2005 Spectra

Congratulations to the Kia engineers, they got their shit together on this one... 138 bhp, independant suspension front and rear and it doesn't feel like a tin can when you're driving...I expect to see these ones tricked out all over the place because it's an inexpensive starting point for a really really nice car.

Hey welcome to the Hyundai Elantra LOL

The new Spectra looks great. I think most of the new Kia models look great now. I would buy one if they were reliable

i agree they look good but i cannot figure out why someone would buy a kia when they could have a Hyundai for relatively the same amount.

I just drove a 5-door. It has a modest supply of horsepower, but as always I wish there was more. I have to remind myself what the taget market is for this vehicle. The car has a nice overall shape and look. I'm working on a body kit for it right now. More to come.

Hyundai and kia are the same company just like ford and mercury.

i cannot figure out why someone would buy a kia when they could have a Hyundai for relatively the same amount.

I'm at that crossroads right now, actually. I'll tell you the reason: The Spec5 looks a LOT better than the Elantra 5 door. The Elantra's okay, but the styling is clearly dated. From spy photos I've seen, the new Elantra 5 door will be a very close cousin to the Spec5. But it won't be out for another year and I'm not gonna wait that long.

I've test driven both the Elantra GT 5 door and the Spec5. Same amount of power, but the exhaust note on the Elantra is a little tamer (more sophisticated?), as is the ride. The Spec5 has a stiffer ride, in a harsh sense that I don't really prefer. But the Spec5 has better styling; obviously influenced by the Mazda3 5 door. Also, the Spec5 (http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/05spectra5_10.jpg) has better under-floor storage in the trunk (note the removable plastic bins on either side).

Actually, Kia is 10% Daimler Chrysler and 40% Hyundai. There are several styles of the Spectra. I drive the SX. More often than not it is a special order from your dealer. With the manual it is very lively and comes with the tuned performance suspension. No problem and running hard.

Nope, wrong. Chrysler owned about 10% of Hyundai, but sold (http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/dccom/0,,0-5-7153-1-277242-1-0-0-0-0-0-8-7145-0-0-0-0-0-0-1,00.html) it in August of 2004. Some strategic partnerships continue.

You may be right. I heard something about that but I wasn't sure Chrysler and Hyundai separated. You can see the Chrysler influence with the MELCO/Mitsubishi EMS and 3.5L engines.

If you click on the word "sold" in my previous post, there is a link to the Chrysler website news release about the sale of Hyundai.