2005 Kia Spectra consumer reviews

I own two, an auto 2004.5 I bought new for my son in medical school and a standard shift 2005 I bought used, with low miles. I have added 16 inch low profile tires and a strut bar in the front of the 2005, which improved cornering for pretty small $. When I get the chance will put an upgraded anti-roll bar built for the Hyundai Tiburon on the back. Standard gets good economy with up to 37 on highway though mostly 33 if drive moderately. Worst is about 22 in the dead of winter driving a short commute of 1.4 miles in town. Son's car gets a little worse, but he does not keep great records. Stick shift is a little clunky compared to the Volvos and Audis I have owned, but works ok. Auto is smooth and does what it is supposed to. Engines make just enough noise to let you know you are driving a car that has a personality. Plenty of power to my taste, seems to be an obscene amount of gitty-up when I get in after driving my old VW camper! Interior is well laid out. I feared the light colored seats would look bad, but they shed dirt and stains nicely. The drivers seat lacked enough lower back support, but I added an aftermarket device and am a happy camper on long trips now. After owning these was an easy choice to buy a new 2006 KIA van for the little lady. KIA is trying hard to give more value for the dollar. If my experience is typical, they are doing fine.

I was in a desperate situation, and needed to buy a car for under 15k. So, I went to Kia, and decided to settle for the new model kia in 2004(a 2004.5 model). Anyway, it's 2 years later, and I have yet to have any issues with the car about 45,000 miles later. Great reliability, price, performace, and comfort in a perfect package for just about anyone. Not too mention the great gas mileage!

We've had a 2004 Kia Spectra EX for almost two years - no problems other than a new O2 sensor being required a month or two ago. Smooth, quiet, easy to drive, my wife loves it. We got it after positive experience with a 2002 Hyundai Elantra - Kia was more willing to deal. My daughther drove a 2005 SX Spectra this past January and decided, on her own, to buy that. As long as she doesn't wreck it, the warranty etc should prove to be an INVESTMENT. We'll see how our car does driving to Las Vegas this summer taking another daughther to college...the mountains will slow us down but we'll see. If you do break down during the 1st 5 years away from home, Kia even reimburses you for part of your motel bill! I'd would say definitely try one out!