2006 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Comfortable car

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima New EX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this car new loaded for wife in early 07 and we're the original owners with only 37K miles in 4 years. It is not as refined as the Camry or Accord but much more comfortable. We bought it for the 10 year warranty and rear legroom since we often carry 4 tall adults. I usually don't fit in cars with a sunroof because of my height but this one fits. V6, auto and 24MPG. Major complaint is recent check engine lite for the fuel vapor system with multiple dealer visits but all under warranty so far.
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You've got to be kidding me!!!

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car, 2006.5 Optima two years ago based on the semi-glowing reviews of this and other sites. What a mistake. I'm wondering if there are any real drivers out there. This car is an engineering piece of junk, nice looking with accessorie wheels, but not much else. MPG is puzzling also. Only car I've ever had that got poorer mileage on the freeway than around town-dealer can't explain this phenomena. Oh, great ad campaign, Kia, all image and no substance. End note: if you drive like grandma or the snowbirds we entertain in Az, by all means, buy the Kia. If you're any other kind of driver, push it far, far, down your list. Disappointment is waiting.
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I'm a Kia Fan!

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima New LX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We 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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Good Commuter Car

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima New LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this purely as a commuter car, I have another fun car and I didn't buy this car to look good or have fun. For a commuter car, it's perfect. Nothing fancy, cheap. Of course Toyotas and Honda's 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 Chevy's and I liked the Kia better.
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Worst Mistake Ever Made

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought in Feb. 2007 to replace 2000 Kia Sephia. Biggest mistake we could've made. Less than two months after purchasing it, we had to have the compressor for the AC replaced and that was just the first in a line of major issues we had over the 3 years we had this piece of junk. The crank shaft pulley broke, which in turn caused the timing belt to have to be replaced, too. Then, we started having to replace at least one low-beam headlight every month because they kept blowing. The final straw was that the passenger door started having some kind of issue where it wouldn't unlock and stay unlocked - you unlock, pull handle, then it re-locks itself. FINALLY got rid of this car last week!
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I'm a New Kia Fan!

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima New LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love my Optima. I bought it 3yrs. old with 32k miles. It now has 37k miles. It's been a very enjoyable car. Although it's a midsize family sedan, it's 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. That's 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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Loved It!

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima New LX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

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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Surprised by a KIA but wishing for more

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima New LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I was pleased with the overall feel of this vehicle and appearance from the day I began test driving Optimas. This car gave the most bang for the buck of everything I had driven. The engine is very responsive and the ride is very smooth. This seems to be the perfect vehicle for anyone who does not maintain the vehicle as needed. Whenever I have done simple maintenance, it reacts adversely. I constantly drive the same Highway to work and back and after cleaning the fuel injectors my gas mileage dropped from an average of 32 to 26 without any change in driving pattern. I also wish I had looked for one that did not smell smokey. I thought it could be taken out easier.
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problems, problems

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima New LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Repairs started at 36,000 miles. Warranty would not cover according to mechanic. It was not a manufacturing defect. $4000.00 in repairs so far & it still is not drivable. Check engine light stays on. It has a new flywheel, clutch, timing belt, new sensors crank etc. EGR valve sensor, don't know what the new problem is. Out of money & patience
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Happy Owner

Vehicle

2006 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have owned this car for over a year. I bought it as a repossession with only 8,250 miles on it. It replaced a 1996 Buick LeSabre which was an incredible lemon. Although there is less space inside the car the comfort and quietness of the ride are comparable. I have also had good luck with the Kia dealership. I'd definitely consider buying another Kia if I were in the market for a vehicle.
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