2005 Kia Spectra: Road Test
Archived Review
2005 Kia Spectra ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $12,850 -$16,225
- Invoice: $12,145 -$15,195
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Kia Sephia/Spectra
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2005 Kia Spectra includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Kia Spectra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Kia Spectra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Kia Spectra help you decide if a 2005 Kia Spectra is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Acceleration adequate for most needs. Not much highway passing power, but around-town response is fine with manual transmission. Test manual-transmission Spectra5 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic saps enough energy to slow progress up steep hills, but is generally smooth, responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Test LX sedan with automatic transmission averaged 22.8 mpg in mixed driving. Test EX sedan with manual transmission averaged 28.1-28.5 mpg. Test Spectra5s averaged 20.1-22.9 in mostly city driving. Spectra uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4.6 |
Sedan places a premium on comfort, delivers one of the most absorbent rides in class. Smothers most bumps well, aided by solid structure, soft-riding tires. Downside is wayward ride motion over uneven and wavy surfaces. More firmly tuned Spectra5 choppier than sedan over broken surfaces, more composed over moguls.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.4 |
Fine low-speed maneuverability, but sedan feels very imprecise when asked to change direction at more than modest speed. Little cornering grip, lots of body lean in turns. Testers divided on steering: responsive to some, slow to others. Test EX was prone to wander in highway crosswinds, and exhibited severe nosedive in simulated panic stops. Spectra5 feels more athletic thanks to firmer suspension, larger tires.
QUIETNESS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Wind, road ruckus nicely subdued. Engine a bit coarse and hoarse around 4000 rpm, but is acceptably refined for this price class. Road noise more pronounced in Spectra5.
CONTROLS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Gauges easily read, controls easily reached. High-set audio unit and 3-dial climate system are simple to adjust, and all switchgear works with smooth precision. Seat fabric feels low budget, but cabin materials and finish otherwise exceed anything in this price range. Poorly sealed right rear window in one test EX rattled, generated highway wind whistle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Tilt wheel, lever-action seat-height adjuster are nice standard features in this price range, but few testers found an ideal driving position. Seat comfort, contour are subpar, and long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel. Head room just OK for 6-footers. Aft visibility partially obscured by Spectra5's rear pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Good room for car's exterior size. Good under-seat foot clearance, OK knee and shoulder space, though just adequate head room. Entry/exit easy enough for a small car.
CARGO ROOM
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 7 | 3.9 |
Sedan's usefully shaped trunk has slightly undersized opening but adequate volume that's expandable via standard 60/40 folding rear seat. Good cabin storage with various slots, bins, cubbies. EX, Spectra5 have front-door bottle holders.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Though far from sporty feeling, Spectra is solidly class competitive for comfort, room, and features. Kudos to Kia for including the safety bonus of front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags among the many standard features. Kia quality is improving, though it still trails the Japanese leaders, as do resale values. The generous warranty compensates some. Overall, this Recommended compact car deserves a look if your budget is tight.
Total Score
| LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 52 | 55 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Compact Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
