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 21 through 30 of 45.00-
Cant be beat for the price - 2006 Kia Optima
By LaMarr - August 13 - 1:30 amI test drove a comparable 06 Hyundai Sonata and I went with the Kia because it was $8,000 less. The Sonata may have had a little more power and dual exhaust, but the Kia was basically the same car minus $8,000. I went with aftermarket leather from the dealer as my Optima came with cloth. Now with leather I love the Optima. Its quick, and even gives the option of manumatic shifting, which can be fun. Its a nice quiet drive as well. I test drove a 2006.5 4 cylinder and found it lacking compared to the 2006 V6, even though the power output is similar. The V6 keeps up with the boytoy Hondas nicely. :)
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Im a Kia Fan! - 2006 Kia Optima
By Camwise - January 10 - 1:03 pmWe have had this car for about 9 months and it has been great. We even bought it from a car rental place! It has run great with no major mechanical issues. Occasionaly when its been a while since the last oil change it will be hesitant on the acceleration and the check engine light comes on, but once you change the oil its back to perfect. Now my wife and I are searching for an SUV and lets just say the Kia Borrego is high on our list! Kia makes quality cars and your not going to find anything more reliable than this for the price! I get 25-30 miles per gallon with a good mix driving of highway and city miles.
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Switched from a SUV - 2006 Kia Optima
By Ron Wright - December 14 - 8:33 pmJust bought a used 2006.5 Optima LX w/V6 (19K miles) and appearance package. It has been a blast so far. The ride, although firm, is good, especially on the highway, and the ride is acceptable in town. Fuel economy is good and a bit better than expected. All aspects of vehicle meet my expectations. I had a Nissan Pathfinder for 7+ years, so the size change is significant. Operating costs should go down with this. Vehicle fits my lower back well (have had back surgeries) and was a factor in my decision to buy. Also, the fact that I bought one and someone else had already took the depreciation hit sure helped. Vehicle is just a bit noisy on rough pavement, but acceptable.
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Great Value - 2006 Kia Optima
By rich - November 19 - 5:46 pmTold my wife that this car was the best value for the money when she bought it. The only problem is that now it has very little trade in value. Have been trying to find a reason to dislike this car, but cant. Fit and finish are good. Everything is good. Nothing poor and nothing outstanding
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Great Car - not as good gas as 2006 1/2 - 2006 Kia Optima
By Lady Chivas - June 21 - 8:13 amBought right after Thanksgiving 2005. Except for some minor repairs, I love the car. The ceiling could be higher (I am only 52"). Would like the left "foot rest" to be closer. Mileage is bad, 17 miles/gal, they adjusted with the 2006½ model which came out 1½ months AFTER I bought mine. I know it will not last as long as my 2nd car - my 1980 Subaru, which I also purchased new and still have.
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Thats a Kia? - 2006 Kia Optima
By Dave5928 - May 19 - 4:36 amIf I had a nickel for every time I heard that question! I just bought this car a week ago and already have 600 miles. The computer indicates my average MPG is 27. The car is just very well-built. Nothing squeaks, rattles or looks out of place. The fit and finish is first class. It doesnt feel like a cheap car. It is the real deal. I dont know how they pack that much value into such a (relatively) low sticker price. Kia made it easy to choose this car. They didnt hold back all the goodies and spent the time and money to make this car more than pretty. I didnt think I was entitled to this much car for so little money.
