2005 Kia Spectra Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.59/5 Average
132 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Low price, spunky engine, well-finished interior, standard side-curtain airbags, excellent warranty.
Cons:
  • Obtrusive engine noise at high speeds, ABS not available on LX model.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 132.00
  • Really awesome ride - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    I really did not trust Kia.. but let me tell you. They did a fantastic job with the Spectra5. It looks GREAT outside and the engine is totally reliable. I have not had any problem at all with the car and the way that it has been engineered ... great for college students or parents. This car is fast, secure (6 air bags, rear, front and side air bags), spacious, reliable, good looking and affordable. Totally recommended.

  • Is that a Kia! - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    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.

  • Im Loving It - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    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 doesnt even look like a compact car. I would recommend this car to anyone not just first time buyers. Because Im 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.

  • Best Value on the Road - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    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. Cant go wrong.

  • Reliable, good handling, low mantainance, fun. - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    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.

  • Kia Spectra Spectra5 - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    I am happy I chose to buy my new Spectra5; first Kia l have owned. I have been driving for 53 years so I consider myself as a fair judge of cars. I have had my Kia for a year now and enjoy it. I am in my senior years and this car, with its sporty appearance etc., makes me feel young ... well younger!

  • #1 and the only #1 - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    I have had this great car for 6 months now and I am very happy with it. Everything about this car is great. If you are looking for a peace of mind and the safest cars of its style, this is the one you really need to consider.

  • Good Reliable Car - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    I just bought the 2004.5 model and I really enjoy it. Its 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 Spectras. Its supposed to be more fuel efficient, but I dont 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!!!!

  • My Kia - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    I bought mine May 7 and have put over 7k miles on it, I love the way it handles and drives, and that there is enough storage to put whatever I need in the back. My only problem and concern is that my front spoiler fell off during my test drive and I am still waiting on the dealership to figure out how to reinstall it and keep it on the car. My dealers service is really bad and I will not go to them even for the smallest things, like an oil change. Overall on the car, as my girlfriend would say..... IT ROCKS!!!

  • I love it. - 2005 Kia Spectra
    By -

    My wife and I bought our Spectra5 after falling in love with it at the dealership. It has not failed to meet our expectations. It is reliable, runs like a dream, has great power for its class, enough room for 4 comfortable adults, handles well in corners at speed and performs well in city traffic. Cornering is helped and body roll minimized by the stock (yes, stock) strut tower brace, and the sport-tuned suspension performs as advertised. There is plenty of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded flat and the rear deck removed. The engine sounds nice and the car is reasonably quiet. I have nothing bad to say about this car at all.

Kia Spectra Reviews By Year:
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