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 31 through 40 of 107.00

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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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  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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  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.