Used 2005 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews
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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!!!
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.
2005 Kia Spectra for sale near you
Showing 3 of 10 listings
- EX SedanMSRP: $3,000269 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $2,498889 mi away
- Spectra5 WagonMSRP: $4,7771,090 mi away
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
My Third Love
YoDa6669, 09/01/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I call it my third love after my wife #1 and son #2. I bought a black Spectra 5 back on January and compared to my old Hyundai Accent '96 I traded-in, is like floating on a cloud. I love this car! It has more standard featured that the Focus, the Mazda3 or the Matrix (I compared all 3 by total price with the extra goodies). It's fast, roomy, and best of all, stylish. As soon as I get out, people compliment my car. That makes me real proud! It still works perfectly, no breakdowns, good on fuel economy, the a/c cools like a freezer. It's a shame that I don't see more of them on the road but that's good too in a way.
Not worth it
Jesse, 09/05/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle depreciates so fast the only reason to buy one new is if you plan on driving it until it needs to be junked (which probably won't be more than a few years)! You will NOT be able to trade this vehicle in at ANY point in its life. Ask ANY other dealership than a Kia dealer. I was guaranteed that I could trade this car in after a year, went back to the dealership and they wouldnt do it, depreciated almost $10,000 in 1 year! More than half the cost of the car! If I could do it over again I would buy a Toyota or a Honda; better gas mileage (don't expect over 25 highway on this car) and better reliability. My car has gone back to the shop 3 times for the same problem in a year.
Kia lover
Tony , 09/05/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, great gas mileage getting 38 on the highway. lowered my insurance by almost half. good car for first time buyer.
Great New Car!
Pink Panda, 09/20/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I just bought our new Kia Spectra 5 and love it. We didn't really want a Kia, but when we test drove the Spectra 5, we changed out minds. I love the look of it and the extras we got like sunroof and cruise control. It drives really well - smooth and quiet. And best of all, it's fun to drive! And let's not forget the warranty we have on it, we don't have to worry about costly repairs. We also purchased the gap insurance which is great in case the car gets totaled. Whatever the insurance won't pay, the gap insurance will cover the rest. Great piece of mind!
KIA SPECTRA5 FIRST 700Mi
SPECTRA5, 09/29/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a new Spectra5 2005 and I have had so many problems with this car. My first visit to the mechanic was for vibration/shaking in the steering wheel and vibration throughout the vehicle and a blown speaker. Second visit to the shop consisted of the front ground effects falling off due to faulty install and I still have not resolved the bad vibration in the vehicle. My third visit was a result of the vehicle's rear ground effects falling off, and another blown speaker and the bad vibration still not resolved; mechanics have no idea. Well I have not been back for the 4th time because now I am going into arbitration with this vehicle due to the rear ground effects falling off again.
outstanding
james b, 10/07/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Quality, warranty, performance and comfort; totally awesome for low priced vehicle. So good my wife and I purchased another one a week later.
Koreans have caught up
Robert, 10/07/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Did a lot of research before buying. Largest interior in the class. Good air bags and safety features, awesome warranty. So far averaging 28 MPG in town. Very quiet interior, and the VTI sends out good amount of torque to get moving well. Good on the highway and works well in town. It is a heavier car than its competitors, but this is good in my book. It is a pleasant car to drive and we are looking forward to our first road trip in it.
Really awesome ride
Ricardo's Ride, 10/18/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really did not trust Kia.. but let me tell you. They did a fantastic job with the Spectra5. It looks GREAT outside and the engine is totally reliable. I have not had any problem at all with the car and the way that it has been engineered ... great for college students or parents. This car is fast, secure (6 air bags, rear, front and side air bags), spacious, reliable, good looking and affordable. Totally recommended.
Fun to drive
Jimmy, 10/17/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded my 2004.5 Spectra EX which I had 42000 miles on it, for Spectra5. It is really fun to drive. Perfect handling very nice, Interior design very stylish, CD player improved from earlier versions, lots of room for its size, Ground effects superb, keyless entry fog lights -- I mean you get everything you may get from a $26,000 car but $10K cheaper. And I have seen comparison chart. This car beats Mazda 3 and Chevy Cobalt But slower than Focus ZX4 ST and Corolla XRS but it is cheaper and has a better warranty. I say thumbs up.
my Kia
ilovemykia, 11/15/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my Kia Spectra 5. It has cut my fuel consumption and costs in half; it has more room inside than one would think it has; it operates well; and SO many people have stopped me to ask about it! I LOVE MY KIA.
My Spectra Wagon
John Parish, 11/29/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Spectra wagon because they were having a sales drive here in Dallas. The car was far more than I expected. The fit and finish were flawless and the attention to detail in assembly were very good (none of the electrical was taped, but encased in tubing). I drive 80 miles to and from work 6 days a week and the car is fun and comfortable to drive. The ergonomics are good (I weigh 240# and am 5' 8" tall and the car fits me just fine). All and all, I am very pleased with my purchase!
An Excellent Value!
OmahaOwner, 01/27/2006
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If buying a car is about value, then this car will satisfy. Good handling, extremely quiet interior, great looks and good gas mileage. Not a lot of power but more than adequate for highway cruising and plenty of torque for around-town driving. I've put 15,000 miles on it and still appreciate the excellent value I received for the cost of ownership!
Great Economical Car for Tall People
Kirsten, 03/07/2006
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car so much, I would recommend it to anyone with long legs and a long torso! I have plenty of head room, elbow room, and leg room, and I'm a 5'9" woman. My passengers always ride comfortably in the back seat. The stereo is very impressive as well. It has a very good turning radius and handles curbs well.
Dependable
Ben Marcus, 04/17/2006
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car for the price. Very dependable, great warranty. Not the best gas mileage, but definitely for the price. I'd have to say this is the best sedan under $15k that you can find. Handles well. 2 liter engine gives it a little pep and it handles nicely on the highway and just around town. Good interior and spacious back seat (as far as a backseat in a sedan goes). I'm 6'3" and there is plenty of head and leg room in the front seat. Revs up a little much when switching gears, especially when going fast.
Kia
Anita, 05/01/2006
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my very first new car ever! I just love it. It's easy to maintain--great on gas and easy to wash. Cleans up fast and interior is easy to keep clean also. Mine is ice blue -- sometimes it looks grey and sometimes it looks blue -- really neat!
Come on performance parts!
azsnow, 10/03/2006
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car for better mpg, and received a whole lot more! I have only had it for a year and have had 29,000 trouble free miles. It doesn't hold its resale value very well, but when you compare it to other cars in its class, you get way more for a lot less.
Nice lil car
silver bullet, 09/09/2007
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 6'5'', 300 lbs I wondered at first if I could even fit in it, to my surprise I did. Now at about 45000 miles I can't complain much. It has good power and with the stick in it I really go if I need to, but I think it needs to have a sixth gear in it. I put an after market sound system in but left the factory deck in it and it sounds quite good. I had no problems other than the front spoiler is gone due to rubbing on parking ties and drive entries.
Very Good Experience. I really like it!
Robert at Texas, 09/11/2007
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The driving is excellent especially considering its affordable price. It moves fast all the time, acceleration and in the highway. The CD-radio and speakers are real good. Quality interiors, soft and supportive; six cupholders and several bins to carry a lot of stuff. Good A/C. All of this makes my wife and three children ask for a ride for shoping or just fun pretty often, even though we have a van and mid-size sedan. We've had even a long 2200 mile round trip with fun and joy! No problems after 2 years driving it.
Fun to drive, very economical
matchick, 09/06/2007
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 2 years and 52,000 miles, I still love this car. The seats could be more comfortable, but it is cute, runs great and is super fun to drive. I get about 32 miles to the gallon highway, so very easy on the pump. Non standard tires make replacements a bit pricey at about $125 per tire.
Total airbag failure
sciguy, 10/11/2007
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was a great car for price until another car ran stop sign and hit it head on. I was traveling on open road at 40-45 mph. Other driver turned into my lane and hit me going maybe 15 mph in dead center front. Total failure of all airbags. 2 other family members in car at time. 6 airbags and not one popped. Damage in excesss $6000. If you want a safe car do not buy. Had been happy with all but spoiler falling off repeatedly and very lousy gas mileage. Do not put your family in this car.
Great Long Lasting
Lisa, 06/01/2020
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its great on gas....I have had mine 4 years....no problems...just normal maintenance..
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Most reliable car ever!
Robby, 09/04/2020
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I habe these vehicle since new , only problem i had with it was a bad radiator at about 160k miles , since that it has been flawless, car has now around 260k miles , it’s still running strong and a/c still works very cold!! Its a automatic
Mostly a good car
dawnmg, 03/28/2009
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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?
Okay car
Probe, 07/28/2009
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Dismal fuel economy
Reg Rothwell, 04/26/2008
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.