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 41 through 45 of 45.00

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  Good Commuter Car - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Michael - September 13 - 11:33 pm

  I bought this purely as a commuter car, I have another fun car and I didnt buy this car to look good or have fun. For a commuter car, its perfect. Nothing fancy, cheap. Of course Toyotas and Hondas are nicer, but if you just need something cheap, reliable and has enough basic features - this car is perfect. Acceleration is good enough. I put 100 miles/day on it, and I cruise at 75-80 mph most of the way and it handles it fine. I test drove some Chevys and I liked the Kia better.

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  Great Car - not as good gas as 2006 1/2 - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Lady Chivas - June 21 - 8:13 am

  Bought 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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  2006.5 - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Rodney - June 8 - 3:23 pm

  I have had the car for 4 months now and it has been reliable and comfortable. Its not a particularly easy car to drive around town because of low torque. Tried teaching my 15 year old to drive in it...not a good idea. Wife doesnt like driving it either.

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  Thats a Kia? - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Dave5928 - May 19 - 4:36 am

  If 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.

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  Drive a new Kia Optima - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Silky - April 6 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this new 2006 Kia Optima LX 2.4L three weeks ago and drove it to Alabama and back to Colorado. The drive was great. I averaged around 28 MPG. The car is much more comfortable than the 03 Kia Spectra I traded in for this new one. My wife was surprised when I drove up in this new Optima. She didnt know for two weeks that I had purchased this new car. She wanted something that was comfortable. This vehicle is very comfortable. Im happy with this 06 Optima and I would recommend this car to anyone.