2005 Kia Spectra User Reviews

Pros

easy to find a parking space

Cons

hard to see over the back head rest when backing up

Purchased As New

i bought my kia in 2005 new, and i don't even have 21,000 miles on it yet. i love my little kia spectra ex, even though it's over 4 yrs. old now, it still seems like a new car and stands right up there with the rest of the new cars in apperance. i love it.

Pros

Great Car with all the accesories in it.

Cons

Vibrating steering wheel @70mph and up(inconsistent though)

Purchased As Used

I purchased the car last year and had it almost a year now. Well, I'm starting to love the car because, I'm the only one who really takes care of it. Anyway, Low gas consumption is way better than other cars; Drive handling is really nice; Engine performance is still reliable for now (all cars depends on how you maintain it) and hopefully for the next several years to come....read morehide

Pros

great fuel eco and maintance costs are cheap if you do it your self

Cons

service department

Purchased As New

Bought it new off the truck the day it came in. Have maintained all the maintance of the car myself since the dealer over charges for stuff in my opinion.

Pros

Economical, comfortable.

Cons

Cheaply made

I have less than 14,000 mi. on my Spectra. It has been a source of frustration for me. There is an ongoing transmission issue that the dealership cannot seem to fix.... it is missing right around 25 MPH. The speedometer stuck and they replaced the sensor. The door to the gas tank opens when it wants to open.

I have been passed around on the transmission issue. I was finally referred to the Kia number, where I was told that nothing could be approved for "fixing" the transmission if the mechanic couldn't catch it in the act. They actually suggested that I try video taping the car while I drove it... and that one of their customers had done this successfully to prove a problem existed.

Kia does give an extensive warranty on this car... my guess is that the owner will need it! Perhaps my car is just a lemon....read morehide

Pros

Easy handling-lots of interior space-highway driving excellent

Cons

noisy when floored to pass-rouhgh ride at times-

Just back from a 9000 kilometre drive from Ontario to California.
Kia was great both in the cities and on the road.
Gas mileage could inprove and the engine noise dealt wih especially when passing.
Lots of leg room.Trunk could be increased in size .
Overall for the price a great deal and better equipped than the Toyota Corolla for the price....read morehide

Pros

it has a sun roof and it smells new

Cons

Computer for Transmission is malfunctioning on 2005 Spectra. There is no fix for it as of 2/3/06.

THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED A RECOURSE Dealership said it was malfunctioning and they are still working on it. 2006's are not a problem. Gas mileage not up to par at 7,000 miles. KIA - MAKE IT RIGHT with these LEMONS.

Pros

NONE

Cons

I HAD BETTER FULE EC ON A 89 GRAND PRIX

THIS IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER BOUGHT !!!!
I BOUGHT THIS CAR DUE TO WHAT WAS TOLD BY THE SALESPERSON
THIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE ABS ??? FORGET FRIVING IN THE SHOW OR RAIN . AND I GET ABOUT 16 MPG . KIA SAID LET IT BREAK IN OVER 7000 MILES . STILL TRYING TO GET RID OF IT AT ANY LOSS

Pros

Cost of vehicle

Cons

Transmission problems (AT) and Kia dealership is unresponsive

I will NEVER own, buy, rent, lease or drive another KIA auto. This has been my worst experience with an auto in over 30 years of driving and ownership experience! The 10 year/100,000 mile warranty is not what it should be if the dealership and KIA aren't willing to back it up. I first experuienced transmission problems with 4000 miles on the Spectra. Unfortunately, if the mechanics are unable to "duplicate" the issue, nothing is resolved.

VERY DISSATISFIED!!!...read morehide

Pros

Awesome fuel economy! Roomy trunk, ample back seat space.

Cons

Heater is extremly loud at full blast, can't hear myself talk.

It is extremely fast for a compact and plows through snow like a full sized truck. It brakes fine... have some trouble finding neutral. When my family got the car we were a little dissapointed on it being Korean made but quickly it made us take back our harsh words on the first drive (Love the rear end lights, neat design)....read morehide

Pros

Gas mileage, looks, comfort, price.

Cons

None...

I love my little KIA, it is my first purchase of a car, and I was nervous about the price and payments of a car. Not no more. It reminds me of Doberman pincher in a chihuahua body, it is small and compact but when push comes to shove it has a really good bite. Takes off well, and shifts very very smooth. Seats are comfortable and there is room in the back for my 16 yr. old. That was the first thing she said. I have room... I would highly recommend a KIA to anyone looking for a small car, the price is right and it is very comfortable dirve....read morehide