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Used 2005 Kia Spectra Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
66 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

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
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

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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3.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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!

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3.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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!!!!

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5 out of 5 stars

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!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Getting my second one...

Amir, 06/02/2005
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Luv my Kia!

Kia Lover, 01/22/2005
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

great car

nathan gerlt, 03/20/2005
2005 Kia Spectra SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!!!!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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 don’t 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. Haven’t had any mechanical problems then again I had only for 3 weeks.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

i love my kia

tweyhrich, 12/06/2004
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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!!!!!

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Good cars dont need big warantees

R, 12/30/2004
2005 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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1.63 out of 5 stars

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 wouldn’t 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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Good Car/Sorry Mileage

singnchef, 07/27/2006
2005 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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