2006 Kia Optima from North America

Summary:

Overall: satisfied

Faults:

I was driving a 20YO honda accord before I bought the kia optima and I feel that car had better pick up.

The emergency brake has to be pulled up all the way or it doesn't seem to catch properly.

General Comments:

I am overall pleased with the car except for the 2 issues I previously stated. it's very comfortable; in fact I slept in the car twice. I have decided though that I don't like the color: tan.

I have only owned the car 5 months so I shouldn't have any troubles with it, and I haven't, but I will add to my comments in a year's time as only time will tell.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2006

2006 Kia Optima EX-V6 2.7L DOHC V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car for not a lot of money!

Faults:

Noticed vibration @ 8K miles, Dealer replaced front brake rotors. Problem has not resurfaced.

General Comments:

I get a lot of compliments on this car, Most don't know it's a KIA.

Cabin space is excellent (I'm 6'6") All controls are well placed and within reach of the driver.

The 6cd Infinity sound system has very good sound reproduction.

The auto climate ctrl. does a good job of keeping a steady temp.

The way the steering tracks on the hwy is excellent. Road and wind noise is mute. Engine sounds are distant and well muted @ all engine speeds.

Ride and handling are light years above the previous gen. Optima. Could use better(Michelin instead of Kumho) tires though.

The V6 has adequate power I thinks it needs a lot more hp and low end torque. Most will find it appropriate.

The 5spd Auto is slow to respond to a down shift and very quick to up shift.

The Sport shift function is also very slow to respond and needs to be redesigned for better operation.

I don't think a Camry/Accord/Altima is worth the money after driving/owning this car.

I reg. get 27 to 33 mg hwy (where I spend 98% of my miles) @ speeds of 70 to 90 mph. I see about 22 in the city (Philly area)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th October, 2006

4th Oct 2006, 21:04

Thanks for a balanced review, but slow down.

You're going to kill somebody at 90mph!

5th Jan 2007, 11:38

Update: I went to find out how much this car is worth at a local KIA dealer for a possible trade on a new EX-V6 this time with the leather pkg, ABS, ESP and traction control. I was shocked to find out this car, which is in very good, if not excellent condition, is only worth around $11 to 12,000USD according to Manheim auction reports. That is Absolutely ridiculous. I was expecting somewhere in the $14 to 15,000 range. I guess I had to pay somewhere. I do still like my car, so much I considered another one. But after that disappointing visit to the dealer, It doesn't look like I will buy another one of these cars unless the resale value drastically improves. Now this looks like a keeper till the end!! Glad its not a bad thing, so far. I'll keep you all posted.

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2006 Kia Optima LX 2.4L from North America

Summary:

A Decent Choice For A New Car For Someone Who Doesn't Want To Spend A Lot of Money

Faults:

Warning light came on - the problem was with a sensor in the front seat. Dealer replaced the entire seat.

General Comments:

The Good:

Length of warranty is excellent.

Car was inexpensive.

Turning radius is pretty good. Seats are comfortable.

Has a center armrest which my old car didn't.

The Bad:

The cruise control is the worst I've ever seen. Speed varies constantly 5 mph too fast or too slow. Very annoying.

Manual shifter has the longest throws - by far - of any vehicle I've ever driven.

The O.K.:

Gas mileage is average. Ride quality is o.k., interior room is o.k., trunk size is decent. Interior noise level is fine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2006

5th Apr 2008, 12:09

Actually the '07 Optima was redesigned. The '06 is a different car. Same engine choices though.

In reply to 5th Apr 2008, 12:09

19th May 2012, 01:52

Sorry dude, you are wrong. Kia made a new model called the Optima 2006.5. Since the car was produced too early, it could not be labeled as 2007, so they chose to called 2006.5. So when he said, same as the 06, he meant the 2006.5, not the 2006 that is based on Hyundai Sonata. 2006.5 to 2008 are the same. 2009 to 2010 have a redesigned front, with smoked lights.