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 1 through 10 of 107.00

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  Well I bought one! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Michael - December 31 - 4:20 pm

  Well I bought my car brand new. I even peeled the plastic off the seats, and body. I tested it for 6 miles and said yes. I traded in my 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, which yes I do miss. But I have to say that I had more problems with the eclipse than I ever did with my Spectra. Its not the sportiest or fastest car Ive ever owned, but I added a set of Autolite platinum plugs and a APC intake. so instead of that measly 138 standard horses I got about 145. Every once in a while I can get that good grip to spin those tires from a dead stop. I have more plan in the performance center, like that stage 2 turbo kit that I found on the net. A 300HP+ Kia Spectra is what I want. Hello Kia?

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  Price and warranty - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jim - October 4 - 10:46 pm

  Have had it for 3 weeks. Its solidly built, feels planted on the road. Gas mileage just o.k., 34 once and 29 once. Only have 1400 miles on it. I like it. People need to realize its an economy car. If you want all those gadgets so they can cause trouble for you, go pay 3-4 thousand more for a more upscale ride!

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  Long Term Review - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Kentucky Ranger - September 19 - 12:06 pm

  After driving this Car for 2.5 Years and 40k Mi I can say it was well worth the Money. Pros: Still very quiet and runs very smooth. No rattles or squeaks. Very roomy and comfortable on long trips. Flawless operation of the Drivetrain with no abnormal Fluid usage. Still very tight handling with no sign of any wear in Suspension or slop in the Steering linkage. Exhaust system still very quiet and resisting Rust. Cons: Not even close to the advertised Fuel economy. As of now 23/29 Cheap Carpet and Seat material already showing signs of wear. Windshield Weather Stripping had to be glued to keep from coming lose. Horn was not hooked up at Factory. Clock intermittently shuts off.

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  Great car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Coty2000 - October 1 - 3:33 am

  Travel 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!

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  Surprising - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jordan - July 7 - 4:06 am

  I 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.

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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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  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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  Radiator - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By S.Ryt - December 16 - 8:50 am

  I truly love my Kia but I had a Radiator that went bad at 56,000 miles, lucky this was still under the Warranty. Since I put the car I kept on hearing water moving couldnt understand this. Ever since they replaced the radiator the noise went away. So the problem must have been there since I bought the Car new.

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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 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.