2005 Kia Spectra Trims and Specs

The 2005 Kia Spectra LX is the base model of this compact economy sedan, and it is sparsely outfitted. For 2005 it gets an updated 2.0-liter, 138-hp DOHC I4 engine with a standard 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Though just a base model, it does come with air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a CD player, rear defrost, tachometer, and intermittent wipers, and a full complement of six airbags -- dual front and side and rear side impact, earning it four stars in front and side impact tests. Optional equipment includes a rear spoiler.

Rear seats do split-fold, and gas mileage is an attractive 24/34 mpg, making the 2005 Spectra LX a good value for a starter car. Owners say there is good room up front, and they like the fuel economy and all the standard equipment for the low price. Kia's 10-year warranty is another attractive feature. Downsides include sluggish pickup.

A few more standard features are included in the 2005 Kia Spectra EX, the more upscale trim of the budget sedan. Though it shares the 2.0-liter, 138-hp I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic with the base LX, the 2005 Spectra EX adds full power features and heated mirrors to the mix. This is in addition to intermittent wipers, air conditioning, a CD player, tachometer, and front and overhead consoles.

The 2005 Spectra EX sits on 15-inch wheels and comes equipped with dual front and side airbags and rear side impact airbags, which is unusual for an economy compact sedan. The front-wheel drive Spectra EX gets around 24/34 mpg and holds up to 12 cubic feet in the trunk, although the rear seats do also split-fold for more room. It also comes with more options, including ABS brakes, a sunroof, and cruise control. A rear spoiler and alloy wheels add a bit of sporty flair. A loud engine and slow acceleration are the main drawbacks to the 2005 Spectra EX. Overall, owners feel it is roomy for a compact, handles smartly, and gets great gas mileage.

The 2005 Kia Spectra SX is a new trim offering for this compact sedan, with a sporty orientation. Though equipped with the same new 2.0-liter, 138-hp DOHC I4 engine and standard 5-speed manual transmission (or optional 4-speed automatic) as the other Spectra models, the 2005 Spectra SX adds a sports-tuned suspension and bigger 16-inch alloy wheels. It also comes with foglights and a rear spoiler. It has the power features, tachometer, CD player, heated mirrors, and intermittent wipers of the EX, but adds leather wheel and shifter trim to complete the sports car image. Dual front airbags and side impact bags for both rows (a segment first) are standard.

Options are similar to what you'll get with the EX, and include 4-wheel ABS brakes, a sunroof, cruise control, and performance brakes. Gas mileage remains at 24/34, since the sporty orientation applies mainly to the appearance of the 2005 Spectra SX. Owners like the style, handling, and affordability of this front-wheel drive compact, as well as the high fuel economy.

Kia's compact hatchback gets a new name this year, the 2005 Kia Spectra5. With up 18 cubic feet of cargo space, exceeding the 12 cubic feet in the sedan, the 2005 Spectra5 is a versatile economy car, great for hauling goods or passengers. Rear seats split-fold to expand the cargo capacity. The 2005 Spectra5 is much like the SX, in that it features a stiffer frame, a sports suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and foglights. It is powered by the same 138-hp, 2.0-liter I4 engine as the other Spectras, and comes with a choice of standard 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

Like the SX, the 2005 Kia Spectra5 comes with full power features, heated mirrors, a tachometer, CD player, leather wheel and shifter trim, intermittent wipers, tilt steering wheel, a tachometer, and six airbags, including side impacts for the back row. Performance brakes, 4-wheel ABS, a sunroof, and cruise control are all optional. The sporty hatchback earns four-star safety ratings and gets around 24/34 mpg. Drivers say it's a great value, considering all the features you get at an affordable price, and the high fuel economy is an extra bonus. A roomy front seat and cargo area, and great handling are other highlights. Low ground clearance, lack of standard ABS, and frequent repairs are some negatives.