Overview & Reviews

For much of its life, the Kia Optima had been firmly pegged as an also-ran vehicle. Introduced as Kia's first midsize sedan, the first-generation Optima couldn't promise the refinement, documented reliability and assured resale value of its key Japanese competitors. The second-generation Kia Optima followed much the same anonymous playbook, though with considerably better results.

The third-generation Kia Optima, however, is a different animal entirely. With sleek styling, plenty of standard features, potent engine choices and substantial value, the current Optima stands as a top pick for a midsize family sedan.

Current Kia Optima
Under the skin, the current Kia Optima is very similar to the Hyundai Sonata, but to Kia's credit, the Optima has a distinctive European flair to it. Inside and out, the Optima looks and feels like a much more expensive car than its humble price tag would suggest. Optimas are available in four trim levels: LX, EX, SX (standard and turbocharged variants) and SX Limited. There's also the Optima Hybrid, which comes in a single trim.

Optima LX and EX models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the LX, while a six-speed automatic is optional and standard on all other Optimas. The SX and SX Limited boast a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.

The Kia Optima Hybrid is powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. Combined output comes to 206 peak hp and it's sent through a six-speed automatic. The EPA estimates the Hybrid will achieve 36 mpg in combined driving.

Standard equipment on the LX includes alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a stereo with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface. The EX and Hybrid also include keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control and leather upholstery. The SX is equipped similarly to the EX but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded gauges (with integrated display screen) and paddle shifters. The SX turbo also comes with xenon headlights. The Limited's perks include a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, the Uvo voice-command system, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, upgraded audio and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've found that the Optima stands out thanks to its distinctive styling and upscale interior. Headroom is a bit limited, however, and taller drivers would be well advised to test the car with and without the sunroof. On the road, the Optima has a pleasant ride quality without feeling too isolated. The base engine will likely satisfy the vast majority of drivers, while the turbo is the pick for more spirited pilots. The Hybrid, however, is a bit of a disappointment. Its braking and acceleration in city traffic is uneven and somewhat unpredictable, and fuel economy trails that of competing hybrid sedans.

Used Kia Optima Models
Introduced for 2011, the current Kia Optima represents the third generation. This version is a dramatic departure from earlier Optimas due to its sharp styling, powerful engine lineup and upscale features. Since its debut, changes were minimal for the first few years. An EX Turbo trim level was offered for 2011 and '12 only. The voice command system (Uvo) debuted for '12, while the SX Limited trim debuted for 2013.

Shoppers should note that these earlier third-generation Optimas lack the current version's updated front and rear styling, revised front seats (for greater comfort) and new display screens. They also can't be had with some newer features, such as keyless ignition and entry, a blind-spot monitoring system and rear parking sensors.

Kia's second-generation Optima was produced from 2006-'10. Shoppers should be aware that the generation switch-over happened midway through the 2006 calendar year. Kia sold some first-generation models for '06 and then released the new sedan as the "2006.5" Optima.

At the end of this generation, the Kia Optima was offered in three trim levels: base, EX and SX. All came with a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder as standard. The EX and SX could be had with a 194-hp 2.7-liter V6. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on the LX. Optional on the LX and standard on the EX and SX was a five-speed automatic transmission.

The automatic-equipped LX came reasonably well equipped with air-conditioning, full power accessories, antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The EX provided leather upholstery, while the SX came with a sport-tuned suspension.

Although the base four-cylinder provided class-competitive acceleration, the Optima's V6 was disappointing. It was significantly smaller and less powerful than other six-cylinders in the class. This Optima was reasonably fun to drive around town and provided a smooth ride quality, though many of its class contemporaries did a better job of isolating occupants from bumps and ruts.

This second-generation Optima had a few changes during its time. The most significant of these came in 2009, where the model received more distinctive styling and more power. The SX trim level also debuted. Previously, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 161 hp, while the 2.7-liter V6 produced 185 hp. The other notable change came in 2008, when antilock brakes and stability control were made standard across the lineup.

The first-generation Kia Optima midsize sedan debuted for the 2000 model year. Mechanically, this model was very similar to the Hyundai Sonata of the time. Although it didn't include the finest-quality interior materials, it was well-suited for commuter duty thanks to a spacious cabin and comfortable ride quality.

First-generation models didn't have stability control or head curtain airbags, and four-cylinder models lacked the availability of antilock brakes. In road tests, we thought the 149-hp four-cylinder engine was a bit short in power and refinement. While the 170-hp V6 didn't inspire thrills, it was smooth and quiet, and offered better acceleration for highway merging than the four-cylinder.

For 2002, the V6 was updated to provide 178 hp. In its third model year (2003), the Kia Optima's front end was restyled (with rather dubious results). Improvements to the interior included a new center stack, door panels and fresh seat fabric. In addition, Kia began to offer Sportmatic manual-shift capability on four-cylinder automatic Optimas. Buyers might also notice that horsepower figures were revised downward that year due to a change in measurement technique, but actual output was unchanged.

User Reviews:

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  Cant complain - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Erika S. - December 21 - 1:46 pm

  I have owned my Optima for a little over 10 months. There have been a few more little problems than expected, but I just cant part with it! I ran a risk buying it used and paid for it. Maintenance things such as brakes, tune-up, belts, filters, electrical etc. were never replaced. I am currently experiencing a problem with the passenger side-curtain airbag. $1400 replacement probably due to the car possibly having been in an accident at one point. I love this car to death, though. Looks and drives like a true luxury vehicle. I am a college student and it was an amazingly affordable vehicle that attracts a lot of attention at school. 102,700 miles and still running like new!

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  major disappointment - 2013 Kia Optima
  By johnlmn - December 13 - 5:22 am

  While it is a very good looking car, with a reasonable ride and handling. The gas mileage is a major disappointment. I would not have even considered the car if I knew its true gas mileage. My previous car had EPA numbers of 19/24/30 and I normally got about 28 mpg. The optima has EPA numbers of 24/28/34 and I get about 25-26 mpg. So with a car with 4mpg better EPA numbers I am getting 2mpg worse gas mileage??? I have had the car into 2 different dealers, both of which say the car is running to spec. The other major disappointment is the UVO sound system. It is fine as long as you use only the radio or CD, but the USB connection is very buggy. When connecting the USB to either a thum

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  Over 2 years and still going strong - 2001 Kia Optima
  By kiaoptimadriver - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Besides the horrible re-sale and trade- in value, this has been a great car. We have yet to have any real problems out of this car.

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  Not Worth it - 2005 Kia Optima
  By john miller - December 2 - 7:06 pm

  Told it was bought brand new 07, one previous owner for 1-2 yrs. & sat at Used dealership since. My mother bought 13 immediately w/o test driving for $1400; Fuses & electrical problems! RPMs didnt work, many lvls not shown (i.e. battery). lights point to ground, adjs dont help. not even 1-2 days, cuts out w/ oil leaks. had to change freeze plugs. 1-2 month later, overheats; payed $1500 to change thermostat, hoses, sensors, there was actually cracks in radiator & exploded coolant everywhere, cost another $1500. everything requires proprietary tools; cant take off door panel to put windows back on track. spark plugs only thing easy to change! Pass. door doesnt lock/unlock and open.

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  Great midsize car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By markb - December 1 - 2:23 pm

  So far, a great ownership experience. Quiet ride. Gas mileage is improving, I am up to 21mpg in city driving 4-cylinder. Kias road hazard tire policy already saved me over $246 when I picked up a sidewall nail. ESC package is very handy to have on rainy mountain roads and CA freeways. Sunroof wind noise is very low up to about 50mph. I feel confident while driving this car. Front styling shows character. Rear styling is "nondescript" midsize. You can park this car anywhere. Most people are very surprised once they get inside.

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  Kia Krazy - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Kia Krazy - November 26 - 2:20 pm

  This car is well built for a Kia. The 2.7 liter v6 is quite peppy and smooth. The transmission is very smooth and the Infinity sound system is great. The leather seat are more comfortable than I expected and with all these options and quality its weird to see the price.

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  2nd review of my EX Turbo - 2011 Kia Optima
  By donnie71281 - November 24 - 7:55 pm

  Ive not put a little over 800 miles on my 2011 Turbo EX. Not a single problem. My Optima tracks 100% Straight on the freeway with NO left pull at all. Ive read of others having the left pull issue and i agree that you should test drive the car on the freeway first. Though I would say that of ANY car. This problem isnt an uncommon issue with electric steering(generally sofware related). Honda and VW have had the same issue. Our 2003 accord has started the left pull again. I still love my Optima 1,000,000 times more than i did the Accord Ex-L V6 i test drove. Im also going on week 3 without a trip to the gas station. Really love that.

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  We love it - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Bill - November 6 - 9:36 pm

  Bought new. Been to the dealer twice for warranty work, once for power window motors and once on emission recall. Its a 10 in our book. Only down side is that it does not hold its resale value well. But other than that is one sweet ride.

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  My worst car ever - 2007 Kia Optima
  By IdahoFallsLisa - November 2 - 6:36 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2007 Kia Optima. The warranty is useless as you have to jump though hoops and pay crazy costs just to keep up the warranty. They recently replaced both my engine and transmission and the car runs awful. The dealership says that they have performed all the work that Kia would re-imburse them for.

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  A good buy with a few flaws - 2012 Kia Optima
  By upacrk1 - October 26 - 9:16 pm

  I bought a new 2012 Kia Optima LX in Snow White Pearl back in May 2012. Originally I had an issue with the drivers seat not being very comfortable. (I didnt notice this in the short test drive.) In the 9 months Ive owned it, my butt seems to have gotten used to it. The acceleration is great! So good that if the roads are slick, I have to put it in ECO mode so the tires dont slip. This may also says something about the OEM Nexen tires. I havent been driving much so far- only 4700 miles. (Try to walk/bike as much as I can). MPG per tank is 22-27 with an avg 24.5 . As expected, mileage is lower in the cold winter months. No long trips yet - cant wait to see what Ill get then!