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 121 through 130 of 132.00

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  Great Economical Car for Tall People - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Kirsten - December 27 - 4:40 am

  I love this car so much, I would recommend it to anyone with long legs and a long torso! I have plenty of head room, elbow room, and leg room, and Im a 59" woman. My passengers always ride comfortably in the back seat. The stereo is very impressive as well. It has a very good turning radius and handles curbs well.

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  "Good enough" car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By ftc - December 1 - 3:10 pm

  As empty-nester, great choice for down- sizing from a minivan. I was looking for either a squarish hatchback, a wagon or a car-based SUV. Fun to drive, small on the outside with very good use of interior space. Plenty of space for my bicycle inside. Driver position is better than anything else I tried (Scion xB, Honda Element, Toyota Matrix). I have 1100 miles so far, and mileage is getting better with each tank of gas. Excellent visibility and reacts predictably during quick lane changes. No surprises. Sensible packaging without the need to go to the "top" trim level in other makes to get the safety features.

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  WHAT A GREAT CAR - KIA - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By JACK FROM WA - November 19 - 6:46 am

  This car is great for the money. Paid $9450 for it brand new. Comfortable, fun to drive, good on gas, turns the heads from the "Honda Punks". People cant believe that its a Kia. The quality and performance is what you would expect from a toyota/honda. A great Bang for the Buck.

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  Works for me - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Rich - September 26 - 10:00 am

  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 havent 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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  super little car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By mike - July 26 - 5:46 am

  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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  500 Mile Review - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By First Time KIA Buyer - July 26 - 4:16 am

  I drove a regular Spectra and wasnt impressed. The Spectra 5 has a sportier suspension, and the ground effects and trim rival the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe (For >$3000 Less). First mileage check at 500 miles is 28MPG hard highway driving. Stereo is mediocre, and more suseptible to power line interference on AM than others. Its easy to make the speakers buzz, as they havent been matched with the stereo. Low-end torque is small, and it takes a while to get going, but once you do car has plenty of pick up. Brakes are quick, transmission is smooth, although its too easy to shift from Park to 3rd, going past Drive. Wipers are smooth, both front and rear have intermittent.

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  Great Car - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By TLS - July 7 - 3:06 am

  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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  Very Pleased, Fun to Drive - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Happy Camper - May 6 - 10:43 pm

  I bought my 2005 Spectra SX Feb. 2006, Ive 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. Its my third Kia. I would definitely buy another Kia.

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  A dream .... - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By bfrazer05 - April 14 - 4:46 am

  Bought this to save a little money on gas and for the warranty as I put 20k on a car a year. I love it; most surprised by Kias awesome features, especially for the low low price. Im sure I will be purchasing another Kia product in the future.

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  Good deal, great car, terrible mileage - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By skk5635 - March 5 - 11:20 am

  Mileage on highway on my last trip was 24 mpg! OUCH. Everything else about the care I love.