't know what that's like. Its got a decent stereo and enough room in the back. Trunk is spacious and a great value over all. But if you have long legs buy something else. Cabin is very quiet on the highway, however tire noise is very prominent. It has ample power for a 4 cylinder. A/C is overworked and takes a long time to cool down on an 85 degree day.
Too new to really tell
Renee McClain, 01/10/2006
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my Kia Spectra 5 and it's too new to really tell if I'm going to have any problems, but I do love the feel of the car, the style, the interior leg room and comfort. My only negative comment is the high whining at higher rpms. Once the car gets up there she really goes, but getting her there takes longer than I'm used to. From what I can tell, thus far I love it. Its got a great warranty which tells me that Kia is confident in their car, you don't see that often!
Satisfaction at its best
Eric, 08/21/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am a proud owner of Kia Spectra5. We were sold on its great looks. The dealer was the selling point too, he gave me the keys and said he'll see us in a few minutes. We drove it and fell even further in love.
Excellent
Anita, 05/13/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a great car and has a lot of pep for a mid size car. Love the color ice blue. Looks grey sometimes and blue sometimes. Gets really good gas mileage and the very first new car I've ever had.
A lot of fun for the value
Iceman, 03/12/2006
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Spectra5 for 8 months now and have found it to be a "steal". It is fun to drive and has a lot of value. I did research similar vehicles when I purchased it, but for the warranty and price, I could not turn it down. It has a lot of "Pep" and as pretty quiet at highway speeds.
super little car
mike, 05/15/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Kia has a winner on there hands.Test rode other cars in this class, all seemed sluggish or to cramped.After 5 minutes of test driving this all new Spectra i was sold.Very nice interior and good looks on the outside.Our ex came with moonroor,alloys,embroidered floor mats and a simple spoiler all under 17k.Go read the reviews on other cars websites,rave reviews!!!!!
The Korean Works
benji1, 03/28/2006
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall quality rating = excellent. Fit and finish surpasses any of the big 3 by miles. Have convinced 2 neighbors to investigate Kia models to suit their needs. Had fuel consumption problems at the outset; these have been resolved with the help of both the dealer and Kia Canada.
third car
k/dan, 12/25/2009
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
well i have bought alot of cars but this seem to be a fun car to drive even though it is just a third for the winter still liking it
not bad
listed, 04/07/2006
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall good. Good noise reduction. Good build quality. EXTREMELY poor FUEL ECONOMY -- only about 26 on the highway and 21 in city. Radio stinks.
"Good enough" car
ftc, 05/15/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As empty-nester, great choice for down- sizing from a minivan. I was looking for either a squarish hatchback, a wagon or a car-based SUV. Fun to drive, small on the outside with very good use of interior space. Plenty of space for my bicycle inside. Driver position is better than anything else I tried (Scion xB, Honda Element, Toyota Matrix). I have 1100 miles so far, and mileage is getting better with each tank of gas. Excellent visibility and reacts predictably during quick lane changes. No surprises. Sensible packaging without the need to go to the "top" trim level in other makes to get the safety features.
Is that a Kia!
wessam ka, 07/04/2006
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned it for 10 months now. This car cost $14k! It will still be convincing if it cost $20k. It is so hard to criticizing my car. It is smooth, powerful, stylish, well equipped and cheap. That's a good deal. BUT... it's noisy and needs a stronger engine.