DecodedCars2006 Chevrolet Optra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 5ls/Lt 4dr Hatch FWD, Wagon Ls/Lt 4dr Wagon FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 169.3–180.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,765–2,855 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 35 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Chevrolet Optra is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,765 lb (5ls/Lt 4dr Hatch FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2006 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2006
- New body dimensions: 7.9 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Optra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5ls/Lt 4dr Hatch FWD | 169.3 in | 68.1 in | 57.1 in | 102 in | 57.9 / 57.9 in | 2,765 lb | 62/38 |
| Wagon Ls/Lt 4dr Wagon FWD | 180.3 in | 68.1 in | 59.1 in | 102 in | 57.9 / 58.3 in | 2,855 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Optra 5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Optra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Optra 5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Optra Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -2% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Optra Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -2% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Optra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Optra (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2006 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 34 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Hyundai Elantra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Chevrolet Optra.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Chevrolet Optra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chevrolet Optra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 71,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Optra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Optra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Optra | 23 | 180.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 Optra | 22 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →