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 41 through 50 of 107.00

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  fun to drive, excellent rear headroom - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Tim - September 30 - 1:50 am

  With the manual transmission, the Spectra5 is a fun car to drive, with decent acceleration & handling. (I thought the automatic was a little underpowered; maybe it just needed to be shifted into Low sometimes. But isnt the point of an automatic to do that automatically?) I ended up with power windows/locks (std), side air bags (std), ABS (opt), and sunroof (opt) for $1000 less than Id have gotten another car for -- without those features. Its amazing how many cars I ruled out because of too little rear headroom (my son & I are both >6); we both easily fit in the back of the Spectra5. (The headroom in the Spectra is the same, but I wanted something other than a basic 4-door sedan).

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  Excellent car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Shahed - September 5 - 3:03 am

  Better than any of its class. Warranty is best. Why worry if you are backed by KIA. Lot better than Corolla or Honda. Low price compared to options you are getting. Nowhere can you find the safety or this class.

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  My Kia - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Mark - July 28 - 10:33 pm

  I have had this Spectra 2 weeks now and have my ideas down. This is a very well built vehicle, but being a stockier guy, the seats seem kind of narrow. If I am not sitting exactly square in the seat, it feels small. The car has enough pep for around town driving and runs well at highway speeds. Not much in the way of passing speeds, but it holds 70+ easily on the road. I am slightly concerned about the texture of the paint on the sides, it looks like maybe it has orange peel, but the dealership is going to check it out. Also having issues with the passenger seat airbag switch not always turning the airbag on.

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  Cute But - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Margie - May 19 - 2:20 pm

  The car handles nicely and has great acceleration. It has great leg room for passengers in the back seats as long as the front seats are not all the way back. You can pack a lot of items in the back and with the seats down its even better.

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  Great little car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jim - March 18 - 3:30 am

  For the price it is simply the best package of performance, cost to own, and reliability. Got to love the KIA 10 year warranty. Ive put about 1200 miles on it so far and it rides like a dream. Lots of interior room, and very comfortable seating. It has poor acceleration, so its performance isnt the best. Like someone else said, it revs REALLY high in first gear. Ive seen stuff on eBay that is supposed to fix this. All in all a great car and a worthy investment. I will definitely be back to KIA for more in the future.

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  Excellent - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By huffette - March 15 - 10:36 am

  I bought my kia in 2006, new. I loved the way it drove, and with the manual transmission, I managed to get 40 miles per gallon with it. I loved the way it handled and the horse power I got from it. I had no problems getting up to speed with it, and I had no service issues with it. When I was rear ended in February, it was totaled by a Toyota Tundra, going 70 mph, and even the passenger compartment was protected. I didnt have any rear passengers, but after the way the car looked, if it had been another brand, Im sure someone would have been hurt worse or even killed. I bought another spectra to replace it, and would gladly do it again.

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  And we just keep rollin... - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By jenners1 - February 21 - 4:23 pm

  I bought my 2006 kia spectra brand new with 53 miles on it. I change the oil every 4000 miles, change the transmission fluid every 80,000 miles. I didnt have to put new brakes on until 120,000 miles. At 150,000 miles I had her tuned up. I decided at 185,00 miles I should put new belts on it. The check engine light came on at around 85000 miles still under warranty took in for new O2 sensor. The check engine light came back on just after 100,000 miles and its been on ever since, sooner or later its gotta burn out right? still waiting for that but she runs like the day I bought it. We are currently at 265000 miles and still rolling

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  Loving It! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By whatitis - December 27 - 9:16 am

  I love this car. Bought it used a few days ago and I am very pleased. Just had my first child and wanted something economical at a good price and good on gas. Had 21,000 miles on it when purchased. I couldnt be more satisfied with the feel of the vehicle and comfort of my little one in the back with his car seat and the 3-point buckle system that keeps him safe. Found a very good car with all the extras included (ground effects, bug shield, tinted windows, power windows/locks, etc.) Absolutely love the sporty look and for the price it beats Mazda3, Suzuki Reno, and all the other guys. Most importantly still has all factory warranties included!!

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  My last new car before I retire. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Huibert Venema - December 3 - 5:16 pm

  I was in the market for a new compact station wagon. I drove by a KIA dealer and saw a red Spectra 5 on display, it was love at first sight. Test drove and purchased it within a half hour. The sales transaction was flawless. My Spectra 5 fits my lifestyle perfectly. I enjoy camping and drive the back roads with gusto, never a squeel or out of control. 30,000 miles and 3 years later, I still hand wash it (2 bucket style) with love and care. Thank you KIA.

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  I bought a lemon 2 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Carhen69 - November 9 - 9:33 pm

  I bought my car in May of 2006 brand new off the lot for $17,500. After Driving the car for a couple of days I noticed a terrible vibration coming from the front of the vehicle. The steering wheel vibrated so bad that I hated driving this car. When I mentioned this problem to the dealer I was told that the engine was just to big for the car! I have had the car looked at by 2 different dealers in the last year and a 1/2 since I owned because of many issues, ranging from poor gas mileage, vibration and loss of power. My car has now been in the shop for over a week and am now being told that YES there is a problem but they simply do not know what it is. They are working to resolve....