Overview & Reviews

An all-new Kia Optima, boasting a much improved four-cylinder engine and sporty handling, debuts midyear. The old Optima is still available but on an increasingly limited basis. To differentiate the two Optimas, Kia is calling the new one a 2006.5.

• Underpowered V6, some cheap interior bits on old model.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 45.00

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  Big Car with Big MPG! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By philipthompson51 - March 31 - 3:50 am

  We tried both the v6 and the 4 cylinder, and found that the performance was almost identical due to the lighter curb weight of the 4 cylinder and only about 20 hp difference. I measured a zero to 60 time of 9 seconds, which is almost the same as the v6, but the 4 is good for a rated highway mpg of 34, and on a trip I got a full 35 mpg, and have averaged over 25 mpg average with lots of city driving.Why buy a tiny car when you can get a larger car that does equally well in mpg? I love the appearance package and the black perforated leather interior, and am glad that for 2007 they have added a couple of options that were not available on mine. This is my third Kia, and all have been great.

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  Amazing value in a midsize sport sedan - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Rick Sandstrom - March 28 - 1:33 pm

  I test drove Fusions, Camrys, Accords, Sonatas and this is the one that impressed me the most. It just felt good. I liked the way it handles and the interior design, materials and layout is incredible. Most room of any in its class. I have the appearance package with the great 6 CD + MP3 player. I can get 60 albums in MP3 format on 6 CDs. The performance Michelins are every thing their advertised to be and definitely add to the already great handling. If they put a larger 6 cyl in this thing it would be a monster!

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  Pretty good for the price - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Juana - March 24 - 1:56 pm

  Nice smooth ride, very spacious interior, responsive. I am very amazed with the trunk which is enormous. Two cup holders in the back. No interchangeable cd player. Dont like scan feature in the radio, keeps scanning and never stops. Good price.

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  Key sticks in ignition - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Melissa Widener - January 30 - 12:40 am

  My Kia Optima purrs like a kitten and rides like a dream! Mechanically, it has served me well. It is an attractive car and I am a proud owner.

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  GREAT INEXPENSIVE LUXURY CAR - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Susan M. - December 16 - 3:40 pm

  I recently bought the 2006.5 new style Kia Optima LX. Considering that Ive only had it less than a week, its still very new and I cant say just yet about the gas consumption. I do love the new style of the Optima over previous years. It looks like a very expensive luxury sedan. The Kia has LOTS of standard features that are options on the much higher prices competitors. This car has so much on it for the low cost compared to other manufacturers. So far I am totally enjoying my Optima and rate it highly! If you are looking for an inexpensive, great looking inside and outside, great driving luxury sedan, go for the 2006.5 Optima.

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  Best car Ive ever had! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Ginger - April 21 - 10:53 pm

  Im a single mom that spends a great deal of time in my vehicle going to doctor appointments, running my kids around etc. so I wanted something that I could enjoy driving. Since Ive had my Kia Optima, I absolutely love to drive now. The car handles well, fuel mileage is great - basically my whole family loves the car. I cant say enough for this car. Never thought I would be able to afford a car with all the bells and whistles this one has.

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  Much more than expected! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By mark - July 31 - 3:46 pm

  I never thought that I would like a Kia, but this car was too good to pass up. After a Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, I needed something that was dependable and good on gas. Ive had two Nissan cars that were excellent and looked in that direction, but two friends have Kias (one car and one suv) and swear by them, not at them. Three months have passed and I like my Optima a lot. It has a smooth ride and handles well on any road surface and around corners. Very stable drive. The 2.4L 4cyl engine delivers a lot more power than I expected. The cabin is pretty quiet and Ive heard no rattles or noises in the car so far. Im VERY satisfied.

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  awwsome - 2006 Kia Optima
  By John - May 18 - 5:30 am

  Great car, never thought that I would be this happy with a Kia.

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  Trip Computer - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Marty - May 9 - 4:23 pm

  I currently have a Hyundai Sonata and when I wanted to replace my wifes car, I looked at the new Sonatas. The way I wanted the car equipped (the new 4 cylinder and not the V6), Hyundai did not make a Limited with just the 4. In addition, I felt two things about the new Sonata, were below par. The first being the side mirrors. They are fixed, and cannot be folded back. The second is the display for the automatic air-conditioning system is much too small. The Optima allows one to purchase a fully loaded car and have the choice about the engine. The new 2.4 has had great reviews and now has a timing chain vs. a belt.

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Happy Owner - November 16 - 1:13 pm

  I have owned this car for over a year. I bought it as a repossession with only 8,250 miles on it. It replaced a 1996 Buick LeSabre which was an incredible lemon. Although there is less space inside the car the comfort and quietness of the ride are comparable. I have also had good luck with the Kia dealership. Id definitely consider buying another Kia if I were in the market for a vehicle.