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 21 through 30 of 107.00

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  Wow - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By james e gerber - March 22 - 4:06 pm

  This is my 3rd Kia. The 2006 was a quantum leap over my 2003. The first thing that impressed me was that the controls were all in one place on the drivers console with easy to use buttons. Second the acceleration was a significant upgrade-you can run the air without decreasing performance, a problem with most 4 cylinder cars. Thirdly was the size; its larger than my 2003 and the overall design is exceptional. The tires (Goodyear) are a significant upgrade on the quality tire that Kia used to use as OEM tires. Overall, an impressive job and the car is fun to drive. Oh yes, the trunk space is very good. My 2001 Sephia was ok, the 2003 Spectra was much better and now this. Kia keep up the good work.

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  Vastly underestimated car, I think. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Stan - February 11 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my 2006 Spectra in May 2008 with 28000 miles on it, so have driven it six months and roughly 4000 miles thus far. Overall I have been impressed with the cars quietness, acceleration and ride, and have had absolutely no problems. My only quibble would be the fuel economy which does tend to run 22 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the hwy. I had hoped the city mpg would be a bit better. But overall I am very satisfied and if the car holds up this well over the next couple of years I will probably buy another Kia.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By DesertRose - January 7 - 9:56 pm

  No longer had need for a 4WD & rising gas prices caused me to switch to an econo car. Was very pleasantly surprised when I saw the Spectra up close, I expected a cheapy econobox but we were impressed w/the styling and quality. The most comfy seats ever for my low back. Just bought w/3300 mi on it so its too soon to comment on reliability but thus far I am very impressed.

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  wont get burned again - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By cobbra2000 - December 14 - 12:10 am

  I bought my spectra used with about 20,000 miles on it, so this reduced my warranty to 60,000. as soon as I hit about 70,000 it started to happen. My airbag light came on, check engine light, catalytic converter went out, and that is 800 dollars before installation, knocking on the front end, the motor has a bad knock, alternator, and a rear brake light that goes out once a week, and the cam shaft sensor, and crank sensor. This was the worst mistake of my life. First I would say do not buy a kia, and if you do, get rid of it before the warranty runs out. They sell it to you cheap and then stick it to you when it breaks down, what ever you get fixed will cost about a quarter of the car cost.

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  Nice Car! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Mike M. - December 10 - 11:30 am

  I just bought my Kia during Labor Day weekend, and I am very happy so far with it. I get way better mileage than I did with my F-150, and am spending only half of what I used to on gas. I use this car as a commuter, and plan on turning it over to my son when he turns 16 in 5 years. Best part about that is, the powertrain will still be under warranty, which is the key reason we bought this car! I compared the Kia with Toyota, Hyundai, and Chevy cars and they just dont compare with options and price.

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  Great car! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Carl - November 28 - 5:00 pm

  Havent had the car long, but so far Im impressed. It rides nicely and seems to have good handling. It has nice pickup, but shakes ever so slightly sometimes at a stop light. (Not always, but sometimes. Not sure if its a design flaw or not.) So far, I think Id buy another one. Got away from the Fords because of their poor gas mileage. Wanted to go with American, but few have good mpg and are cheap enough to afford.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By LR - October 21 - 1:23 am

  The Kia Spectra5 is by far the best small wagon in its class. Great styling and looks, practical and fun. I love the way it handles - it turns on a dime. Its a zippy little wagon, with just enough get up and go. Excellent on gas mileage. Pretty good choice of exterior colors.

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  Ya gotta love it! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By KRZAN - October 15 - 9:56 pm

  My wife drives 25000 miles per year. We are about to head back to our KIA dealer and trade the 06’ we bought new for a new 09’ We have 75000 miles on our Spectra EX. It has been the most reliable, trouble free vehicle we have ever operated. We replaced brakes one time, tires one time, and of course, oil changes at every 3000 miles. Ya gotta love it!

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  Safety questionable - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Heather - October 2 - 9:46 pm

  I recently was in a bad accident with my Kia Spectra 2006 has no more than 9,000 miles. I hit an oncoming vehicle with my left front into their left front at 60 miles per hour. My front end is pushed in and ripped most of it off and none of the air bags deployed. The auto body shop along with the Deputy on the scene stated there is no reason that the air bags should have not went off. This incident is currently under investigation with Kia. I have three young children and I bought the car because it was supposed to be a safe car, and then this happens. I have a friend that also just got into an accident, rolled his Kia and the air bags in that vehicle did not deploy either.

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  Love them both (My SX and EX) - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Big Dave - July 19 - 6:20 pm

  I actually own two of these cars ... one 06 SX 5 speed and an 05 EX auto. I gave it 10s based on what you get for the money. Im a big guy (63" 270) and I fit with room to move thanks to the seats. My wife and I do a lot of traveling in it without feeling cramped. The engine is rev happy and fun to drive. I drive my SX pretty hard and it always handles well for me. The older EX had a few minor issues (fuel door, speedometer) that were fixed very quickly and we haven’t had any problems since. Its a very solid build overall and wont give you with that cheap car feeling. Its way more car than what you pay for. This is great driver and really has what you need in the real world.