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 1 through 10 of 107.00

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  Well I bought one! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Michael - December 31 - 4:20 pm

  Well I bought my car brand new. I even peeled the plastic off the seats, and body. I tested it for 6 miles and said yes. I traded in my 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, which yes I do miss. But I have to say that I had more problems with the eclipse than I ever did with my Spectra. Its not the sportiest or fastest car Ive ever owned, but I added a set of Autolite platinum plugs and a APC intake. so instead of that measly 138 standard horses I got about 145. Every once in a while I can get that good grip to spin those tires from a dead stop. I have more plan in the performance center, like that stage 2 turbo kit that I found on the net. A 300HP+ Kia Spectra is what I want. Hello Kia?

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  love my Spectra - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Aneisha loves spectr - December 22 - 10:46 am

  I LOVE MY SPECTRA! This is an excellent car. I looked at Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Scion and they are all okay but dont compare to Kia. I chose the Polar Ice Blue and get stopped all the time and no one believes my car is a Kia. The gas mileage is excellent and it is so fun to drive. I leave my house earlier for work so that I can take the scenic route.

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  Dang - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Very Happy Customer - October 28 - 7:43 pm

  I never thought in a million years that Id be buying a Kia. After years of general motors cars I wanted to try something different. The Spectra was not very big when I looked at it but when I sat in it it had more than enough room. I was amazed at the smooth ride and gas mileage of the car. I drove all of the way from Darien Georgia to Nashville TN on one tank of gas! I rode around for another day and a half after that. This is over 600 miles. The price is great as well. Kia just got a customer for life if they keep making cars like this.

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  Price and warranty - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jim - October 4 - 10:46 pm

  Have had it for 3 weeks. Its solidly built, feels planted on the road. Gas mileage just o.k., 34 once and 29 once. Only have 1400 miles on it. I like it. People need to realize its an economy car. If you want all those gadgets so they can cause trouble for you, go pay 3-4 thousand more for a more upscale ride!

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  Long Term Review - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Kentucky Ranger - September 19 - 12:06 pm

  After driving this Car for 2.5 Years and 40k Mi I can say it was well worth the Money. Pros: Still very quiet and runs very smooth. No rattles or squeaks. Very roomy and comfortable on long trips. Flawless operation of the Drivetrain with no abnormal Fluid usage. Still very tight handling with no sign of any wear in Suspension or slop in the Steering linkage. Exhaust system still very quiet and resisting Rust. Cons: Not even close to the advertised Fuel economy. As of now 23/29 Cheap Carpet and Seat material already showing signs of wear. Windshield Weather Stripping had to be glued to keep from coming lose. Horn was not hooked up at Factory. Clock intermittently shuts off.

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  Fun Little Car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By smartie pants - September 19 - 8:50 am

  We were downsizing due to rising gas prices with no end in sight, and the current Middle East crisis. We are both tall, hubby 66" and me 6 and we fit well with room to spare. The latch lock and rear anchor tether system for child seat is great. With all of us in the car, it is not too quick off the mark, but it is great for what we use it for, commuting to work. The hatch back has a ton of room. I managed to fit 2 big boxes and a black bin bag full of recycling in there the other day and I could still see out of the rear view mirror! For the price this car is a lot of fun to drive and has all we need for a comfy ride to work.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Pleasantly Surprised - July 19 - 5:40 pm

  I was super impressed with this car. I always swore I would never drive a 4 cylinder. Well when gas prices began to rise I changed my mind. In the past couple of years Ive owned a 2004 Grand Prix GT, a 2005 Malibu,and a 2006 Amanti. I traded my Amanti for the Spectra due to gas mileage. It is so much fun to drive and it has a lot more pep than I would have thought. I also have to say something for Kia because neither my Amanti nor my spectra had or have been in for any warranty work.

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  Kia Spectra LX 2006 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Johnny Quest - July 16 - 6:16 pm

  The Kia Spectra is a nice car at an excellent price. I chose this car over a Civic because of the price difference and I have no regrets. The car is fun to drive and the transmission shifts smoothly. The engine has plenty of power and is remarkably quiet when idling.

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  Better then those expensive cars - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By k1a4m3 - February 22 - 2:53 am

  I was very very skeptical about getting this car at first. I mean, come on. a KIA! But in the end I fell in love with it. The car is very good looking, but is obviously a carbon copy of the Civic, just park your next to one you WILL see it. Very well built, doors feel sturdy, everything feels well built and tight. There is no rattling at all even when going over hard bumps and potholes. The car feels very powerful, though not so much in 1st gear. I drive with a lot of friends in the car to classes and it still feel very strong with 4 grown men in the car. It is very very very quiet on the highway even when hitting speeds of 80 mph, where most cars get the windy noise.

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  First Car I Bought - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Kasie - January 22 - 7:13 am

  This was the very first I have bought and I must say I have been extremely pleased. I am even considering another Kia for my next car.