2005 Kia Spectra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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After a complete and impressive overhaul of its compact Spectra sedan last year, Kia continues to upgrade its image with the addition of a sporty SX sedan alongside its base LX and EX models. The old hatchback is rebranded as the 2005 Spectra5 wagon and shares many performance and appearance characteristics with the SX, including a sports suspension, foglights, rear spoiler, 16-inch wheels, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter, sports cloth for the seats, side sill extensions, and metallic interior trim. Both the SX and Spectra5 come with power features and keyless entry as well, like the EX sedan. The base LX features air conditioning, intermittent wipers, a CD player, and tilt steering.
The 2005 Spectra5 gets the updated 2.0-liter, 138-hp DOHC I4 engine. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto tran are offered in all the Spectra models. Safety is first in the 2005 Spectra, with six standard airbags, including side curtain ones for the back row. ABS brakes are available on all but the LX sedan, and a sunroof is also optional. In the Spectra5, the cargo area is 18.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat, a good six cubic feet more than in the sedan, and the seats split-fold to offer more flexibility. Interior room in both the sedan and wagon has improved from the first generation, making the 2005 Spectra one of the leaders in its class in this area.
The new and improved 2005 Spectra gets mostly rave reviews from owners. The new engine gives a lot of kick to the lightweight car and makes it fun for city commutes. The small size is also nice for maneuvering and finding parking spaces. By far the biggest draw for budget drivers is the high fuel economy, low price tag, and Kia's 10-year powertrain warranty. That it has six airbags is also a bonus. The negative comments mentioned a clunky manual shift, the lack of standard ABS, and sluggish highway acceleration.
User reviews for 2005 Kia Spectra
Write a review2005 Kia Spectra Pricing
Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
