2006 Kia Optima Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

22 City / 30 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

185

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

michele W

They are an inexpensive car to own and they last a long time

Runs great and last a long time. Could be better on gas

Leighton M

Kia Optima is the most dependable and enjoyable automobile we have every owned.

Our 2006 Kia Optima is one of the best cars I have ever had. And that ranges from a '46 Ford coupe hot rod, to a '70 corvette stingray. It runs well, is most comfortable on long drives, handles like a dream, and gets good gas mileage. Since purchasing it new in 2006, the only mechanical work done has been 3, 000-mile (now 7, 000-mile because of upgraded oil!) Regular service: oil change, filter, and 10-point vehicle check. We have every feature available on the car, and from leather seats to sun roof, it represents all we want in a family car. Right now, we have 117, 000 miles on our Optima, and I'll probably have it checked thoroughly and new tires all-around, and keep it from now on out. It is that good of a car!

richard t

The comfort on the road for highway driving is very surprisingly smooth

A very dependable vehicle and aesthetically pleasing. It is roomy and feels like a Toyota Camry and is smooth

Daisy F

My husband really likes the sunroof. I am getting used to it. Never had one.

This car gets me to and from the places I go. Whether it's half a mile to 30 miles. The air worked really good, until a part fell off. Despite not having it fixed yet, I still really like it. It's comfortable to ride in. It is a really smooth ride. I would buy it again.

Yolanda S

Great personal vehicle. Are great family vehicle.

My Kia is a great dependable car. It has great gas mileage. It drives great. It's the most dependable car I've ever owned. It has great performance it gets up and goes when you need it to. I've never had a problem out of it I have took many trips with it. It's somewhat of a small vehicle but has room for 5 people. Not much leg room in the back. It has great heat and air. The sunroof allows the extras along with the boss sound system. It's a great vehicle for a small family are someone that is a first time driver.

Jackie W

Great car would not trade it.

The car is great. Other than routine maintenance it has had no major problems . I get great gas mileage . The car is extremely comfortable I drive it on a daily basis and have no plans of getting rid of it any time soon. Unless I find another one just like it.

Patty R

It's great on gas. It's four doors. It has child locks on back doors.

I love my car. Payments are too high. It gets great gas mileage.

Alan A

Very safe and has an excellent stability and traction even on icy/ snowy roads.

I love this little car. It runs great and it's amazingly good on gas. I have the four cylinder model. I can fit up to four other people besides me and this car looks great going down the road. Very roomy inside and the trunk too, classy inside and outside.

Negative Owner Reviews

Claudia V

It is red with the paint peeling off.

The steering wheel will not turn properly and engine is ticking I hate that the people who sold it to me ripped me off.

Olivia K

It is 12 yrs old a 120000 miles.

Little things would break like a sun visor and the mirror. Maintained it for 10 yrs, shortly after, need to replace the entire engine. Overall not impressed by this car a all.

Mayra M

You have to be careful when you brake because it tends to automatically steer to the left. Alignments have not helped at all.

It's really old and has a lot of issues. I don't like the interior either.

jenna d

Good mileage, limited problems, way nicer than those cubes

If i could afford to continue with maintenance i would like it more. I think kias a pretty long lasting which makes them a reliable low income option

Megan F

2006 Kia optima is reliable.

Comfortable seats. Decent gas mileage, but it could be better. Plenty of space in the trunk. Basic stereo, but it has stereo controls on the steering wheel which are easy and convenient to use. My 6'2" son can ride in it comfortably.

Kelly M

Kia Optima: all you need to know about the 2006 model.

There is something wrong with the heating/cooling system. It works fine then stops, then works again and stops. I bought it used, so I am not sure if there was a factory recall. Also the tire pressure indicator goes off quite a bit, so I am not sure if the sensors may not be working properly where my car is older or if it was recalled due to that issue as well. Comfort is fine. General performance is good.

April H

Kia's are very affordable . They drive very smooth.

I love my Kia. I like how it drives. It is very affordable.

Ryan C

Driving a 2006 Black Kia Optima

It's a very good car. It has nice cushioned leather seats and the entertainment is not bad at all. It drives really well and smooth. I haven't had a problem with it besides forgetting to get an oil change which is very important and I had a flat in it before but other than that it drives just fine. It has cruise control and satellite stations.

Kia Optima Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

185 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2006 Kia Optima Owner Reviews

3.77

52 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

17%

4 stars

48%

3 stars

29%

2 stars

1 star

Crystal T on March 18, 2021

. I would recommend a Kia.

The crank sensor goes out about every 25,000-40,000 miles. The timing belt breaks every three years. The door locks have always been faulty, but the motor is great, seats are comfortable, and it has sentimental value, so we just get her fixed instead of buying a new one. She has lasted well and has 335,000 miles on her.

April H on March 4, 2021

Kia's are very affordable . They drive very smooth.

I love my Kia. I like how it drives. It is very affordable.

View All Reviews (52)

Pros from Owners

Liz B.

Car rides super smooth, smoother than any other car I have driven. The heated seats are a huge plus for the cold winters in NC. Remote seats, side mirrors, and moonroof. Cruise control, radio station and speaker volume control all located on steering wheel for safer driving. The original speakers are crisp and loud, so amazing for road trips!

Leighton M.

Dependable, easy to drive with tight power steering, excellent braking, full sun roof, leather interior,, handles well on and off highway, distinctive color paint, comfortable for driver and passengers, excellent trunk space, classy-styling, good gas mileage, fun to drive on long highway trips, excellent stereo system, all-power windows and locks easy to operate and safe, best car we've ever had!.

Theo Y.

It is push button start tho you cannot listen to radio unless vehicle is running. No way to put in acc mode like with standard key option. Also lights in visors come out very easily. Like cheaply installed.

Cons from Owners

Liz B.

The main disappointment is there is no ox cord adapter. Due to the age of the car and advancements of technology there's no outlet to play music from your phone. A tape adapter is possible though. And for some reason after changing the engine out, the car needs 2007 parts, even though its a 2006.

Leighton M.

None that I can think of... Other than it got old and racked up 128,000 miles too quickly. It may be the last car I ever have! The trunk is not large enough to carry the big walnut wardrobe we have in our apartment, so I'll have to pay to have it moved manually.

Theo Y.

Good gas mileage, has all the upgrades you would expected in this type vehicle. I have little to no issues with it, besides where and tear, no recalls that I am currently aware of. Spacious backseat and trunk.

Ranks #14 Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2006 Kia Optima has an average owner rating of 3.77 out of 5 which ranks it #14 of 15 other Midsize Cars.

2006 Toyota Camry

4.43

2006 Toyota Camry Solara

4.41

2006 Kia Optima

3.77

Ranks #8 Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2006 Kia Optima has a combined MPG of 31 which ranks it #8 of 15 other Midsize Cars.

Tie

2006 Honda Accord

34 MPG

Tie

2006 Toyota Camry

34 MPG

2006 Kia Optima

30 MPG

Is The 2006 Kia Optima A Good Car?

Yes. She has been reliable and functional as far as I've had her. I like the way she drives. Lots of trunk space, too!

Liz D.

How Reliable Is The 2006 Kia Optima?

Only problem I've had thus far is that sometimes when I try to use the steering wheel buttons to operate the radio/CD functions, the buttons affect the wrong functions. But I suspect that's just my... Read More

Jennifer B.

Is The 2006 Kia Optima A Good Value?

It's a used car, so I didn't pay much! But I'd say she lives up to her cost thus far. Good investment.

Paul Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

2006 Kia Optima: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The type of oil that needs to be uses in the 2006 Kia Optima iS5W-20 and 5W-30 in all temperatures and the capacity iS4.4 quarts with a filter for the 2.4 L 4Cylinder engine. The type that is used in the 2.7 L...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front