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 71 through 80 of 132.00

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  80,000 miles no work ever needed - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By yoyony - January 11 - 12:06 am

  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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  More Pros than Cons - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By miandyv - January 10 - 5:33 pm

  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 its hinges (barely ever opened), Kia logos have unexpectedly fell off, steering wheel tilt handle fell off, hoods props came apart, trunk hooks fell off

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  Shaken, not stirred - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Taken4ride - December 28 - 11:53 am

  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.

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  Kia changed my mind - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Laura - December 11 - 4:10 am

  I owned a Kia years ago and swore I would never buy one again. We were looking for an inexpensive car and decided to try Kia again. This time I was very pleased at the value for the money. I havent had any problems in the year and a half I have owned the car. Kia has come a long way in my book. I enjoy my Kia and would recommend one to all of my friends and family.

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  Awesome Price - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By DA_MAXX - August 18 - 4:10 am

  Had a 1996 Kia Sephia. Not impressed. Car shook bad when hit 70 mph. Ive 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. Havent 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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  KIA Spec V - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By KIA Spectra 5 - July 21 - 5:40 am

  First, this car has been great to drive. Ive 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 Im going to have to replace the ground effects. Ive contacted KIA and the regional manager wont replace the part which is going to cost 365. I think they should reconsider this because the car hasnt been driven abusively or in any manner of the performance range of this type of vehicle. Ive owned many cars and truly take car of them explicitly. This is the first KIA Ive owned and I hate that a cosmetic part of the car is taking away from the experience of owning this KIA.

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  Excellent - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Anita - July 13 - 1:16 pm

  Its a great car and has a lot of pep for a mid size car. Love the color ice blue. Looks grey sometimes and blue sometimes. Gets really good gas mileage and the very first new car Ive ever had.

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  One sweet import. - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Devin - June 29 - 11:30 pm

  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 its 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 dont seem to appreciate it as much as I do though....

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  super ride and economy - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Art Katser - June 23 - 6:53 pm

  As the price of fuel goes up, my attitude toward this car goes up appropriately. Its fun to drive and my Spectra5 looks as great as it rides.

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  Great Car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Southernmsboy - May 29 - 1:26 pm

  The Spectra 5 is a great car. It offers class leading interior room and great build quality. Every one of my friends who drive the car are surprised to find out it was a KIA. I traded my 03 Optima on this car. KIA has come along way. It deserves a look.