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 1 through 10 of 49.00-
First and last import - 2009 Kia Optima
By tielbor - January 25 - 4:17 pmWe 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.
