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 81 through 90 of 107.00

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  7 years & 90k miles- still feels like new! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By pakialover - October 6 - 2:22 pm

  I drive about 12k miles/year with a good mix of city and highway. I have had no maintenance issues with this car whatsoever. I just do the regularly scheduled preventative maintenance and thats it. I sometimes forget I bought this car way back in 2006. It still feels brand-new after all this time. American car companies could learn a thing or two about quality from Kia. I will be a Kia customer for life, for sure.

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  Kia Spectra 5 - a serious competitor - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jim G - September 29 - 1:10 pm

  One of my first trips was from Atlanta to Charleston SC. Five + hours on the road and still comfortable (Im 62"). The ride included some quick maneuvers and high speeds (80 plus to keep up with traffic). Engine power & response were great, even with the AC on. I averaged 33MPG highway! The versatility of being able to flip the seats gives it SUV versatility. The fit & finish are great. More room & power than a Matrix, at a much lower price. With the price of gas, this style car should be seriously considered.

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  Happy Kia Owner - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By kia - loyal forever - August 7 - 12:03 am

  I traded in my Ford Ranger for a smaller sedan-type car and was so surprised by the quality offered in my Spectra. I have owned it now for 2 years and never had one bit of trouble. It is beautiful and I laugh at how many people mistake it for a BMW when I first drive up! Side by side, they are very similar in looks! Dealership is awesome and I feel like I have joined the Kia family for life!!

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  great car for a great price! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By nedyarb - July 25 - 6:16 pm

  If youre looking for a great car with excellent fuel economy, this is the one for you. I recently purchased my Spectra and so far Im very satisfied with it. The only thing that caught my attention so far with it would be that it has a high rev in 1st gear before it shifts. Other than that it has been fun to drive, and for the price its hard to pass up!

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  Great buy! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jesse - July 12 - 12:06 pm

  I recently purchased a Kia Spectra after reading good reviews on the car and I have not been disappointed. I commute over 100 miles per day for work and (over 90%) hwy driving) and this car gives exceptional mileage. I have a large Dodge truck so I needed something fuel efficient and comfortable and this car does not disappoint. The build quality is really high and the materials feel as high quality as a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civit (and a step above a Mazda 3) I would recommend anyone to purchase this car. You will not be disappointed.

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  Dales Review - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Leroy - June 26 - 10:13 am

  Was rated 34 miles to gallon highway; is getting 33-34. It hauled 3 people and luggage for 13 day vacation to Colorado. Everyone rode comfortably; no difference in performance between mountains of Colorado and the Missouri highways it normally travels. Car is quiet and fun to drive.

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  Smart 1st time purchase! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By happyasaclam - June 13 - 7:20 pm

  I purchased my car new, as a treat to myself, and it was a smart decision. The Kia looks and feels like a higher-end car. The low cost makes buying a new car accessible to people new to car buying. The warranty is just an added bonus that leaves you feeling very secure about future problems that will eventually arise as your car gets older.

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  Nice Small Car for Experienced Drivers - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By ConcernedConsumer - June 5 - 11:36 pm

  I bought my Kia in 2006 and loved it. Got good gas mileage and ease of maneuvering in parking lots and streets. Never thought much about it until my teenager hit a culvert (under a driveway) to avoid another car partially in her lane unexpectedly. The front end smashed in and both of her legs had compound fractures and she was hospitalized for 11 days. Maybe it was the way the car hit, or not enough decrease in speed before impact, but I believe more front end would have offered more protection. Bottom line is, I would recommend these for experienced drivers and put a little more car in front of the inexperienced and teenage driver for their own safety. Hindsight is always 20/20.

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  Everything better than expected - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Gene - February 9 - 12:06 am

  For a first new car purchase, I researched thoroughly through Edmunds and Consumer Reports. After 3 years, this car has surpassed my expectations, no complaints whatsoever. Excellent gas mileage, plenty of head and leg room, car has been consistently dependable in all driving situations. Have had it on 1000+ mile trip @ continuous speeds of 80mph, and have needed peppiness in interstate traffic as of late, the car keeps meeting expectations. The only complaint was one tire with a separated belt somewhere in it, didnt figure this out until after warranty was out on tires, no fault of car manufacturer. Car still runs fine, just low noise from the tire, faint wobble when rotated to front.

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  Never had a problem - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By christinea - December 13 - 11:51 pm

  I loved this car. I had it for 5 years, and I never had ANY issues. I did have to take off the front spoiler because it scraped on the driveway. I never had any work done on it in 5 years (other than oil/brakes/tires). I averaged 25 mpg till the last day. I was in an accident on the highway at lower speed, and the airbag deployed right away, BUT my head never hit ANYTHING. I came out 99% okay, just some minor whiplash. I 100% recommend this car. Turns great, isnt very noisy, accelerates nicely, quality interior, efficient.