DecodedCars2006 Kia Spectra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /LX, 4dr Sedan FWD /LX Conv/EX, 5 5dr Hatch FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 170.9–176.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,701–2,893 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2006 midsize car (20.5 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Kia Spectra is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,701 lb (4dr Sedan FWD /LX).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 22% better than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Spectra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Spectra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /LX | 176.8 in | 67.7 in | 57.9 in | 102 in | 59.1 / 58.3 in | 2,701 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /LX Conv/EX | 176.8 in | 67.7 in | 57.9 in | 102 in | 59.1 / 58.3 in | 2,893 lb | 61/39 |
| 5 5dr Hatch FWD | 170.9 in | 68.5 in | 57.9 in | 102.8 in | 59.1 / 58.3 in | 2,844 lb | 60/40 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +22% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Spectra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +22% | $2,700 | 355 |
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 Kia Spectra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Kia Spectra (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 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 Hyundai Elantra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Focus | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting · Apr 25, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V256000 · 58,322 vehicles
- Problem
- KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 SPECTRA LD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 6, 2007, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH HOLD THE TANK MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY SEPARATE ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND POSSIBLY DISRUPT THE INTEGRITY OF THE TANK.
- Risk
- THE FUEL TANK CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE THE GROUND WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. LEAKING FUEL CAN CREATE A FIRE HAZARD.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND ATTACHING HARDWARE WITH NEW ZINC COATED PARTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Not every 2006 Kia Spectra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Kia Spectra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 18 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 7 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 116,000 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 Kia Spectra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Spectra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Spectra | 27 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 64 |
| 2008 Spectra | 27 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 69 |
| 2007 Spectra | 26 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 52 |
| 2005 Spectra | 25 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 20 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →