2006 Kia Spectra: Road Test
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2006 Kia Spectra ▼
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- MSRP: $12,895 -$16,995
- Invoice: $12,345 -$15,920
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Our road test for the 2006 Kia Spectra includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Kia Spectra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Kia Spectra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Kia Spectra help you decide if a 2006 Kia Spectra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.4 |
Acceleration adequate for most needs. Not much highway passing power, but around-town response is fine with manual transmission. Test manual-transmission Spectra5 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic saps enough energy to slow progress up steep hills, but is generally smooth, responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.7 |
Manual-transmission test sedans averaged 28.1-28.5 mpg; test Spectra5s averaged 20.1-22.9 in mostly city driving. Test automatic-transmission sedan averaged 22.8 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
EX sedan places a premium on comfort, delivers one of the most absorbent rides in class. Smothers most bumps well, aided by solid structure, soft-riding tires. Downside is wayward ride motion over uneven and wavy surfaces. Sport-tuned Spectra5 choppier than EX over broken surfaces, more composed over moguls. No opportunity to test SX.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.6 |
Fine low-speed maneuverability, but EX feels very imprecise when asked to change direction at more than modest speed, and has little grip, lots of body lean in turns. Testers divided on steering: responsive to some, slow to others. Test EX was prone to wander in highway crosswinds, and exhibited severe nosedive in simulated panic stops. Spectra5 feels more athletic thanks to firmer suspension, larger tires.
QUIETNESS
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.2 |
Wind, road ruckus nicely subdued. Engine a bit coarse and hoarse around 4000 rpm, but is acceptably refined for this price class. Road noise more pronounced in Spectra5.
CONTROLS
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Gauges easily read, controls easily reached. High-set audio unit and 3-dial climate system are simple to adjust, and all switchgear works with smooth precision. Seat fabric feels low budget, but cabin materials and finish otherwise exceed anything in this price range. Poorly sealed right-rear window in one test sedan rattled, generated highway wind whistle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Tilt wheel, lever-action seat-height adjuster are nice standard features in this price range, but few testers found an ideal driving position. Seat comfort, contour are subpar, and long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat travel. Head room just OK for six-footers. Aft visibility partially obscured by Spectra5's rear pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Good room for car's exterior size. Good underseat foot clearance, OK knee and shoulder space, though just adequate head room. Entry/exit easy enough for a compact.
CARGO ROOM
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 6 | 4.7 |
Sedan's usefully shaped trunk has slightly undersized opening but adequate volume that's expandable via standard 60/40 folding rear seat. Good cabin storage with various slots, bins, cubbies.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Though far from sporty feeling, Spectra is solidly class competitive for comfort, room, and features. Kudos to Kia for including the safety bonus of front side airbags and curtain side airbags among the many standard features. And the company's long warranty is an added selling point. This Recommended compact car deserves a look if your budget is tight.
Total Score
| EX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Spectra5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 50 | 55 | 52 |
Total Score: 52
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