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 11 through 20 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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  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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  Kia Pet - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By srm858 - February 24 - 12:13 am

  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. Its 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.

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  Koreans have caught up - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Robert - September 16 - 8:10 pm

  Did a lot of research before buying. Largest interior in the class. Good air bags and safety features, awesome warranty. So far averaging 28 MPG in town. Very quiet interior, and the VTI sends out good amount of torque to get moving well. Good on the highway and works well in town. It is a heavier car than its competitors, but this is good in my book. It is a pleasant car to drive and we are looking forward to our first road trip in it.

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  spectra - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Ivan Kirilov - July 31 - 12:13 am

  Good words only. Great design, quality materials, usefull features, low price and safe feeling while driving. My engine is Diesel one with high torque and better fuel economy. I know this is not so popular in USA, but it is of great importance in Europe.

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  Total airbag failure - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By sciguy - July 9 - 4:00 am

  This was a great car for price until another car ran stop sign and hit it head on. I was traveling on open road at 40-45 mph. Other driver turned into my lane and hit me going maybe 15 mph in dead center front. Total failure of all airbags. 2 other family members in car at time. 6 airbags and not one popped. Damage in excesss $6000. If you want a safe car do not buy. Had been happy with all but spoiler falling off repeatedly and very lousy gas mileage. Do not put your family in this car.

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  Is that a Kia! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By wessam ka - May 7 - 8:56 pm

  Ive 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. Thats a good deal. BUT... its noisy and needs a stronger engine.

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  Reliable, good handling, low mantainance, fun. - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By kingwong234 - March 1 - 10:49 am

  I own one since 2005, after 8+ years, 220,000km it still running great! Ill 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.

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  Come on performance parts! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By azsnow - November 16 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this car for better mpg, and received a whole lot more! I have only had it for a year and have had 29,000 trouble free miles. It doesnt hold its resale value very well, but when you compare it to other cars in its class, you get way more for a lot less.

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  not bad - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By listed - October 4 - 5:20 pm

  Overall good. Good noise reduction. Good build quality. EXTREMELY poor FUEL ECONOMY -- only about 26 on the highway and 21 in city. Radio stinks.