Overview & Reviews

The Kia Optima is a completely redesigned model for 2011.

• Lengthy warranty.
• Impressive value
• Powerful and fuel-efficient engines
• Good ride/handling balance
• Handsome cabin
• Top safety scores
• Copious features

• Disappointing real-world fuel economy and driving experience for hybrid
• Numb steering.
• Can be tight on headroom

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 91.00

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  good value, but not refined.... - 2011 Kia Optima
  By jerryjerry - August 20 - 5:39 am

  Did the online shopping at Edmunds before I bought this for my son. Ive been driving it the last 5 months as well. The power train is not smooth. Shifting is awkward after a few months. Very loud in hwy, wish we had longer test drive on hwy before we bought it. I think they were very aggressive when they stated their gas mileage. Im getting 3 miles below in Georgia driving. And my son stated it pull to the left as others have experienced.

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  BEWARE of the left pull!! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By jfogs - August 9 - 1:27 pm

  Purchased brand new 2011 Kia Optima from Nationwide Kia in Timonium MD. Car was defective off the lot with a marked left pull that requires constant pressure on the wheel to keep the car from flying off the road. DO NOT believe the dealer if they say they can fix the car. This is a known defect with many Optimas and their kissing cousin Sonatas. I was told there is "nothing else we can do and your car still pulls to the left" from their "service" tech. I have lemon with 800 miles on it - great.

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  Bought a 2011 SX fully equiped - 2011 Kia Optima
  By acerava - July 18 - 9:54 pm

  Bought 2011 SX graphite color and everysingle day people are asking what is that "the new audi? the new infiniti? the new saab?". I love it! great pick up, quiet (not as loud as people exaggerate but I have the luxury wheels) i owned a 2002 nissan Altima and that was loud to me. There is zero complaints aside from the engin start in the mornings (I live in LA) its a bit loud but quiets after 10 seconds. I absolutly had to add the K5 leds in the front and man does it make a difference! Im still in awe over the car and I drove it 1600 miles already. I would have never bought a Kia in my life but after testing the C300 and audi A4 this had a lot more for the money. I did rebadge though for K5.

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  The best dollar value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By coloradoan1 - May 10 - 10:31 pm

  I bought my Optima two weeks ago. So far an excellent decision. The engine is impressive and in the city gives 25+ MPG. What is fun is the technology package: this car is equipped with features that you only find in a top notch brand. It is probably true that it is a little more noisy than a BMW or a Mercedes... But it is half the price!. I think this is a great option. Must see before buying a new car

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  Automatic Transmission Failure at 3600 Miles - 2011 Kia Optima
  By ghostrider1017 - April 22 - 4:41 pm

  On 4/11/11, we were driving to work and had gone four miles from our house, when we thought we had hit a deer. The car made a very loud sound and lurched violently, at highway speed, frightening us both. The lurching was so violent that it may well have caused other damage. We were extremely fortunate not to have crashed. We then found that the car would not shift gears. The automatic transmission had gone out of our 2011 Kia Optima EX. We bought the Kia new on 1/8/11. The car had 3600 miles on it at the time of the catastrophic failure. This was our first Kia purchase (and last, I might add), and we are very disappointed. Needless to say, we were shocked by this dangerous occurrenc

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  Very Impressed - 2011 Kia Optima
  By orion1192001 - March 3 - 4:11 am

  I saw this car on the road and decided to go in and check it out. I was very impressed. It had more features, power, practicality, and features than other cars I was considering for about $5,000 less. 2 years ago I would never have considered a Kia, but this car is legitimate. After a few hundred miles I am still appreciating its refinement and drive. Try to shelve your bias and just test drive the thing, I think you will be pleasantly surprised....

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  This didnt cost $35k!? - 2011 Kia Optima
  By rjp3900 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Any other make and model would have... Leather seats, french stitching, heated AND cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, memory drivers seats that moves back to let you out and "tucks" you in when the car starts (my dad commented only his Cadillac CTS had done that for him), panoramic sunroof, styling that rivals a Lexus IS 250...for $23,500!? But Ill go on. It takes speed bumps like running fingers over velvet, yet is sporty and fun to drive. It has a 4-banger that drives that a zippy V6, and with the shiftronic, I easily pass those cars I need to. At 35 MPG highway, 24 city? No premium gas? Seriously!? This car has it all at the best value Ive seen.

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  Bad to the bone. - 2011 Kia Optima
  By snowman22 - January 4 - 12:04 am

  My 2011 Kia hybrid is now just a bad memory. The hybrid system is nothing short of dangerous. Push the pedal and it would not go. Lots of fun when pulling into traffic. Jerked,hesitate and just awful to drive. Did I mention unsafe. Also seats as hard as bleachers at the ball park. Just horrible. No padding at all. Last---no resale. The Kia dealer would not even take it in on trade. They cant even get rid of it. They offer the lowest auction price. Dirt bottom. So stay away from these vehicles. You will regret the purchase. Dont believe the bull of---we now have the update fit. Not true---just as bad. These cars are a accident waiting to happen. Just Remember--DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.

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  Need moe refinement - 2011 Kia Optima
  By jerryjerry - December 29 - 4:46 pm

  Performance -- most good, but power and transmission appears to be out of sync. Comfort -- the noise level is higher than camry and accord. Value -- though it has more features, it still could be priced more competitive. Fun to Drive -- as mentioned before. the engine and transmission appears to be out of sync. Engine power does not translate to overall performance. Some what loud noise from engine. Interior Design -- Overall good Exterior Design -- This is subjective. Overall it looks good, my only concern is the profile doesnt look that attractive. Build Quality -- Appears good, however, its a Kia. time will tell. Reliablity -- Again, its a Kia. Its know for minor issues.

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  My first new car. - 2011 Kia Optima
  By pacoug - November 27 - 7:24 pm

  Ive driven a succession of Maximas, Infinitis and a couple other decent 4 doors, all bought used with moderate miles. This time I went for new for similar money, to see the difference. I must say, a G37 or Maxima is a lot more car than this--but look at the sticker of a new one. I find in most situations the lower power of the 4 is more than enough to get the job done, even if not as thrilling as a 3.7 liter Nissan 6. It sure is a thrill at both the gas pump and the insurance counter. I get 10 more mpg with this car than I did with my last. It has a great warranty while my previous car had no warranty. Cost of ownership: far lower!