| Compact car; Built in South Korea |
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| Good condition price range: $3,200 – $9,200* |
2005 Kia Spectra
2005 Kia Spectra
2005 Kia Spectra
2005 Kia Spectra
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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.
Overview
Kia released a redesigned Spectra sedan in spring 2004 with new styling, more power, and additional safety features. Oddly, the company still called it a 2004 model (the last of the outgoing version was also a 2004), and sometimes the new car was referred to as a “2004.5” model. However, we start this generation at 2005 to avoid confusion with the old design. If you see a 2004 Kia Spectra advertised, you can tell if it’s the old model or the new one by the trim level. The early 2004 came in Base, GS, LS, and GSX trim, while the 2004.5 came 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.
During the “real” 2005 model year, 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.
Yearly Updates
| 2006 Spectra The base LX sedan was dropped, while the SX and Spectra5 gained cruise control as standard equipment. |
| 2007 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 Spectra The 2008 Kia Spectra and Spectra5 were largely unchanged. |
| 2009 Spectra A sunroof was newly available on the EX model. |
