Overview & Reviews

For 2012, the Kia Optima receives the optional Uvo voice command system on all but the base models and a minor shuffling of features between trim levels and option packages. The front seats have also been slightly reshaped for improved comfort.

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

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

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 111.00

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  Good car for the money! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sabz - August 9 - 2:34 am

  Originally had the 2011 Optima, but after having the same problem 6times with the brake pedal getting stuck, and not being able to start the car, the dealer bought it back from us, and we traded up to the 2012. Weve had the car since about this time last year. Really impressed with the difference. Seats are significantly more comfortable, and interior quality is also improved. Performance is adequate, and so is interior and trunk space. However, we arent able to get the MPGs that are predicted to get, about an average of 26. Overall, were really happy with the car, and hope to get many miles out it.

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  Regret? - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sdbolts - July 12 - 10:34 pm

  I bought this car in March of 2012 with high expectations. In the beginning, I didnt notice how bad the gas mileage actually was, because I thought it was just getting acclimated with my driving. However, after a couple months, I could only muster between 23-25mpg city, and 27-29mpg highway. Also, the steering is rather lacking, it doesnt feel tight or grip the road as well as thought it would. The acceleration is weak, period. Also, the "eco" mode plays a large role in fuel economy, larger than I expected. Without the eco mode, the car handles well, more power, and a much better feel; just how I expected with about 20% worse fuel economy.

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  Awsome Car! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Derik - June 24 - 3:37 am

  I am 66 and I still have plenty of room. I admit I have to tilt the seat back a bit. But in this car it feels right to tilt it back anyway. The get up and go is great! I have never had an issue with this car. I bought it new. It now has.99,000 miles. I do take good care of it and service every 5k. The only minor problem I had was when the floor was getting wet and found out it was a plugged hose from the a/c system. Was a 10 minute fix. I cant say Ive ever had better luck with any other vehicle. Great gas mileage!

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  Dont be fooled by the Badge - 2012 Kia Optima
  By thorlo - June 2 - 3:50 am

  I have owned Dozens of new cars, including,7/ VWs,3/BMWs,3/Audis,2/Acuras,1/Jag& a M-B. All were special in their own way, But as far as Packaging, performance, style, funtion, and safety rating (NHTSA/IIHS), My 2012 Kia Optima SX, is by far the best car Ive ever Owned. it feels as solid as any of them. And on my trip From Texas to Va. I got 33 true MPG, at speeds somewhat above those posted. so a word to the wise car shopper, Dont be fooled by the Badge.

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  Exterior matched the interior - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bradwoods - May 26 - 5:45 pm

  Classic body style matches the luxury interior. Completely blown away with what this car offers. I was hesitant going in because I didnt know what to expect from a brand of car that people considered less than desirable. Kia is on the move baby! Its an head turner. So far so good on gas. Plenty of power. A 4 cylinder w/dual exhaust...KOOL. This car has all the bells and whistles. It fits to your comfort. Youll understand after you check it out. Go see Greg Kelly at Kia East. Great guy, not pushy and he owns an Optima too. Believes in what he says and says what he believes.

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  All MPG Advertizments are Lies!!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By kirk700 - May 24 - 8:50 pm

  I have logged 17,000+ miles on my 2012 KIA Optima. I love the car, 100% reliable and very comfortable. Im glad I chose it over the Accord and Fusion. That said, the window sticker read 26 city, 36 Hwy MPG. I am in sales and travel between 100 to 400 miles a day. 30% city and 70% Hwy. The best I have ever recorded is 30mpg. The worst is 24 mpg. My opinion, these figures are closer to what should be printed on the window sticker.

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  Kia Optima 2012 Excitement gone - 2012 Kia Optima
  By nccarowner - May 23 - 1:56 pm

  I bought the Optima EX after looking around for months. My excitement of owning the car is down now. I do not get the advertised mpg even if I coast & go just under the speed limit. The dealers have given me the same rehearsed response about MPG. My 2000 accord could hold the road better & get better gas mileage. I only get 28-29 on the highway at 65 mph. The onramp I have to wait to accelerate compared to my 12yr old honda accord. I have to go a min of 5mph slower or there is huge oversteer. The paint on the car is easily chipped off. I get compliments on the looks but Im stuck in the car. Charger has a better ride but seats arent as nice & it got 32mpg when I tested it for 2 days

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  great car - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Tim - May 20 - 5:53 pm

  I now have 61,000 miles (3.8yrs) on my LX. Im 63 and I love the driver seat comfort. My wife on the other hand is 53" and the front passenger seat is way too low for her. We have had to buy a cushion so she feels comfortable seeing out. Tires wore out in 30K miles and were terrible in the snow. I now have Generals on it and they are great. I had the right front ball joint replaced under warranty at 55K miles. Im a little concerned about the left front now. It gets great gas mileage! Trips to Pittsburgh net me 37MPG (660 miles 72 MPH, cruise on, ECO on) and I consistently get 29-30 mpg in my every day driving. Has a nice large trunk that is great for trips, enough for the luggage and all the thing my wife buys. Over all a great car and would buy one again. 9/15/16 - still a great car. Had to have the left front wheel bearing replace at 71467 miles. It was covered under warranty!

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  Decent car for the Money - Wish MPG was better - 2012 Kia Optima
  By soxfan99 - February 4 - 3:10 am

  Leased car in April 2012. Wanted to give the car a few months of driving before writing a review. Rides and handles great. Great tech options. Build quaility is what you would expect in the price range - Its a 21,000 car(25,800 list) - that being said, you can tell where they cut back. Door handles are one example. As far as the stated MPG, have put 11,000 miles of combined driving, never have gotten above 23-24 mpg. Long highway trips (with cruise) 31-32 mpg. Eco or not does not matter. The dealer does know, they said, nothing they can do. Kia corporate only wants to "talk about it". I bet - now that they are giving fuel credits to some owners of other models.

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  Blown engine issue and transmission - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Victor vega - December 20 - 1:37 pm

  The 2012 Kia Optima ex GDI is a sexy looking car comfortable luxury but when I was driving on the free way at 70 mph in the fast lane the engine unexpectally turned off I thought I was going to get in a accident or die on that free way the dealership told me your engine is hurting bad and your entire engine needs to be replaced I just got a fresh good synthetic motor oil change it was fine driving but till this happens I miss work I was stuck with my car for 10 hours till I found the number to call the free Kia towing road side assistance by my warranty my Kia has 47,000 miles when it died and I just received it from car max I thought this was a very reliable car I guess not and how can I maintain the transmission since its not serviceable ? If this new engine seizes again Im sueing Kia no exceptions and I have my laywer waiting for me to say the word also Kia has poor engines and transmissions only good things are good body and luxury confort thats it.