Used 2005 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews
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Soldier of a car.
Jsp9890, 12/20/2015
updated 07/08/2016
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with no choice. Mine was stolen, left with little time I bought a 2005 Spectra EX for $3800. It had 98k miles. That was in 2011. I still own it, with 180k+ and she's magnificent. The little 2.0 has power on the highway, without having to go up high in the powerband. The tall gears in the automatic gearing kill performance, manuals are quicker by far. Mine hits 60 in 8.8 seconds with a 4 speed auto, and shes topped out at 126mph. I guess that's about average. The stereo is surprisingly good with a 120 watt 6 speaker setup, as well as interior materials. I previously owned a Honda and Kia is quite close with their quality. I don't care what ANYONE says, Kias are damn good vehicles.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
100,000 miles
not_a_yob, 06/24/2011
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I've read through plenty of reviews, and the one thing I am noticing is that people are putting automatics in with the manual transmission, don't be daft please. The 2.0 DOHC 5spd standard transmission is great. I have over 100,000 miles on my car as it sits now still with the original clutch, and trust me when I say I haven't been overly kind to my car. I have beat on it, driven long distances and over all drvien this car as if it were a rally car or enduro car, including some slight off roading and it still starts up with out arguement and gets up and goes like a propper little sprinter. I unexpectedly fell in love with the little bugger, and I expect the romance to continue on for awhile.
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185,000 Miles!! ***UPDATED*** 210,000 miles!!
Chad Stevens, 03/03/2015
updated 09/05/2017
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
I am the 2nd owner of this car. Bought it in 2013 with 160,000 miles for 3k. The car's exterior was in reasonable condition, minor wear and tears,dents and dings. Mechanically she was sound. After a few thousand miles, the radio went, Clutch went, brake caliper froze up, replaced the timing belt. However, at 160,000 miles those items are expected to be replaced. Since then, everything has been great, except the transmission synchronizers are starting to fail. I still use this car as my daily driver, and commute my daily 48 miles. To date i have 186,458 miles on it. Not bad for KIA. I may just buy another when this one finally decides to rest. And for sake of argument, i drive very spirited. ***Update*** Up to 210,000 miles. a small section of my exhaust rusted off, replaced it for $100. No other mechanical failures yet!!
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
More Pros than Cons
miandyv, 11/20/2011
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Owned for 6 years, 88,298 mls. Purchased for $14,750. Pros: negotiated a very good deal with dealer, inexpensive maintenance, excellent in snow, excellent maneuverability on city streets and highway, spacious interior (my husband is 6 ft 5 in and my son is 6 ft 7 in) both can sit comfortably inside the car (we rode trip alot in the Kia). Now, here are the Cons: poor quality on interior and exterior components - paint peeling and chipping at less than 24,000 mls. Dealership does not want to remedy the problem, glove compartment fell off it's hinges (barely ever opened), Kia logos have unexpectedly fell off, steering wheel tilt handle fell off, hoods props came apart, trunk hooks fell off
2005 Kia Spectra
finngirl, 04/12/2013
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 44,000 in 2007, and at 85,000 the engine became completely clogged with oil despite regular oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles. The manual recommends changing the oil every 7,500. A Kia dealership just said to change the oil every 1,000 miles, to clear the clog but that didn't work, and I had to replace the engine. After the replacement, I've since learned this has been a problem with this particular engine, and Kia has stopped making it.
Red Runner
poochie0513, 06/09/2009
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
Reliable, good handling, low mantainance, fun.
kingwong234, 04/29/2014
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I own one since 2005, after 8+ years, 220,000km it still running great! I'll make it 30kkm+. Changed oxygen sensor last year, new stunt, changed front bearing half year age; brake and rotor.... Never down, just oil change and the timing belt. Cd player fail after 2 yrs, got a new one for free. Cheap but comfort and quiet. Small outside big inside, big leg room. Fun to drive, not the best for gas. Want to find a better car after this one, may be a Camry or KIA again.
2005 Kia Spectra5 5 speed FABULOUS!
Joe's, 11/14/2004
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I drove the new 2005 Kia Spectra5, 5speed, Red with a limited graphics package! Smooth shifting, good on gas, lots of leg room (I'm 6'3"), and a great combination car for city and hwy. travel. I drove the Mazda3, Scion XA LTD, Scion XB, Elantra, and looked at a Civic. My office is 150 miles from my home, so my wife and I needed a good car for my travel and something sporty and fun. Turns heads with the graphics package, alloy wheels, and neat design. We traded our 2000 Dodge Interpid (great car, but our needs changed), I'm switching off this car with our 93' Protege w/150k miles on it to prolong the life of both. We also own a 2004 Kia Sedona Minivan.
great car
dparent, 10/13/2011
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had my 2005 kia spectra for 5 years, the car had 148,000 miles on it and it had never let me down. 2 weeks ago my wife and I and our 2 sons were rearended buy a fullsize suv we were waiting to turn into a drive way and we were hit. The driver of the suv didnt even try to stop he hit us at at least 55 mph. my 9 yr old son and my 6 year old son were in the back seat. and even with the impact we all walked away without injurys. after the accident the car still runs great. I will find a new body to the motor into.
what a car for 12,500
yankee1957, 04/02/2012
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
bought the car with 12,000 miles on it in 2006. We have really run this car. 140,000 and just oil changes ,tires, batt, and t belt regular required up keep. sits great in front needs more padding in back. 34-36 mpg to florida. window swithes could you some work also but for a cheap car can't complain about it. If I buy another it would be sorento; just like them and the dealership at tullahoma tn was great haven't seen them much but always helpful. Just drive it you will like it
Great Car
TLS, 07/17/2010
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love this Car. Had to replace a belt after 4 years, but no other problems. We have taken several trips both the the hot south New Mexico area and up to the high mountains in Colorado.
Great quality
trick1, 03/17/2011
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 2005 for my wife and outside of general maintenance issues it hasn't missed a beat. It's rolling up on 80k. This car has been so good that I'm considering buying another one for a commuter car since I'm having a hard time justifying driving the SUV with the current fuel prices. The car seems to average about 30 on mostly highway miles so it's right up there with similar sized cars for mileage.
My Spectra 5
wondering1, 04/12/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I searched and searched for a car to replace my 96 Metro (191,000) and found the spectra to be everything I wanted in features and safety. I love the gas mileage and the way it handles on the highway. I recommend this vehicle to everyone no matter what the age.
Kia Spectra Review
Denise, 03/01/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has been very economical and dependable for me. With my busy life and small family, I needed something that would always start! It looks nice, drives nice, gets excellent gas mileage, and is cheap to insure. I always bought used cars and inherited other peoples problems. This new car has a great warranty, free oil changes for as long as I own it, and so far, no headaches!
Great little car.
J.D., 04/30/2018
updated 11/02/2020
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this new. What sold me was it, actually, had an ashtray and lighter. But more important was it's tight corner handling and spunky acceleration. You have to know that handling depends a lot on the quality of tires. It was a little squirrelly at 70+mph with a cross wind or highway speeds during the rain. But a set of quality TOYO tires solved all that. It handles like a sports car now. It has a standard trans. And it gets 35mpg without the AC running...about 30mpg with it on through all ranges of driving. During the winter I take out the AC relay, in the under-hood rely box, to prevent the AC from coming on when I turn on the windshield defogger/defroster. I wish there was a switch to turn it off from the inside. The warranty was useless, due to the dealership, There was a broken middle air register when I bought it and it's STILL broken. The cabin blower motor went out at about 6 months. They wanted me to leave the car for a week. I replaced it in about 45 minutes. And I still had to pay for the new motor. I still have the car now in 2018. It still runs as if it was new. And it's still all original except for tires, brake pads and scheduled (70,000 mile) timing belt replacement. I rode in my daughters 2018 Kia 'Forte' and it seems like just as good-solid car. It's 2020 and I still have the car. Still runs great. Runs as good as it always had. I gave it to my youngest daughter. It is now cleaned on a regular basis and has a nice warm garage to live in. The thing is still running like new. My daughter loves it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
a lot of car for the price
masterpaula, 10/20/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Have had the Spectra5 for little over a month. My wife and I are very impressed with the quality of the car. Fit and finish are excellent, the level of standard equipment found in the KIA is higher than its competitors and the price is lower. If you're looking for a small car with a lot room, great looks, a high level of standard equipment, an excellent ride and a decent price take a serious look at the Spectra5 and forget any preconceived ideas you might have had about KIA, it really is a great car.
80,000 miles no work ever needed
yoyony, 07/29/2008
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Works for me
Rich, 09/17/2010
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this 2005 Spectra EX new and now have 60,000 miles on it. I change the oil every 3-4K miles. My front tires wore out after about 25,000 because I never rotated them, so I put new ones on just the front. At 60,000 I should probably just change all 4 now. I haven't had so much as a head lamp go out on this car. Original battery and this car has never failed to start or run smoothly. Granted I maintain it well and keep it garaged, but still it has exceeded my expectation for an economical car. Comfort is not bad considering I over 6ft tall and the upholstery has no tears, cracks, or worn spots.
Versatile car, fun to drive
Mary Brezinski, 10/06/2018
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 104K miles, so I can't give a full review. It had two previous owners before me, and, I believe that if I had owned it from the beginning, it would be in better shape now. For instance, it was not garaged, which led to my biggest problem with it: rust. Unbeknownst to me, who was new to the snowy midwest!, this car had incipient rust (over the rear tires) that I would have been able to detect if I had known what I was doing. Despite my efforts to control it, it has only gotten worse and, well, rust is hopeless. The car has taken to burning oil without an obvious explanation: it doesn't smell or leak but it just disappears between by regular 3,000/mile oil changes, if I have taken a long road trip or if I do a lot of highway driving. Now that it needs new tires and new front brakes, I'm going to buy a new car because it just doesn't seem worth the investment. As far as I can tell, it has no resale value whatsoever. That said, I liked the peppiness of this car, especially the manual transmission. I like the spacious back compartment. I'm not super picky about cars: I mainly want them to turn on when I put the key in, but I really enjoyed the ride of this one, the convenience of the hatchback, and the spaciousness of the cargo area. I replaced the back brakes at 120,000 and the fronts are just now in need of replacement.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent
Nathanc, 05/08/2007
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Good handling, good design both interior and exterior. Excellent reliability. Very good on gas mileage.
Great little car!
Sandra W, 07/29/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my Spectra 5 for one month and continue to be impressed with it. I have had not one issue thus far. Whether in the city, on the highway or even on a gravel road, the car is comfortable & much fun to drive. It handles extremely well, the sport suspension is great. So much bang for the buck, it's surprising that there aren't more of them on the road.
Kia review
bepell, 02/13/2008
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall a quality vehicle. May not be a popular brand, but gas, comfort and reliability is very good. My wife hit another car, messed his car up pretty good and all we messed up was our bumper, which can be replaced. After the accident, the car doesn't shimmy, shudder or ride funny. It's a well built car. I haven't had one problem mechanically. I even went more than 6 months without changing oil to see what would happen and the car didn't skip a beat. Maybe a more sleek design, but that's stretching.
GREAT VALUE
jack germain, 06/21/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The cost $9450. almost $2700 below invoice. Took a test drive and immediately bought it. People are saying it gets bad gas mileage. I put mobil 1 oil in it after having driven 600 miles. I get 40 mpg on the road and 32 mpg overall town. I happy with it except the high speed of the engine during shift changes.
2004.5 Kia Spectra
bman41202, 02/24/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned. It has more horsepower and torque than the Civic or the Corolla. Every performance part store is trying to get new parts for the Spectra because they realize what potential it has.
Fun to zip around!
Elaine, 01/12/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Have not had any trouble getting up hills, keeping up with traffic. Love the ease of parking. The CD player is great. When I turn the heat or air conditioner on there is no long wait to feel comfortable. Most of all, the mileage is excellent.
Shaken, not stirred
Taken4ride, 07/04/2006
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Car steering wheel shakes bad from 68mph and up; the dealership had car for a total of 19 days. They have replaced tires, wheels, had factor rep test drove my car, and now they are saying this is the way the car drives. When I bought the car they knew about shake and told me it would be fixed under factory warranty, not to worry. They kept the car and tried to fix the shaking problem, but now they are saying that it is just the way the car is designed. The service manager is now stating that they are no longer allowed to make anymore attempts to work on this problem as per the factory rep. They stated that it was only me who has complained about this shaking problem. The paint stinks, bumper too.
2 years with the new Spectra
Hans, 02/21/2007
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got the 2004.5 in March of 2005. The paint is easily marked with fingernails at the door handles. Visibility is excellent with the height adjustable drivers seat. The 4-wheel disc brakes are very good. The manual shifter is a bit sloppy, and takes some getting used too. Service at the dealer has been very good. I also got a very good deal without having to negotiate, paying the advertised price with several thousand dollars off the sticker.
Great car all around!
human, 09/07/2005
2005 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I never thought I would consider a Kia. But on paper, this car beat everything else in its class so I thought it was worth checking out. After the test drive I was sold! The ride is smooth and solid and the interior is quiet. Easily the best bang for the buck especially with the $1750 rebate. Image conscious drivers will have to pay thousands more for a similar performing car. "Reliability" = 9 because I haven't owned it for too long. "Fuel Economy" = 8 because Corollas and Civics have better MPG ratings.
Best Value on the Road
cubbyk, 09/08/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am a big man. There is tons of space. Got 24 mpg in the city for the first 700 miles. Now I am getting 27. The secret?. I never go over 3,000 on the rpms. My son has an '05 Hyundai Elantra and this little Kia blows it away. Can't go wrong.
Good Reliable Car
Gaby, 10/25/2004
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just bought the 2004.5 model and I really enjoy it. It's a great, fun car. Though a bit noisy when above 60 mph and specially while going up hills, the car is really the best in its class and definitely out performs the 2004 Honda Civic that my husband bought in March. If we had known about the Spectra before buying the Honda, we would both be driving Spectra's. It's supposed to be more fuel efficient, but I don't find this to be the case. As a former 2000 Toyota Camry dirver, I used to get more gas mileage than I do now with the Spectra. The overall price, warranty, car design are PERFECT. I highly recommend this car and KIA to everyone. Go KIA SPECTRA!!!!
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....
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.
Nguyenny
nguyen, 06/29/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to replace my 2002 Kia Spectra hatchback, plus I needed something a little newer. I travel alot and use of my car on the road is a must for everday usage. It ride an d handle very good, excellent fuel mileage, getting somewhere around 26 in the city and 35 on the highway. I have this car for almost one year and already have close to 24,000 miles on it already. Check engine light came on one time, took to dealer and they replace the sensor for me, but I did not break down anywhere. Check engine light will come on if you try to top this car off, I did this twice already. I have no bab say about it, I go to D.C. and Baltimore area almost every other week with no problem.
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!
New Spectra = Great purchase!
SpectraMan, 02/01/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first foreign car, and so far the experience has been very positive. My car has performed flawlessly during the first 6 months / 7k miles, and I have had only one minor repair made to the LED 3rd brake light. So far I am very pleased with my Spectra, and have made that known on the Edmunds forums.
Happy Spectrater
jacob, 07/25/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the EX version on July 5th. Price $12,200 with alloy wheels and floor mats. Overall I am pleased with it. Things I dont like are fuel mileage. Not very good for a small car. Average around 25 combined and 27 highway only. Front seats are tiring for a long drive as there is no thigh support. Plus if you are tall or have long feet this is not your car. Interior is pleasant and quiet. Engine is mostly smooth once you are up speed. Tire noise is noticeable. The seats are comfy -- thigh support. Keyless entry is a great option and the remote trunk is great. Havent had any mechanical problems then again I had only for 3 weeks.
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.
Good deal, great car, terrible mileage
skk5635, 08/11/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mileage on highway on my last trip was 24 mpg! OUCH. Everything else about the care I love.
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!
Very Pleased, Fun to Drive
Happy Camper, 07/28/2010
2005 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2005 Spectra SX Feb. 2006, I've been very pleased with this little car. Maintenance low. Everyone at the dealership is great. I am very pleased with the performance and looks of the car. I get a lot of comments how cute or cool it looks. I love this car. It's my third Kia. I would definitely buy another Kia.
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.
New Spectra
usaf207cwf, 08/28/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is great. The performance is superb for a 4 cylinder. Quick off the line and if you learn quickly how to get it into its best power range of 4000-4500 RPM and keep it there, acceleration at 50+ is spirited and quick. Comfort is good, the seats fit you and keep you in place. Fuel economy is what you would expect, again, from a 4 cylinder. The car is extremely fun to drive. The stiff setup really lets you feel the car through the turns. The car is very responsive to steering input, and therefore drives where you want it to go instead of going where it wants, while you try to correct. The interior design, exterior design, build quality, and reliability are first rate.
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.
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.
Gotta Love It
crowbar, 09/22/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Right out of the gate, this car has curb appeal in spades. The sporty looks are fitting after experiencing the way this car handles, and it is indeed a fun ride. The additional features that come standard is impressive, and I couldnt help but be impressed with the headroom. Fact is, this car is roomy everywhere. The list of standard safety features is also impressive, and many are not even available from other manufacturers.
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.
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.
Terrible MPG
Christina, 04/28/2005
2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is okay. It is a very noisy ride. It is slow. Miles per gallon are terrible. Consumers Reports also gave it a poor on front crash tests. I wish I would have done more homework on this car. Spend the extra money and get something good if you can.
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.
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.