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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  Pretty nice, but flawed - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Allan J Birmantas - January 15 - 7:40 am

  I probably would have rated this car much higher if the passenger seat air bags worked properly. My only complaints besides that are the following. 1. No MPG on trip computer 2. Very hard ride. Pretty hard to seriously rate reliability after only one month, but I will be making my third trip to the dealer next week. Judge accordingly.

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  Great midsize car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By markb - December 1 - 2:23 pm

  So far, a great ownership experience. Quiet ride. Gas mileage is improving, I am up to 21mpg in city driving 4-cylinder. Kias road hazard tire policy already saved me over $246 when I picked up a sidewall nail. ESC package is very handy to have on rainy mountain roads and CA freeways. Sunroof wind noise is very low up to about 50mph. I feel confident while driving this car. Front styling shows character. Rear styling is "nondescript" midsize. You can park this car anywhere. Most people are very surprised once they get inside.

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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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  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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  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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  Some problems -overall good car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By mickkia - November 11 - 1:53 pm

  I purchased this this vehicle used in April of 2009 with 23500 miles. Since then I had two problems, both front sway links need to be replaced and one of the rear brake was worn unevenly. Took numerous visit to repair shops over two months to figure out the brake issue (car was squeaking periodically when moving - was driving me crazy). The bad sway links were covered under Kia warranty. Since the repairs, the car has been running fine. The dealership was very professional in fixing the problem. Car now has 33000 miles on it. P.S. - trunk sometime open by it own. Happen to me about 4 times in 5 months. Also, averaging 27 miles per gallon with 80% stop/go driving -

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  Great Car! - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Happy Owner - September 26 - 12:06 pm

  Were such a great buy we bought two! The equipment for the price was unbelievable! Nice, solid fun to drive car. Have had both for a little over 2 years. Never had any mechanical problems with either one. MPG is the only downfall I found. Mine only averaged 18 mpg. The other one is better averaging 25. Probably my fault and the way I drive. Fixed that problem though. Traded mine in for a 2010 Kia Forte. So far so good. 27.6 mpg with the first fill up. But a totally different car. Resale price isnt that good so if you are looking to keep a great car for a long time the Optima is a good bet. As long as Kia is making good quality cars I will probably stay loyal!

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  Great family car on a budget - 2007 Kia Optima
  By ps13_99 - November 7 - 1:10 pm

  Bought New in 2007 since standard safety features like curtain airbags, stability control etc were unavailable on other more pricey sedans. No problems at all with the car, just with the driver. Very roomy. Im 64 and am very impressed with the leg, and knee room. Steering wheel audio controls are great, intuitive. Very smooth transmission. Great headlights, halogen etc. I should have gotten the sunroof. Would definetily look for a used one if this one gets wrecked. Cant beat Kia or Hyundai for the money. Easily competes with camry. Highly recommended.

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  Byron - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Byron - August 13 - 7:36 pm

  I have owned my optima for a little over 2 years. Purchased the car brand new. I put 67k on the car in one year. The car never had any major problems nor left me stranded. Recently i noticed a slight hesitation in power while driving @ a constant speed, as if the transmission is slipping, lack of fuel, or ignition break-up. Also when a come to a rolling stop then proceed to accelerate the transmission doesnt always down shift to 1st or 2nd. It has a tendency to pull off in third under 10 mph. I noticed it was 3rd gear when i switch to auto manual shift. Other than that I love my Kia but hate the dealer service of Car Town kia & Ricart Kia. They cant find issues unless the service engine light is ON!