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 11 through 20 of 91.00

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  Best Midsize Car for 2011 Update #1 - 2011 Kia Optima
  By dankocke - September 13 - 7:49 pm

  So I too have noticed the left pull issue after a few days of driving. This is a known problem by Kia with no good fix for it YET. This problem is not found on all Optimas but only a select few. Please test drive your car on the highway at speeds more than 65mph. My left pull is pronounced but not ridiculous. I did call Kia Custoomer Service and they are very helpful. If you open a case file with them on this issue they will guide you and the dealers through a preliminary fix until Kia engineers figure out a better fix. Gas mileage has been 28 mpg on all 4 tank fill ups in mixed mostly highway driving. Overall still love the car. NAV traffic is great!

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  dont drive it as you would drive Prius - 2011 Kia Optima
  By doryhan - April 14 - 10:14 am

  My other (or previous) cars: Ford Taurus V6 Chrysler PT-CRUISER I4 Cadillac DHS V8 I have owned and been driving Optima Hybrid (OH) for a month, filling up the tank twice. MPG: first tank 34.5MPG second tank 35.5MPG (99% city: the car computer indicates the average speed 22.2MPH) At the beginning, I tried to drive the optima the way I would drive a Prius - slow acceleration, no sudden stops, obsessively use EV mode (or try to use). But that does not help you with MPG. (more talks continued in "Suggested improvements")

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  What fun! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By richie46 - December 30 - 11:47 am

  Weve had it 2 weeks, 800 miles. Great car, especially considers all the features vs. cost. In shopping, this was the first we tried. Then drove Accord and Fusion. Optima easily surpassed those. Were were going to look at Mazda6, Altima and Camry too, but we liked the Optima so much we decided to curtail shopping.

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  It is cool, not expensive and.....it is a hybrid!!!!!!!! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By luisguido - November 18 - 2:40 pm

  I am a Hybrid guy (previously owned a Prius, then a Camry, the a Fusion and finally an Insight (I average 28000 miles per year). I bought my Optima Hybrid three weeks ago and I already drove 2,765 miles. Guys with this car you can have all of the above: the Camry comfort, the Fusion solidity, the Insight low price, and if you drive your Optima Hybrid by placing an egg between you foot and the accelerator, you can get 32/38/43 miles per gallon - trust me, I get that all the time.

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  A Class Leader - 2011 Kia Optima
  By cpurick - October 19 - 12:52 pm

  Ive had several Audis and VWs. I was immediately taken by the Optimas styling, inside and out. It was only later that I learned it was designed by a former Audi chief designer. The Optima is a European styled version of the Hyundai Sonata, with which it shares many parts. The formula is similar to Acuras TSX, which is sold in Europe as the Honda Accord. Fit and finish are very good to excellent. Styled like an Audi, but built like an Accord. Much nicer inside than a Camry. The 200hp 4-cylinder is more than enough for a 3300lb car. Despite head-turning lines, this is not an Autobahn cruiser -- its a conventional midsize sedan, albeit a very pleasant one to spend time in.

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  2011 Optima EX w/ Premium Package - 2011 Kia Optima
  By arumage - July 16 - 12:03 am

  So far, Im really enjoying my new Optima. It looks great and the features are awesome. It has enough power for any driving that I do and so far is returning about 27 mpg in mixed driving even though its not fully broken in yet. It really loved being driven steadily between 45 and 55mph. The trip computer says its getting about 39mpg at those speeds, although I hear its a little optimistic.

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  7 months / 14,000 miles - 2011 Kia Optima
  By we_will_see - July 4 - 9:10 am

  Have had my Optima EX turbo/loaded for 7 mo. now and have driven over 14,000 miles. Still like this care very much, I live in NE Ohio and it drives great in the snow. Had to drive through a snow storm in Indiana on my way home from Chicago and it handled great on the highway. Love the heated seats and steering wheel, great on those cold mornings. Defrost works fast & well, as does the rear defrost/mirror heaters. Handling & performance are excellent, very sure footed. Transmission is great also. Love the nav/blue tooth/voice activation etc. Every thing is really easy to use. My only complaint would be the stiff seat but heard they fixed in 2012 models. Overall great car!

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  2011 Optima SX Turbo - 2011 Kia Optima
  By gt88b - June 8 - 4:57 am

  Had it for a month & love it. Handles surprisingly well for a front driver. A little slow off the line (unless you power brake it) but after 10 ft it is really quick. Trans drops down a gear or two very easily. 50 to 70 pass happens right now. Very smooth ride even with the stiffer suspension. Every one who drives it ends up going 80+ thinking they are going 60.

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  Awesome Value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By moola - May 21 - 12:40 pm

  Ive always thought Japan had a corner on midsize sedans until I drove Optima. I have to say it is the best value for the money. Although the 4 cyl is not as smooth as my Lexus 6, it is just as powerful. The car feels tight and fun to drive. I test drove a bunch of new models, but this one is a winner. P.S. I am in Chicago area and classic Kia in Waukegan is the best. Great dealership IMHO.

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  8000 Mile Review - 2011 Kia Optima
  By redbruin - February 10 - 6:28 am

  I hit 8000 miles last week and still love this car. I came from a Lexus IS250 to the Optima turbo SX model and prefer driving this over the Lexus. It has more power and is more fun to drive. I get about 18-23 mpg in the city and 30-35 mpg highway. This is a mid $30K for a mid $20K price tag.