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2005 Kia Spectra Full Review
Date Published: 8/22/08
Also in the 2005 Kia Spectra Review:
2005 Kia Spectra Review
Spectra is the larger of Kia's two compact cars, and is among the least-expensive vehicles with standard head-protecting curtain side airbags. Spectra slots above Kia's entry-level Rio, and is based on the Elantra from Kia's corporate parent, Hyundai. It comes as a sedan and as a 4-dr hatchback called the Spectra5. The only engine is Elantra's 138-hp 2.0-liter 4-cyl. Manual transmission is standard, automatic is optional. Sedans offer LX, EX, and SX models. Spectra5 comes in a single trim level, and is positioned as a sporty model with a firmer suspension and different interior details. All Spectras have front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS is unavailable on LX models, but is optional on other Spectras. Tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, and CD audio are standard on all. SX, EX, and Spectra5 add air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and power windows/locks/heated mirrors. Kia shares Hyundai's warranty of 5-years/60,000-mi. basic, 10/100,000 powertrain, and 5/unlimited roadside assistance.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
News
The just-redesigned Spectra should see no major near-term changes, though a more powerful engine with variable valve timing is possible for 2007.
2005 Kia Spectra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration w/automatic trans. |
| Instruments/controls | Engine noise |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 34 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2005 Kia Spectra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/10/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| LX 4-door sedan, manual | $12,850 | $12,145 | $540 |
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| LX 4-door sedan, automatic | $13,850 | $13,060 | $540 |
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| EX 4-door sedan, manual | $14,100 | $13,200 | $540 |
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| EX 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,100 | $14,095 | $540 |
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| SX 4-door sedan, manual | $15,250 | $14,285 | $540 |
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| SX 4-door sedan, automatic | $16,225 | $15,195 | $540 |
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| Spectra5 4-door wagon, manual | $15,250 | $14,285 | $540 |
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| Spectra5 4-door wagon, automatic | $16,225 | $15,195 | $540 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
SX/Spectra5 adds to EX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear wiper/washer (Spectra5).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, sport suspension (Spectra5), 205/50R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Antilock brakes
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EX, SX, Spectra5
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$400
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$360
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
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LX
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$960
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$860
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Power sunroof
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EX, SX, Spectra5
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$700
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$625
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Cruise control
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EX, SX, Spectra5
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$250
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$225
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Floormats
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EX, LX, SX/Spectra5
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$80
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$60
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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LX, EX
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$250
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$220
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Alloy wheels
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EX
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$360
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$320
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2005 Kia Spectra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Kia Spectra 4-door sedan | Kia Spectra5 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.8 | 102.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.4 | 170.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 | 68.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.9 | 57.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2701 | 2844 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.2 | 52.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 | 42.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.2 | 38.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.4 | 35.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 138 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 136 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 25/33 |
| 4-speed automatic | 24/34 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Kia Spectra 4-door sedan | Kia Spectra5 4-door hatchback |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 3 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Antilock Breaks, Cruise Control, Sunroof Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 22.88 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Mark Bilek Spectra is an amazing value, Spectra5 not so much. Though this is a fine and useful wagon, the price hike over a regular Spectra doesn't seem warranted. I really like the idea of making side and curtain airbags standard in this class (it is a bad idea to make a value-conscious buyer choose between airbags or a CD player) and think that Spectra is one of the best overall values in the class. However, Spectra5 needs either a little more flash in the engine department or a little lower sticker price. |
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Also in the 2005 Kia Spectra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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