Overview & Reviews

Technically, the all-new Kia Optima debuted midway through 2006 and was referred to as the 2006.5 model. However, most shoppers will be encountering it as a 2007 model. Compared to the previous-generation '06 version, the new Optima is larger, offers more options and is a much better-looking vehicle all around.

• Plenty of standard features, roomy rear seat, stylish exterior, generous warranty coverage, surprisingly involving to drive around town.

• Average driving dynamics, V6 runs out of steam on the highway, ABS not available on manual-shift LX model.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 74.00

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  Kia Surprises - 2007 Kia Optima
  By micro99 - September 26 - 1:03 am

  Smooth ride, very good handling with more than adequate acceleration (not as fast as others); great value by any metric but especially features per dollar.

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  Concerned about the reviews here - 2007 Kia Optima
  By starsky - August 19 - 12:03 pm

  Transmission and engine problems abound in some of these reviews. My wife drives the car most of the time and has had a transmission flush done because she though the transmission was "funny". No more tranny complaints. I drive 80+ miles to work each way and got 35+ MPG maintaining 55 to 62 MPH. No problems other than a rattle in the overhead reading lamps which the dealer took care of promptly. Car now has 42000 miles and runs even better. First 5000 miles or so the car seemed to struggle in cruise control as the engine raced to maintain speed. However, car no longer misses a beat except for the steepest inclines.

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  The good and bad - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Marvin Graff - July 19 - 4:33 am

  I own a 2006.5 EX fully loaded Optima with 1400 miles on the odometer.The vehicle meets all my expectations for quality, and comfort except for one glaring problem. When traveling over a rough road, I feel like Im inside a loud drum. The front end noise is pronounced and, unfortunately, that condition is unacceptable to me. My query to a Kia phone representative was met with an unresponsive answer. I believe a sound deadening application of some sort, would alleviate the condition. Then and only then would I consider the car on a par or even superior to the competition.

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  2007 Kia Optima - 2007 Kia Optima
  By lbaybe - June 21 - 9:46 am

  Fun to drive, comfortable always looking forward to driving my car.

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  Not too sure yet - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Alexis - June 6 - 11:16 pm

  Overall I have had no problems with my Optima and have gotten many compliments on it. Im still not sure its the car for me, but it has performed well. The gas mileage in town isnt very exciting but the car rides so smooth and handles very well. Cant beat the fact it came with some free oil changes and a great warranty either. Overall Im pleased with the look of the car, inside and out, and the performance of the car. There are several little things that really annoy me however. 10 in reliability because that remains to be seen.

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  BEWARE!! Dont buy a Kia Optima - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Bev - May 4 - 8:36 am

  We purchased our Kia Optima 12/26/07, big mistake, not to long after we started having trouble. Started out with the trunk opening up either going down the road or while it was parked. Hesitation driving between 40 & 55, then the lifters started making noise. Cruise control came on for no reason, & the list goes on. We took it to the dealer many times & they just told us that they couldnt duplicate the problem so nothing was wrong with it. We finally took it to a certified mechanic & found the problem in a couple of hours, that the service department where we bought the car didnt/wouldnt find. Resale value is in the dump. Its not worth the money.

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  Value plus - 2007 Kia Optima
  By TOFB - February 12 - 11:36 am

  Im very happy with my purchase. All the features I wanted for thousands less than the big guys. First mileage test at 1500 miles I got 36.6 mpg on the highway.

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  Decent car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By carcrayy - November 11 - 6:53 pm

  My mom has one she got it 5 years ago Its a 2007 mod and had 40,000 miles on it. not it has roughly 108k miles on it. Now for the past week, its been having trouble starting, once it took me 3 times to start it up but its been a good car. We havent had any real serious problems with it, never had to replace a head gasket or trans. just simple things that are needed with every car, brakes, tires, oil etc. weve had a lot of problems with the lights blowing front and back. but I dont know if it had been wrecked before we got it or if its just the tires but it pulls to the right and after we got new tires it pulled even harder, but other than that its a great little car, has a lot of room

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  Watch out for this one - SERIOUSLY - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Bev - November 3 - 3:50 pm

  We purchased our Kia Optima LX with only 11 miles on it. Not very much longer we started having trouble with the trunk coming open either driving down the road or sitting still, then we started having trouble with hesitation between 40 & 50 mph. It just seem like it was one thing after another along with the cruise control coming on by itself & air-bag wasnt working, lifter rattling, burning smell after the engine was shut off. Took it to the dealer many, many times & they said that they couldnt duplicate the problem so there was noting wrong with it. Kia said that they would not replace anything on the car, but they replaced the BCM without asking us & it still didnt help.

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  Whoa! - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Greg S. - September 21 - 2:26 am

  I have previously owned a Kia Spectra. It was nice, but 2 years later, I went back to the dealership, and fell in love with the Optima. Totally surprised with the power for a four cylinder! I can hold up the parking brake, and burn out (I know, not the smartest thing to do but it does it well)! I have every option available, except for the V6, but I dont need the V6 the 4 cyl is plenty. I feel like I am driving a Lexus or Mercedes. The ride is unmatched.