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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Midsize Car
ABS Brakes: Optional
Standard Airbags: 4
MPG: 20-23/27-30 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
2.4L I4 161HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 3.8
Exterior: 4.4
Interior: 3.8
Overall: 3.9
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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2006 Kia Optima
Consumer Car Review Summary
Top 5 Pros of 2006 Kia Optima
1. Exterior design
2. Blue dash board lights
3. Comfortable ride
4. Price and value
5. Warranty
Top 5 Cons of 2006 Kia Optima
1. Better audio
2. Standard keyless entry
3. More legroom
4. Better tires
5. Better reputation for reliability
2006 Kia Optima Reviews by Consumers
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
By Kim629
Submitted 2010-02-26 12:49:09
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
I have had no problems with the engine.
No major repairs.
The interior has held up good.
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
New headlight wiring. The headlight bulbs. In the last year I have replace the bulbs 6 times. No joke.
The upholstery is kind of ugly.
No keyless entry. This should come standard. Trying to unlock your car in the rain stinks.
Gas mileage is not the greatest.
2006 Kia Optima Review:
I would have to say, I would not recommend the 2006 Kia Optima, but I bet they have upgraded them a lot by now.
I just got off the phone with the service department about the headlight issue and they have come across a few 2006's with the same problem. The only solution is to keep replacing the bulbs or putting a new wiring system for the headlight which costs 365.00 for one head lamp. I was also told the wiring system is the same one have now, because they have not updated it. So it may fix the problem but it is possible in the future I could be dealing with the same issue. Not happy about that at all.
By MarquitaDC
Submitted 2008-03-03 08:42:32
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
It rides comfortable and smooth, and it's decent on gas. From the exterior to interior it's a good car. Value wise, its great! People complain about the audio, but it sounds the same as if you bought any car off a Car Dealership Lot minus a self installed/pro installed sound system...in other words a minor concern. Maybe you will find one for sale in someone's driveway somewhere, with the system already installed. The car is smaller, therefore it's for smaller people. Would someone complain that a Lamborghini is small on the inside? The Lambo is a sports car, they tend to be. In other words, smaller cars do exist. Regarding liability, I've heard it's good, but at the same time I've heard it's a bit on the "ify" side...as long as there is no recall, concerning the tires, engine, transmission or any of those major car parts, it must be more safe than not. As drivers, it's up to us to drive safe. I feel safe.
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
Keyless entry...it should have come with it. I just bought my car, so I have yet to order keyless entry. It's an unnecessary expense and waste of time. I don't need it, but I guess I would like to have it? I'm a girl, but I know more than most girls about cars. As a girl, I pay attention to little noises. If you're like me; male or female then, just for the simple fact of the Kia LX being a four cylinder will just bother the hell out of you...only at first. It runs a bit louder, but it's not a bad loud, just a unique loud. It's a little engine you know. So it makes little noises, especially when the heat is on. It's nothing to worry about though. Nor is it noticeable to someone outside of the car, or inside besides yourself for that matter. Half of the time you won't even notice it, or even care.
2006 Kia Optima Review:
Overall, I love it. I'm 20, I'm in college and yes I make the car payments. It's a great car, and it's worth its price...as long as you wern't duped. Drive safe!
By richard walker
Submitted 2010-07-10 13:14:43
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
Cheep car.
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
800 dollars for a tune and time belt change - wtf, my toyota didn't even cost that much. This car has rediculous repair costs for a 20 thousand dollar car.
The sun roof leaks, and the center consol is cheeply made.
I will not buy another one.
By mark699
Submitted 2010-06-04 00:26:26
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
The 2006 Kia Optima is a nice car.
Rides nice and gets good gas mileage.
I haven't had any major issues.
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
I bought the car in 2007 and every year I have had to replace the headlight bulbs at least six times a year. Kia doesn't acknowledge that there is a problem! As I research this problem online I am finding that many others are having this problem. I wish KIA would resolve because I don't want to buy another KIA until they do.
By GUEST
Submitted 2008-03-27 07:18:52
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
everything but my mileage
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
the mileage
2006 Kia Optima Review:
great car just keep getting 14cmpg which is lousy i brought this car brand new
By garrett3069
Submitted 2007-07-31 20:59:48
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
It is roomy...drives well...quiet engine...
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
For the mechanics at KIA to get the fuel system fixed...
2006 Kia Optima Review:
We was enjoying the car till the fuel system has gone total clunkered...we just sent back the car for the third time since May...so that has been a major part in disatisfaction...
By GUEST
Submitted 2007-06-10 19:37:09
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
A navigation system would be nice
2006 Kia Optima Review:
not bad for the $
By GUEST
Submitted 2007-05-23 08:53:45
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
ride,room,back seat space
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
better style radio, full backseat drop for cargo,dealer to carry more colors, make a convertible, no plastic hubcaps!
2006 Kia Optima Review:
enjoy the car
By cwardjr
Submitted 2007-02-26 14:58:43
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
THE COST AND QUALITY OF THE CAR IS VERY GOOD. IT PERFORMS WELL AND HAS A GOOD RIDE.
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
A LITTLE LARGER V6 WITH AT LEAST 200HP WOULD BE NICE.
By rptheone
Submitted 2006-12-31 18:23:39
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2006 Kia Optima?
Nice automatic mated to an anemic 4 cylinder - all the bells and whistles!
Cons: How would you improve 2006 Kia Optima?
Add 20 hp.
2006 Kia Optima Review:
You can drive a full-boat 4 cylinder EX of the lot for $19K and pocket the difference from all competitors higher prices.
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
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