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 1 through 10 of 45.00

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  Low Trade in - 2006 Kia Optima
  By 2006.5 - October 26 - 12:53 pm

  I love my 2006.5 Kia Optima, It gets very good gas mileage. The only problem that I have with my Kia is that it has a low value for trade in. It rides very good handle bumps well.

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  The Best Car for the Price - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Elisa - September 27 - 2:36 am

  The car is worth more than you pay for. It makes Honda and Toyota look like a joke! It has beautiful lines and drives better than its competition. I test drove it against the Corolla and the Civic and came back to buy the Optima. If youre looking for a car with quality this is the car to buy. Competitors better look out. Theres a new kid in town.

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  Loved It! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By LuvMyKia - June 11 - 5:53 pm

  I really loved my Kia. It is so unassuming. I used to be a person who frowned on a Kia. After test driving a few cars and being disappointed with their get up and go (Honda Civic included). The dealer brought the Optima out. I put my foot on the gas and was GONE! Smooth ride, great on gas... I love it!

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  My Kia is better than my Volvo - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Ro - April 24 - 4:23 am

  This car replaced a 2004 Volvo S40. I found the 2006 Kia to be comparable to the car it replaced in most respects: the sound system is superior as is the quiet, smooth ride. This car compares to a Volvo but the sticker shock and cost of maintenance is far lower. I would definitely recommend this car!

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  The Power To Surprise! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Octogon - June 9 - 5:13 pm

  My wife and I bought a new 2006.5 Optima in August, after test driving the competition (minus the Accord). We decided over the 2007 Toyota Camry because of KIAs Price, and the "07 CAMRY PARADE" of cars on the street (gotta stand out). The 06.5 Optima is BEAUTIFUL and it feels exclusive on the busy streets, not seeing another one for about some 40,000 cars later. The deep paint job, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and built-in 6-disk CD changer with Infinity speakers echoes cars that cost $1000s more. My reading and research suggests that the Germans, the Japanese, and American car makers are going to be following the Koreans real soon. With the 06.5 Optima, KIA lives up to its motto!

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  my car - 2006 Kia Optima
  By john kyko - May 12 - 4:23 am

  Very happy with car except with idle in gear at stop; everything else is great.

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  My 2nd Kia - 2006 Kia Optima
  By NavyCarlos - December 21 - 1:16 am

  Great car and value for the money. Toyota Camry may have just won the award, but this car surpasses it in almost all areas. Also have a 2003 Kia Sedona and can attest to the reliability and sound quality. The car was really designed nicely with many features standard that are only found on luxury cars. The car is very stylish and looks great.

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  My Ruby Red Jewel - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Albert Gibes - December 20 - 5:46 pm

  This car replaced a Buick Century and I must say it has many better features than my GM auto did. It is roomier, much better protection for all riders, handles like a dream, and has the very best finish Ive every seen on a new car. Ive owned many new cars in my lifetime (Im 75 years old) and this KIA is the best!

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  Im a New Kia Fan! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Seth - December 13 - 7:36 am

  I love my Optima. I bought it 3yrs. old with 32k miles. It now has 37k miles. Its been a very enjoyable car. Although its a midsize family sedan, its fun to drive with its mildly sporty character. The 4cyl. has plenty of pep and returns good mileage for a car this size. Fuel economy has ranged from 27-34mpg. Thats with about 80% hwy driving. The 5-spd manual is not all that great in terms of feel, but makes the car more fun to drive. The suspension is firm, yet rides smoothly. On bumps and rough roads however, it feels too harsh. Steering feel is fairly tight and responsive, but could be better at lower speeds. Brakes feel great. Seats are very comfortable, but lack lumbar support.

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  Kia Optima - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Adam - December 3 - 5:03 pm

  Great car for your money. The 4 cylinder drives like a V6. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody.