Overview & Reviews

A face-lift for 2009 makes the Kia Optima slightly longer and more aggressive, while a new SX trim level lends a sporty flair with blackout accents and 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition to the visual tweaks, the Optima gains some muscle: the 2.4-liter inline-4 now makes 175 horsepower while the V6 puts out 194 ponies. Inside, the Optima has a new base audio system with satellite radio and a newly available navigation system. Last, standard safety equipment grows as antilock brakes and stability control become standard across the board.

• Excellent crash scores, plenty of standard features at a low price, spacious backseat, generous warranty, surprisingly involving to drive around town.

• V6 offers little advantage over the more efficient inline-4, automatic sometimes slow to downshift.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 49.00

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  got to try this car - 2009 Kia Optima
  By wvlivin - July 5 - 12:43 pm

  I went to the dealership with all intentions of buying a chevy or a ford but fell in love with the kia optima. the interior is comfortable and easy on the eyes and the value is unbeatable. The 2.4 engine is the perfect power and fuel economy that averages 27mpg. Drives great and has plenty of room for my family of 4 and is surprisingly stylish. Im sold on this car dont pass up a test drive you will be shocked I was.

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  Great Car for the money!! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Dave - March 24 - 7:30 pm

  1st car I have owned in a while (former truck owner) and it is a nice surprise. I like everything about my Kia and am really surprised on how well it drives aon the highway. Highly recommend it!!!

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  Great Car For Commute and Travel - 2009 Kia Optima
  By sbowen36 - March 9 - 2:23 am

  The car is midsized and larger than my Toyota Avalon. It shifts quite well with the manual transmission and has more than adequate pickup. The interior is masterfully designed from microfiber and low pile carpet. The seats are comfortable and adjust nicely. I am very pleased overall with my purchase and the price of the vehicle. Only time will tell how it holds up, but with a 10 year warranty I am not losing any sleep. Couldve afforded 2 Optima for the price of any other sedan in its class.

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  Very nice but needs improvement - 2009 Kia Optima
  By herbie - January 17 - 8:26 am

  I have only had the car for 4 days now, but I wish it had a few more features. It should come standard with the fog lites. It should come standard with a powered drivers seat for better comfort. It also should come standard with alloy wheels. Also a leather steering wheel would be very nice.

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  Whoa!!! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Big John - July 17 - 6:50 am

  This is a keeper. Rides great, great gas mileage at 34 HW, low initial cost, low insurance premiums, sharp looking, great lines, best color combination (Ruby red, w/charcoal interior), turns heads everywhere I go. Nobody can believe this is an Optima. Ever seen the old styles? Those things were ghastly. This one looks nothing like them from any angle. I intended to buy another Rio, but when I spotted this Optima, it was case closed. MPG is about the same as the Rio, but the car has way more charm. Love it.

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  4th kia - 2009 Kia Optima
  By LONG TIME KIA FAN! - March 7 - 3:46 pm

  Had for 6 months and have put 4,000 miles on it. Had a 2006 sportage and saw the optima and had to have it. I am blown away at the attention it gets. People are always telling me they love its looks and the red color is sharp. I just smile when I pull up beside a accord or Camry and think to myself I saved thousands and have an equal car. The optima feels smooth and plenty of power from the I-4 it only has a few less horse power than the v-6, save a few bucks and buy the I-4. The trunk really holds a lot and the car is comfortable on long trips. The gas mileage is as advertised which many cars do not match up. So we are very pleased. We do recommend kia to everyone we know.

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  Shocked!! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By LovingmyKia! - January 22 - 10:20 am

  I never would have bought anything but a Honda or a Toyota. I was so biased against Kia that I wouldnt even look at their features. Then I was driving past the Kia dealership, and a car caught my eye - the redesigned 2009 Optima EX V6 in Metal Bronze! I stopped, took a test drive, and was completely AMAZED! Kia made the redesigned Optima look like a real competitor, and my car turns heads! I am shocked at the power from the small V6, better gas mileage than my Honda, better warranty, and it was surprisingly inexpensive for the features. I cant wait till the dealership installs my OEM navigation system! For being a Kia hater, I now wouldnt drive anything else. Kias slogan definitely true!

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  One year later - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Big John - June 22 - 10:03 pm

  Basically no complaints except tire grip on snowy roads is severely lacking, when trying to go uphill from a stop. Never had this problem with a Rio. After servicing the transmission it began to chatter when slowing down. This shouldnt be happening with an automatic transmission. Went to the local dealer for all service, (not Charlies Kia), not happy with the service personnel. Theres a gasoline odor getting into the cabin intermittently but the local dealer says they cant duplicate the problem. Car still gets 32 mpg HW and hugs a dry road excellently. The original tires are about half way worn out and look worn evenly across the width. Theyve been rebalanced once.

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  Sweet Chariot - 2009 Kia Optima
  By bargain hunter - April 16 - 10:13 am

  Nabbed this Midnight Blue MT baby 10 days ago and am in love with it! Researched for months to narrow my search; thought Id opt for a Honda Fit or a Scion XB as I wanted utility, cargo room and decent mileage. But when I realized this was the only car under $20k with standard stability control, traction control and disc brakes on all wheels I was sold. The 10 year warranty and $2k rebate were icing on the cake. Amazing what comes standard on this base model! Almost bought the smaller Elantra but figured the Optimas extra HP and larger engine with only a 1 to 2 mpg penalty was well worth the minor price difference. Excellent gearing + short throw 5 speed = FUN RIDE!!!

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  Best Mid Size Car - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Bill - February 15 - 7:06 am

  Purchased brand new, but mostly drive it in the city. The fit, finish, quality and ride is amazing. Test drove a Camry, Accord and Malibu. The ride was a good or better then them all. Driving position was easy to find with power seat. Get 28 mpg in city and 34 on the highway. Will buy another in 5 years.