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 1 through 10 of 74.00

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  very dependable - 2007 Kia Optima
  By ANDREW - December 29 - 1:40 am

  bought this car with 160 miles on it now it has 48,000 and not one single problem sure its not that fun to drive and the inside lacks things its not a BMW people you get what you pay for but for reliability YOU CANT BEAT IT OR THE PRICE in almost 50,000 miles not one hicup gets great gas mileage i know for a fact that when i put the key in it will start the only reason i choose the kia is for one thing which is i need something that will last forever and wont kill my bank and i found it in the kia my next car you guessed it a kia.

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  Buy American not Korean - 2007 Kia Optima
  By lwa57 - June 29 - 7:40 am

  Bought new. Rear brakes wore unevenly. Down to metal at only 25k miles. Taylor Kia of Boardman says brake pads are not covered by warranty. However, the rear passenger brake is dragging. They claim caliper is ok. Uneven wear between wheels, (3 mm and 0 mm left rear vs 7mm and 3 mm on right rear pads) shows excessive wear on the outside pads. Wear indicator is on the inside pad so damage to rotor can happen before indicator makes noise. The dragging brake explains the poor mileage and sluggish power. Previous posts show a couple rear brake issues. Hmm! KIA called me back and said they stand behind their mechanic. Not warranty issue. So my next car will not be a Kia! Buy American!

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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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  AC problems - 2007 Kia Optima
  By A/C PROBLEMS - August 18 - 10:23 am

  I have had my Kia Optima in the shop 3 times for AC problems. The ac shuts on and off by itself when brake applied or idling. The first time, they couldnt find a problem. Second time said it was a (fuel cell) in ac. Third time they replaced the compressor. I kept telling them it was a idling problem and they fixed something else. It still shuts off at stop lights and when I am stuck in traffic. Not good living in the South!

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  Can not believe - 2007 Kia Optima
  By sad - May 29 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car with 40,000 miles on it. Since then I have had to replace the headlights 2 times each, the tail lights 2 times and the starter went. I am reading all the reviews I am scared to see what is coming. I have had to replace the back brakes when all of a sudden they just started grinding the pad ripped off 359.00. The main belt went and had to be replaced.

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  Honest Opinion - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Not sure - January 1 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my car in September 2007, I drive about 40 miles to work every day. Since September I have the weather stripping on my windshield come off, I have had a bad tire, and the gear shifter cable undone twice leaving me stuck because my car was stuck in reverse, I have had it towed to the dealership twice within a month. Thank god the warranty covered it but not fun when you rely on your car to get to work.

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  Poor Reliability - 2007 Kia Optima
  By JonBoy3109 - October 20 - 10:06 am

  Car ran perfectly fine for the first 42,000 miles and then everything went downhill. Head gasket blew, then the automatic transmission went crazy on me & blew, cruise control went out, car has died three times on the highway and left me stranded. I babied the heck out of the car. Mobil 1 full synthetic oil every three thousand miles, new transmission fluid, all scheduled maintenance, everything. The car really seemed to be perfect until it hit the 42,000 mile mark I sold the car last month and the new owner has informed me that the car has had numerous insanely costly problems. I warned him before he bought the car but he fell in love with the style and he said he read some great reviews.

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  Avoid At All Costs - 2007 Kia Optima
  By RickHadley - June 8 - 3:13 am

  I bought my 2007 Kia Optima brand new. The car was great for the first 18 months. But this car is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. My automatic transmission went out at 60,076 miles. It seized up and left me stranded in the Arizona desert. My starter went out soon after. Engine was replaced just before 65,000 miles. The car has horrible resale value. I get pretty crappy MPG, 23 highway and 17 city.

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  Standed and Confused - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Stranded - September 25 - 12:56 am

  I purchased the Kia Optima 1 year ago- this is my 3rd Kia. I received a Happy Birthday card from the dealer about a week before the shifter cable disengaged and nearly caused me to crash into a car while trying to park. The dealership examined the cable and said that they had never seen anything like it-nothing was broken or damaged, the cable just came off. Now, almost a month later, I am riding shotgun in my husbands truck as the cable once again has "disengaged". I seriously think there is a design flaw in this model and I am just glad I have never tried to used the manual shift feature-- imagine having the cable "disengaging" at 75 miles an hour on the interstate!

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  Avoid at all costs- Please learn from me - 2007 Kia Optima
  By KenInPasco - March 13 - 7:10 pm

  Ive had to replace the wonderful automatic transmission twice. Kia needs to address the problems people are having with their five speed automatic transmissions. AAA roadside assistance has had to tow me three times with this vehicle. Twice for the transmission and once for a failed starter.