2005-2008 Kia Spectra: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Kia Spectra and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Acceleration (auto trans)
Vehicle Highlights
Kia released a redesigned Spectra sedan in spring 2004 with new styling, more power, and additional safety features. What it did not get was a new model-year designation; it was labeled a 2004 model, like the outgoing version. To differentiate between the two, we refer to the redesigned Spectra-covered here-as a 2004.5. However, since a print ad might not, you can ask the seller for the model designation. The early 2004 came in Base, GS, LS, and GSX trim, the 2004.5 in LX and EX guise. The 2004.5 Spectra was based on the Elantra platform of corporate parent Hyundai. The only engine was Elantra's 138-hp 2.0-liter 4-cyl. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, a 4-speed automatic optional. Both the base LX and uplevel EX sedans came with standard front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS was optional on EX and unavailable on LX. Both models came with a tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, and CD audio system. EX added air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and power windows/locks/heated mirrors. Kia shared Hyundai's warranty coverage of 5-years/50,000-mi. basic, 10/100,000 powertrain, but only the basic warranty is transferable to a second owner.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Kia Spectra LX auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Kia Spectra. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Kia Spectra.
Year to Year Changes
2005 Kia Sephia/Spectra:
A Spectra5 hatchback joined the line in one trim level, as did an SX-trim sedan. Both came with EX equipment but added sporty touches, including leather-wrapped steering wheel, firmer suspension, and 16-inch wheels.
2006 Kia Sephia/Spectra:
The base LX sedan was dropped, while the SX and Spectra5 gained cruise control as standard equipment.
2007 Kia Sephia/Spectra:
A subtle facelift marks Kia's compact car for 2007. Besides a modest exterior freshening, Spectra's '07 update includes revised interior trim, a modified dashboard and center console, and a standard plug-in for digital audio players.
2008 Kia Sephia/Spectra:
The 2008 Kia Spectra and Spectra5 were largely unchanged.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Kia Spectra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Kia Spectra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Kia Spectra is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is adequate for most needs, though the smooth, responsive automatic transmission saps enough power to slow progress up steep hills. Spectra feels peppier with the slick-shifting manual transmission. A test LX sedan with automatic transmission averaged 22.8mpg-hardly stellar for this class of car. We had no opportunity to measure with manual transmission. Spectra smothers most bumps well thanks to a solid structure and comfort-oriented tires, though large moguls induce minor "float." The car's handy size and quick, responsive steering aid close-quarter maneuverability, but Spectra has modest cornering grip. ABS-available only on the EX-provides strong, sure stops. On the highway, wind and road ruckus are nicely subdued. The smooth engine grows a bit coarse around 4000 rpm, but is acceptably refined for the class. Up front, a standard tilt wheel and lever-action seat-height adjuster enhance a fine basic driving position. However, long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel, and seat comfort is nothing special. Head room is only adequate for 6-footers, who might be squeezed by the optional sunroof. Rear-seat passengers fare about the same: Two 6-footers have good underseat foot room and OK knee and shoulder space, though just adequate head room on a seat that isn't uncomfortable, but won't win any awards. Entry/exit is easy enough for a small sedan. A fine dashboard layout makes the gauges easy to read, all controls easy to reach. The high-set audio unit and 3-dial climate system are simple to adjust, and all controls work with smooth precision. Cabin materials and finish are the equal of most anything in this class, though the decor lacks flair. The sedan's usefully shaped trunk has a slightly undersized opening but offers adequate volume that's expandable via a standard 60/40 folding rear seat. The Spectra5 hatchback boasts a fair amount of cargo space. There's good cabin storage, too, with various slots, bins, and cubbies. EX, SX, and Spectra5 add front-door bottle holders.
Value for the Money
Though it's not a small-car star, Spectra is class-competitive. Used-car prices tend to be lower than for many rivals, meaning this might be among the least-expensive small cars available offering the safety bonus of front side airbags and curtain side airbags. That makes Spectra worth a look, especially if your budget is tight.
Though it's not a small-car star, Spectra is class-competitive. Used-car prices tend to be lower than for many rivals, meaning this might be among the least-expensive small cars available offering the safety bonus of front side airbags and curtain side airbags. That makes Spectra worth a look, especially if your budget is tight.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Kia Spectra LX auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Kia Sephia/Spectra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Kia Sephia/Spectra .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Clicking and popping sounds from the speakers can be traced to cellular phones pinging transmitters. (2004-06)
Check-engine light:
The check engine light may illuminate and set a trouble code for a problem with the front oxygen sensor due to faulty terminals in a wiring connector. (2004-06)
Keys:
The key may get stuck in the ignition due to maladjustment of the transmission-key interlock cable or because of interference between the cable and the parking brake cable. (2004-05)
Transmission slippage:
Transmission may slip or flare between second and third gear requiring reprogramming the powertrain control module. (2004-06)
Wipers:
The windshield wiper fuse may blow if there is a buildup of snow on the windshield and replacing the 15 amp fuse with one rated 20 amps is suggested. (2004-05)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $890 |
| Alternator | $320 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,220 |
| Brakes | $450 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $820 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,430 |
| Exhaust System | $340 |
| Radiator | $500 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,640 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $450 |
Our price chart for this generation Kia Sephia/Spectra details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Spectra | $10,500-12,500 | $9,500-11,300 | $5,600-6,600 |
| 2007 | |||
| Spectra | $8,700-10,500 | $7,800-9,500 | $4,500-5,500 |
| 2006 | |||
| Spectra | $7,100-8,500 | $6,300-7,600 | $3,400-4,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| EX, SX, Spectra5 | $6,200-7,000 | $5,400-6,100 | $2,700-3,000 |
| Spectra LX | $5,700-6,500 | $4,900-5,600 | $2,300-2,700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Kia Sephia/Spectra include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.8 | 102.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 170.9 | 176.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 38.3 | 68.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.9 | 57.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2844 | 2701 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 52.8 | 12.2 |
| 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. | 38.8 | 38.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.4 | 35.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 2.0-liter 138-hp 4-cylinder engine with 138 lb-ft of torque was offered with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. For 2005 torque dropped to 136 lb-ft.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 138 | 137 | 5-speed manual: 25/32 4-speed automatic: 25/34 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 22.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Kia Sephia/Spectra include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2004.5 Spectra |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Kia Spectra directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2004.5 Spectra:
The front and/or side airbag could inappropriately deploy in a crash with a child seat strapped into the front passenger seat. Dealer will reprogram the vehicle's electronic control unit.
2005 Spectra:
Defective tie rod could break, resulting in loss of steering and possibly a crash. Dealer will replace steering rack, which includes the tie rods.
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