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 11 through 20 of 107.00-
Fun and Economical Hatchback - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Cheongyei - December 24 - 6:40 pmI had looked at the new Dodge Caliber and the PT Cruiser, but found the Spectra5 to be superior in every category: fit, finish, fun, fuel economy, warranty, handling, standard features. The 5 has a sporty suspension with extra low-profile tires, alloy wheels, front and rear sway bars. Tight turning radius, no problem taking tight corners. Point it where you want it, and it goes. The nicest handling small car Ive owned, and I have had Toyotas, Hondas, Audis, Capris, Neons. Kia has improved the appearance of the interior for 2007, and fixed the too-low front air dam as well, so the two biggest problems of 2006 are now history. If you are looking for the right 2007 hatch, try the Spectra5.
-
Not what it is cracked up to be. - 2006 Kia Spectra
By DH - December 3 - 12:16 pmThe car has good gas mileage and average reliability for a car of this class. The quality is average to mid-low, except in the safety department where the car is excellent.
-
2nd one - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Bill - November 6 - 5:26 amThe 1st was hit in the rear by a Caddy in November and totaled. Bought Amanti, gave to wife and then bought 2nd. Great car and will hold its own against others in same class costing thousands more. Best is the warranty, 100K. Looks, features, economy (looking at $3 gallon gas), interior room. Fun to drive and not tired after driving 100s miles on highway for business. Should definitely consider in todays market.
-
2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan - 2006 Kia Spectra
By PPower05 - November 3 - 3:43 amI am not very happy with this car. I only have 21,000 miles, and it has already been in the shop for faulty fuel valves and transmission problems!! Whats worse, the dealership charged me over $300 to replace the transmission fluid that KIA recommends to replace every 30,000 miles (10,000 prior to when it SHOULD have been replaced) The explanation that I was given was "Kia uses poor fluids from the factory". The 100,000 mile warranty is great, if you have another car! My first KIA (same model) broke down as my family was driving to my high school graduation. My family missed my graduation being at the KIA service center. Get something else, these are not worth your hard earned money!
-
great sporty car for the money - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Favian - October 9 - 12:36 amThis is my first Kia that I have ever purchased and Im pleasantly impressed. Build quality is great and so far reliability is excellent. The gearing configuration in the automatic could use some improvement as well but overall the car is an excellent value in looks, safety, options, warranty and reliability.
-
Great car - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Coty2000 - October 1 - 3:33 amTravel 50 miles each way with this roller skate. Absolutely reliable! Not a thing wrong in 3 years and 72,000. Change the oil 3500 and put gas in it and away you go. Have a 2994 sorento as well. Another great car. 82k and not a thing wrong, ever. Also have a 2006 Audi a4. Forgetaboutit! Never again!
-
My Blue Kia Spectra 5 - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Peter Glenn White - August 13 - 10:53 pmI bought my Kia Spectra 5 from the dealer used with 4000 miles on it. The color is a very beautiful blue; people have asked me about it, very impressive. It is very roomy, I take my two dogs with me to a lot of different places, and they love it.
-
Kia Spectra 2006 - 2006 Kia Spectra
By dan - July 27 - 8:26 pmThis car is a huge step from the Geo we had to buy in the 90s for a cheap car. This car comes standard with all the options a person needs; power windows, door locks, air conditioning. keyless entry, cd player. All the air bags you need. Four wheel disc brakes, 15 inch wheels. I can go on and on. You give me one American car under $15,500 with all those options. YOU WILL NOT FIND ONE. Oh I forgot to mention the 10 year, 100000 mile warranty on this thing. And the room in the back seat; it has the largest back seat of any small car Ive owned. The motor is a 2.0 liter 16 valve four cylinder. Thats more motor than a standard Toyota Camry. This is by far the best deal I have ever had on a new car.
-
Surprising - 2006 Kia Spectra
By Jordan - July 7 - 4:06 amI bought the Kia Spectra after owning a Hyundai Elantra for several years. I wanted something sportier and the Spectra certainly provides that. The EX is zippy for a 4 cylinder and still maintains good fuel economy. Much better gas mileage then my Elantra. Handling is very nice and tight. Stops on a dime due to 4 wheel disk brakes. Also, its the only car in the price range with 5 front air bags so I feel safer driving it. Kia is now coming out with performance after market parts for the Spectra and Rio as well. I got the body kit and wing installed and my car gets a lot of attention with them on. Overall you get a lot of features and a lot of bang for your buck. Surprisingly good value.
-
Sporty Fun on a Budget - 2006 Kia Spectra
By GorgeKiaDriver - May 3 - 1:33 pmWe bought this new. This is a sporty looking car with the rear spoiler and 16" sporty wheels with low profile performance tires. With the SX you get all this plus cruise, aluminum accents on dash and chrome pedal covers. Interior is an upgrade also. Cruise control standard. Only option was ABS which I would recommend to everyone. This is great on snowy roads and accident avoidance. Best mileage we have gotten is 28 with the automatic,
