Used 2005 Kia Spectra Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Soldier of a car.
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
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.
- EX SedanMSRP: $3,000232 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $2,498914 mi away
- Spectra5 WagonMSRP: $4,7771,168 mi away
2005 Kia Spectra
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.
great car
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.
Great Car
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.
Kia Spectra Review
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 VALUE
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.
80,000 miles no work ever needed
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.
2004.5 Kia Spectra
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.
Great little car.
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
Great quality
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.
Kia review
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.
Works for me
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.
Best Value on the Road
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.
2 years with the new Spectra
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!
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.
Good Reliable Car
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!!!!
Nice car
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!
Getting my second one...
This is my second car, after our first success with a Kia we bought from Canada, this is my second choice, getting another one the same make. it went over 1100miles one shot without a hiccup...topping 425miles per tank, during trips I only stop for gas if the trip is really long. pretty roomy and big on the inside, the biggest of it's class insidewise. As for performance, well don't expect to get much out of a 2 liter engine, 80-90mph isn't hard, and it won't say NO WAY, but I've seen cars do better at these speeds, it rides smoothly and brakes well, with 4 disc brakes ABS, and a cruise to forget about the pedals for a while. Heated mirrors are useful comparing ot a dodge neon. alloy wheels.
Luv my Kia!
This is my second Kia (my first being a Sephia), and I absolutely love the Spectra! It's easy to maneuver, has a tight turn radius, and is extremely economical. The exterior has a sassy look. While there could be a bit more pep in the 4-speed auto transmission, overall I would definitely recommend this car - an excellent car for the money!
I luv this car!
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.
great car
This is a great family car it has a sporty look and the speed , yet it has all the protection you would need for your family. I love the way this drives and handles!!!!
Happy Spectrater
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.
nice car
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.
satisfied customer
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
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.
Happy with KIA
Overall happy with the car. Could use a little more noise insulation a little thicker exterior metal and higher quality paint job.
i love my kia
this car is really awsome. I didn't think i would like it as much as i do. I looked at it online and the price was good and thought it would'nt be this nice as it is. the olny thing is i wish that i would have got the sx instead of the ex but thats ok [they don't have ground fx avil for ex]and a 5 speed stick not the 4 speed auto. It is a really spunky car though and the more i drive it the more i like it. If you are looking to buy a car i would check this one out
super little car
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!!!!!
Good cars dont need big warantees
1 year of ownership + 12 times to the dealership to fix engine problems + gutless kia staff not owning up to design flaws = BIG TIME LEMON CAR. Before purchase you better read up on your state's lemon laws.
Nguyenny
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.
Awesome Price
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.
Very Pleased, Fun to Drive
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.
New Spectra = Great purchase!
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.
The Korean Works
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.
Lovin' It
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.
My Kia
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.
Excellent car
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.
Great Car
It has been a great car for the price.
2 months of ownership
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.
review
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.
My Kia
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.
Better than expected
Have just over 22,000 miles and the cars still feels solid, no rattles. 29 mpg in mixed driving!
I love my Kia!
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
Overall good. Good noise reduction. Good build quality. EXTREMELY poor FUEL ECONOMY -- only about 26 on the highway and 21 in city. Radio stinks.
Not worth it
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.
Is that a Kia!
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.
Kia lover
Fun to drive, great gas mileage getting 38 on the highway. lowered my insurance by almost half. good car for first time buyer.
Good Car/Sorry Mileage
We really like most everything about this car except the mileage. We only get 28-29 mpg on the highway and 21-22 in town. Dealer says there is nothing wrong and nothing they can do. I get better mileage out of my 91 Taurus with a 3.0 six. This is a good car, but Kia needs to do something about the mpg's.
Not bad for a cheap car
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.