Overview & Reviews

A five-door hatchback model dubbed the Spectra5 joins the lineup, along with a sporty SX sedan. Both models come with a front spoiler, black mesh grille, black headlight bezels, upgraded tires, 16-inch alloys, side sills, rear valance panel and rear spoiler. Inside, there is leather wrapping for the steering wheel and shift knob, gray sport cloth upholstery, metallic trim pieces and metal pedals. A sport-tuned suspension is also included, and models with a manual transmission get a front strut tower bar as well.

• Low price, spunky engine, well-finished interior, standard side-curtain airbags, excellent warranty.

• Obtrusive engine noise at high speeds, ABS not available on LX model.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 132.00

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  Kia review - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By bepell - December 14 - 10:06 pm

  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 doesnt shimmy, shudder or ride funny. Its a well built car. I havent had one problem mechanically. I even went more than 6 months without changing oil to see what would happen and the car didnt skip a beat. Maybe a more sleek design, but thats stretching.

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  The Korean Works - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By benji1 - December 5 - 8:33 pm

  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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  Whoa ... - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By adventuresome63 - October 30 - 9:50 am

  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.

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  Good cars dont need big warantees - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By R - June 29 - 2:53 pm

  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 states lemon laws.

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  Red Runner - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By poochie0513 - June 29 - 11:26 am

  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, its 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.

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  Spunky Ride - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Warren - May 18 - 12:03 am

  Get rid of those preconceived notions and leave them behind. This car surprises the minute you move. The car handles nicely-I like the sports tuned suspension. Handles lane changes in a snap and stops on a dime. Like those disc brakes. Audio system is fine, but got CD stuck in the slot and cant get it out, requiring an untimely service call. Feels roomy and comfy, especially on long rides to work. Commute distance is 38 miles one way, mainly highway. Hugs off ramps quite nicely and accelerates to a decent speed rapidly. Five speed is OK, sometimes tough going from 4th to 5th; almost wants to go into 3rd. Watch out, its happened; thanks for the tachometer.

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  Satisfaction at its best - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Eric - May 5 - 5:56 pm

  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 hell see us in a few minutes. We drove it and fell even further in love.

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  Excellent - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Nathanc - April 18 - 11:20 am

  Good handling, good design both interior and exterior. Excellent reliability. Very good on gas mileage.

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  Loving it - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By lou - March 14 - 3:10 am

  I just purchased a Kia Spectra5 model. I am just loving this car. I enjoy the handling and the nice interior design. Comfortable, affordable and very smooth ride.

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  The Blue Streak - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By WickedMobile - March 1 - 7:06 am

  I love my "5". I bought this vehicle based on MPG, price, storage capacity, safety, and comfort for the two of us. Its very devious in how small it looks outside, but how big on room it is inside. My fiancé is 63", 300lbs and isnt 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.