Overview & Reviews

The base LX sedan has been dropped, and the EX no longer features foglamps or rear disc brakes. On the plus side, all models now come with floor mats and a cabin air filter, while the SX and Spectra5 gain standard cruise control. The optional four-speed automatic transmission has been redesigned this year for greater durability and smoothness (although models with SULEV emissions still use last year's unit).

• Low price, large backseat, comfortable ride, lots of storage and cupholders, standard side curtain airbags, excellent warranty.

• Engine is weak and buzzy at higher rpm, soft handling on EX model.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 107.00

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  Great Deal - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jim - December 4 - 9:40 pm

  What a car for the money. If you are looking for a quality car at a affordable price this is it. Very comfortable ride and the interior design is great; ample leg and head room front and back. With the standard safety features and options this vehicle comes with for the price it is the best on the market and thats not even mentioning the standard warranty you get at no charge. If this vehicle is a consideration I do suggest going with the SX model. Many more options for not a lot more money. The 06 has a much improved sound system and power is plenty, cruises like a dream on the highway.

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  2006 Kia Spectra EX - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By dooscoop32 - November 16 - 2:33 pm

  Having had an assortment of problems with a previous American car, we decided to look at the Korean Kia Spectra EX. Wow, were we ever pleasantly surprised. This is a great little car. The doors close solidly with a click. The engine cranks quickly and is eerily quiet for a small car. Power is more than adequate for our intended use. Seating position and comfort are outstanding. The power options list for this car is lengthy including power, heated mirrors, power windows and locks, trunk release, tilt wheel, rear defroster, CD stereo, A/C, keyless remote entry and more! The build quality feels first-class. This car is an absolute pleasure to own. And the gas mileage is great too!

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  So overwhelmingly bland. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By murraybs - September 20 - 2:40 am

  This car is absolutely perfect for someone who does not want to stand out from the crowd, and revels in mediocrity. Though Id imagine, with its fuel economy, it would also be fantastic for college students, single mothers, environmentalists and those who are interested in saving money regardless of what the cost to style and performance is.

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  HEADACHES!! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By PPower - July 6 - 9:26 am

  I had this car approx. 2 years, and put 25,000 miles on it. The car was a replacement for the other 2006 Spectra that dropped its transmission after just 150 miles! After 10000 miles, the car died in the middle of a very busy intersection. The fuel valve gave way, and it was in the shop for a week. Kia does not provide loaner cars. After 20,000 miles, the transmission began shifting hard. I took the car in, and the service manager advised the car would need a new transmission, however the head service manager would have to review the findings. Another week, and Kia called back to say that the transmission only need a quart of fluid. From a new transmission to a quart of fluid?!? YEAH RIGHT!

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  road trip with a brand new car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By trish - April 6 - 11:36 am

  I just bought my Spectra 5 a week before taking it on a 2,000 mile road trip. I am 53", my husband is 63". Surprise, he loves it as much as I do; he wasnt cramped and I wasnt wore out after driving it for 2 days and 1,000 miles on the return trip. Had no problem with acceleration through the mountains or keeping up with traffic and passing on the highway. Fuel economy was fantastic, almost 39 miles to the gallon. So far there is nothing i dont love about my new car.

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  WATCH OUT TOYOTA! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By FASV - January 27 - 3:40 pm

  I got mine in 2004. So far I have convinced a neighbor and a friend to buy this car after they drove mine in a test drive. Minor problems with closing the trunk (it had to be slammed really hard). Gas door got stuck and front wheels were misaligned; all fixed by dealer under the 12000 miles adjustment period. So far all O.K. after a year of use.The ride is very quiet at freeway speeds but the engine is noisy under hard acceleration. A/C OK but should be more powerful for sunny Florida blazing and suffocating summers. If this car lasts me at least 5 years without major problems I think I will become a Kia loyal!

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  My Spec 5 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By therepokid - December 29 - 4:03 am

  I love my Spectra. I have done a couple of performance modifications to it and it will run with just about any other import on the road. I had a bad outlook on Kia in general when I bought it but it has changed my mind. It has been the best far I have ever owned. It has almost 50,000 miles on it an has never had to go to the dealer for service. Kia is coming up in the world.

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  Look out Toyota and Honda - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Tango6 - December 26 - 9:40 am

  My wife bought this car just before we got married. I have owned a few Hondas and Toyotas in my lifetime. After researching Kia, I felt it would be an OK car. Now 77,000 miles later, we have had no mechanical problems and the car still gets better than 30 MPG. It easily made 4 trips from Columbus, GA to El Paso, TX. The wife uses to go to work every day(12 miles one way) and for all of her shopping needs. We occasionally make weekend trips of about 400 mile. Overall this car has impressed me. Its not the fun driving car my Audi is, but it doesnt have that price tag either. Only normal maintenance and a set of brakes and tires at this point.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Paul in Hickory, NC - December 3 - 2:33 am

  I really did a lot of homework before I decided to make a purchase. I compared it to the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic, and the Nissan Sentra. For the money and the warranty, I could not have gotten a better car. I really enjoy driving my Spectra5, it turns a lot of heads. It is in the red color... and I will be having the windows tinted on it with vent visors. I highly suggest this car to anyone. A very fun car.

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  Yes, The power to surprise - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By EMT4U - July 26 - 6:33 am

  With fuel over $3.00, I wanted to trade in my fuel hog for a small sedan. I drove Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet and Ford small sedans. The Kia is equal in build quality and driving impression to cars costing 3k to 4k more. Loaded with six airbags and plenty of space for not feeling confined this is an more than adequate car. The four cylinder is quiet until pushed hard, and the car accelerates quickly and is able to hold its own at highway speeds. Strong 4-wheel disc brakes. I dont have ABS. But I feel that a brake pedal falling to the floor and pulsing can take longer to stop than controlled lock-up. This Kia has smart handling and many standard options. Decent sound system and easy controls.