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 41 through 49 of 49.00

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  PLEASANT SURPRISE - 2009 Kia Optima
  By JC - October 7 - 4:03 pm

  Bought this car during clunkers program.Drove out at $12k,and dealer added bonus 25k miles to warranty. Liked the look and price. I am glad I decided to check this car out. I am at 8K miles and still pleased. No issues at all. I think the KIA reputation is growing. This is a lot of car for the money. Gas mileage was as stated 24/33.Does what I got it for - to get around and save gas, add to that: cruise,sat radio,cd, auto trans, steering wheel controls, abs all round, fold down rear seats, great warranty and more - all standard. WOW!! Hard to beat! One wonders why these vehicles dont retain their value longer. No matter,plan to keep it for a while.

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  Second car, Love it! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By carmansam22 - July 16 - 4:38 pm

  Great Car! Bought it Oct. 11, 2010. Havent had any problems with the car. Its the first 5 speed Ive owned and I love it. Its pretty quick and fast, I can downshift to third and pass cars with no problem. I once had a loaded car (at least 800ibs extra weight), driving up steep hills and still got 25MPG. I feel I got a lot for what I paid, just a little over 12,000.

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  In Love - 2009 Kia Optima
  By karen - December 25 - 6:26 am

  I recently purchased a 2009 Kia Optima and Im totally having a ball driving it. I looked at Toyota, Chevrolet, Mercury and Nissan. I could not have afford all the extras I have with my Kia. Its metal bronze color which looks different in various lights sun cloudy etc. I have a moon roof and really nice leather. Awesome sound Infinity 6 speakers and 6 cd changer plus satellite radio. Heated front seats plus all the equipment that comes standard for about 10k less then the other cars. Also have 5 year road side assist and warranty. Thank you Kia

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  Transmission - 2009 Kia Optima
  By dholder35 - August 27 - 3:31 pm

  KIA needs to make a better transmission. This is the second Kia Optima I have owned and the transmission always seems to go out. The service department will always say you need a transmission flush, but then after the warranty runs out the transmission will quit working and I have to pay for the transmission to be replaced. When I apply my brakes the transmission will down shift hard.

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  2009 Kia Optima SXV6 = Winner - 2009 Kia Optima
  By tsuttonjr - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Solid road manners, quiet along normal paved surfaces, decent accelaration, most luxury features available for the money. It is very stylish, more reminiscent of an Infiniti or Acura vehicle. The build quality of Kia is higher than previously expected. The speedodmeter reads to 160 mph and may reach 140-150 mph given the gearing & feel of its accelaration if it is not speed governed. I ordered mine and received it with 4 miles total. I have been happy every since.

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  Simple, but nice - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Hopeful skeptic - July 14 - 5:20 am

  Recently purchased an 09 LX Optima, used, with less than 12k on it. I test drove this car simply to say I "shopped around." There was not a real intention to purchase a Kia. However, I found myself more satisfied with it than the Accord, Camry, and Malibu, all of which I had driven in the same afternoon. It doesnt really stand out in any one category, but does all things well. Controls are simple, but well placed. Nothing feels all that cheap, like I expected. Fit and finish is on par with the Honda and Toyota, notably nicer fit than the Chevy. The whole car is simple, but very well done. Hopefully the long term impression is the same as the first! Oh, $4k less than comparable Honda/Toyota!

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  Husband against imports. Not anymore! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By AMYMARIE - June 7 - 2:56 pm

  Husband had to go from a Taurus (19- 21 mpg) to an import because of his 50 mile one-way track to work everyday. He was against imports until he sat in the Optima. The conv. package with the 8-way lumbar seat, dimming rear- view, alloys and trip along with the dealer package of the rear spoiler, LEDs on side-view mirrors for turn- signal, and pin striping made this car a looker! Not a plain Jane anymore! Car was 22K and with rebates/trade we paid 15K. Was a leftover with 18 miles on it. Dealer put another 100K on the pwrtrain warranty for a total of 200K! Hubby did not think he could find a mid-size import with the mpg he liked. Thumbs up so far!

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  Very Good Deal! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Best Kia So Far. - April 18 - 1:50 pm

  I got this car for $17500 and im very happy with it, ive had it for 5 months and it has yet to break down or need work. I have 8500 miles on it and everything still seems like new! I wish Kia and Hyundai would replace the 2.7 V6, its underpowered (190 hp) and bad on gas for the power (20 city and 26 highway)! They should replace it with a 3.2 V6, more power for same fuel economy! The I-4 is enough its not that sporty but its Kia what do u suspect? I get 32mpg on the highway and 25 in the city, great milege. Kia did a great job with the design! Very modern. It was between the 09 Fusion, 09 G6, or the Optima, Optima won! Its a good deal go out and I strongly suggest you put this on your list.

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  First and last import - 2009 Kia Optima
  By tielbor - January 25 - 4:17 pm

  We were looking for a decent, mid-sized car and settled on the Optima. We purchased the car used(two years old), with 40,000 miles on it. The car served us well for the first year and a half with only a few small issues. As soon as the warranty expired at 60,000 miles, the transmission failed. Two weeks after replacing the transmission($2700), the air bag sensor in the passenger seat failed ($1500). After the sensor, a host of electrical problems surfaced. Since the car cost us more in repairs in than it was worth over a year, we sold it and wont touch another KIA.