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 11 through 20 of 107.00

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  My Blue Kia Spectra 5 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Peter Glenn White - August 13 - 10:53 pm

  I bought my Kia Spectra 5 from the dealer used with 4000 miles on it. The color is a very beautiful blue; people have asked me about it, very impressive. It is very roomy, I take my two dogs with me to a lot of different places, and they love it.

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  Kia Spectra 2006 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By dan - July 27 - 8:26 pm

  This car is a huge step from the Geo we had to buy in the 90s for a cheap car. This car comes standard with all the options a person needs; power windows, door locks, air conditioning. keyless entry, cd player. All the air bags you need. Four wheel disc brakes, 15 inch wheels. I can go on and on. You give me one American car under $15,500 with all those options. YOU WILL NOT FIND ONE. Oh I forgot to mention the 10 year, 100000 mile warranty on this thing. And the room in the back seat; it has the largest back seat of any small car Ive owned. The motor is a 2.0 liter 16 valve four cylinder. Thats more motor than a standard Toyota Camry. This is by far the best deal I have ever had on a new car.

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  Sporty Fun on a Budget - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By GorgeKiaDriver - May 3 - 1:33 pm

  We bought this new. This is a sporty looking car with the rear spoiler and 16" sporty wheels with low profile performance tires. With the SX you get all this plus cruise, aluminum accents on dash and chrome pedal covers. Interior is an upgrade also. Cruise control standard. Only option was ABS which I would recommend to everyone. This is great on snowy roads and accident avoidance. Best mileage we have gotten is 28 with the automatic,

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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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  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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  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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  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.

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  Great Second Car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By happy - July 13 - 2:20 pm

  I bought this car used for my daughter who will be licensed in a year (2010). I can already tell it is going to be hard to give it up. Good pep and acceleration, low engine/road noise. GREAT fuel mileage and easy to handle on the highway and on snow. Bad blind spot on the right side mirror so be careful. Otherwise it is comfortable inside. Takes bumps pretty well and has just enough amenities for the price to make it a good buy.