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 51 through 60 of 107.00

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  Love it, but its not perfect - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By eightthirty - October 11 - 8:20 am

  I love the almost every inch of this car. It has treated me very well over the past 2-1/2 years. I have about 21k on it. As far as gas mileage is concerned Im not sure where Im lacking because I only drive 50 miles per week and I use 1/2 a tank (about 19 stoplights though). Its all city, but thats horrible. For highway in moderate traffic I use a quarter of a tank over 60 miles. Its a great modest car, very reliable, low maintenance and very affordable. There are some features I would like to see standard on the EX, though. Its a great car for those who have young children due to its safety features and its got a killer warranty.

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  Great, economical car with style. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Steve - October 6 - 5:26 pm

  The car is great. Has wonderful acceleration, comfort, affordability, and handles great. Great gas mileage, and offers wonderful standard features including cruise control, AM/FM/CD, automatic windows and door locks, AC, and a 2.0 liter engine. Gets about 38 miles on the highway and currently getting 29-30 around town. Also great safety features and warranty. I compared this with the Matrix and it is a much better value.

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  Still loving it 3 1/2 years later - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Weezul - September 6 - 1:06 am

  Ive had this car for three and a half years, and Im still glad I made the purchase. At a little over 50,000 miles, I havent had a single thing to complain about yet. I ran it through the gauntlet on a road trip down the east coast to Florida and back from Delaware at 80mph without a hitch. Due to a relatives illness I put over 20,000 miles running around in it for the past year, and its still running very smoothly, no problems whatsoever.

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  Like a Timex, Keeps on running ! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Carl Leason - August 1 - 5:16 am

  From day one, (bought this car new ), it just always runs and have had no problems, NONE, of any kind ! Ave. fuel mileage about 30 and already have 42,000 miles on it. The dealer is great, This is my second Kia and I always am treated as if they like me. The only reasons for going to dealer is for oil changes.Tire rotation, best car I ever owned !

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  Great little ride - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By 2006 kia great car - July 23 - 12:46 pm

  Drove from NY to AZ in 2 days average speed of 80. took it up to 105 a few times with confidence. Great car for the money. Good gas mileage. $20 bucks get u at least a half tank! 400 miles to a tank.

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  1 week = My Life - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Bill - July 17 - 12:20 pm

  Had my 2006 Spectra for about 1 week and owned it for 2 days. Lot of fun and will be buying a 2nd one. The first was rear ended at a full stop by a full size Cadillac at about 25 mph. May be totaled but the cabin interior withstood the impact. No gas leakage. The seat belts worked perfectly and the headrest really helped my neck and head. I really believe that if I had been in many other cars, I may not have been as lucky. The Caddy sustained major front end damage (radiator leak, engine damage, front quarter, etc.) so the impact was major. For a car its size and price, it is well constructed with safety in mind.

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  carpe diem - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By your ol pal randy - March 29 - 7:13 pm

  Have been trying to get my wife to look at this car. Once I got her into it, it was a done deal. Quality, price, handling and only 1 trim level = everything. If other cars are a better value, why cant the manufacturers offer a decent warranty? Because they want to nail you for the post warranty work that’s why. Also, msrp =$13,900.00 on other cars. Oh, you want wheels with that? Ends up at $18000.00+. Particularly the Dodge Caliber. Am very, very pleased.

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  love the car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By green eyes - March 4 - 11:00 pm

  I love this car. I was looking to get a car and trade in the car i was driving and kia was the only one that was willing to work around my budget. I fell in love with how nice and smooth it drives, i also love how easy the cruise is to use and the air conditioning really works i mean i get cold almost instantly when i turn it on.

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  Fun car to drive! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Liz - February 26 - 7:13 pm

  I just bought this car a couple of days ago and its so much fun to drive. I love it! Its comfortable inside and stylish outside. It drives really smooth and has great gas mileage. Plus the dealership has been great to me and they are super friendly. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  Still love the car, not a fan of customer service - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By weezul - November 17 - 12:42 pm

  Reviewed the vehicle 3 1/2 years after buying, has now been 5 1/2 years. 2 issues since the last review for the vehicle. Started to experience a stiff pinging noise in the front driver side sometime last summer when the vehicle was cold and taking hard left turns slowly. Contributed it to a failing shock, my service manager misdiagnosed twice as brake pad backing plate that needed adjusting. They finally tightened down the shocks cap nut, which stopped the noise. The other issue started two months ago, my passenger mirror and driver side door handle are both peeling the clear coat. Falls out of the 3yr/36 month warranty, but I wrote to express my concerns to corporate, with no results.