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 101 through 110 of 111.00

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  Ran great for 2 years and now problems - 2012 Kia Optima
  By yogi111 - December 16 - 4:26 am

  For the most part I love this car. If I keep it at 80 or under on the freeway it can get 31-33 mpg. City mpg around 22. The battery died one month after the warranty expired and my fuel pump just went out...luckily I got it to the shop before I was stranded and it is still under warranty.

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  The Shadow knows... - 2012 Kia Optima
  By emeraldsky - October 31 - 2:37 am

  Just bought this Blk Cherry 2012 Optima-and Im feelin fine on a dime with purple all mine. An extremely good value. This is a sweet dream. Seriously rides like velvet. Lovin the extras-Bluetooth, etc, ETC. Seats extremely comfortable in soft leather with plenty room for this 510 frame of mine. I feel like Im riding a La-z-boy down the road! But theres nothing lazy about this boy! Even w/o the turbo this car has quick, smooth response. You wont be left pounding the wheel for anything...save gas milage...I give high marks for it, but it has yet to break the 30 mph mark and KIA has to advertise truer data here. Oh well, my car is new and not on the Hwy much-maybe get there.

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  3 Weeks In and Loving It - 2012 Kia Optima
  By gscott04 - October 11 - 12:01 am

  I wanted something different. Ever since i saw the new Optima on a dealership lot I was intrigued. Ultimately traded in an old Volvo wagon for a loaded up Optima SX Turbo. I am not disappointed. Really love the looks and all the technology and creature comforts. Cant think of too many things this car doesnt have and for the price it just delivers a boatload of value. You can nitpick if you want... I see others complain about road noise and less than optimum build quality but I dont have an issue. I love this car and would buy it again. I feel like I got an amazing car for the money.

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  Good car so far - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Chris - October 2 - 4:32 pm

  Car now has 52k on it, bought 3+ years ago with 20k from a chevy dealer. Wheel alignment at 49k just before I got new Dunlaps. A very low cost to own car. Seats are somewhat low. Mpg high 20s to 35 at highway speeds. Mpg go down after 65mph. The dealer always trys to sell me a cabin and air filter for $75. Read the manual and do it yourself and save.

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  Best Car Ever - 2012 Kia Optima
  By schadaz - September 16 - 6:13 pm

  Very impressed with gas mileage and safety features.

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  My 2012 Kia Optima - 2012 Kia Optima
  By kirk700 - June 30 - 7:20 am

  Ive put 4000 miles my Optima, there are a few minor irritations and one let down. 1st the car comes with one smart key. All new cars come with a 2 keys. An additional key is $200.00. 2nd, getting out of the car while its running the car beeps at you like you are doing something morally wrong. 3rd and not so minor, the Nav system is terrible. My 4 year old TomTom that has never been upgraded is much better. Last minor irritation: Cant turn the radio off when the car is in reverse. Now for the let down: the MPG comes no where close to the advertized MPG. Best Ive recorded is 28 MPG and that was all Highway. The on-board MPG readout of ave. MPG is 2 to 4 mpg optimistic.

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  WOW WHAT A CAR! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By beafantoo - June 4 - 6:08 am

  I am 62 weigh 315 lbs and this car wows me to no end. Great looking car, great comfortable car, very nice styling. My car has the tech package and nav..I would recommend this car to everybody.. I am getting about 27.8 mpg with most of my driving in the city, I purchased the car 3 weeks ago and have put 1000. miles on it already, very responsive around turns with great handling. Very fast for a 4cyl. you wont go wrong buying this car..

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  WOW!! It is a KIA!!!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mrvega - May 30 - 1:27 am

  Purchased my 2012 SX 3 weeks ago and I am truly amazed. It doesnt feel or look like a KIA. The ride is very smooth yet sporty. Quieter and more stable at speed than my mothers 2009 Camry SE V6 even though the SE V6 feels like it accelerates quicker yet handles and feels better than the Camry. The style is elegant yet sporty (Many people compliment the exterior and interior). Even though it is a 4 cylinder, because of the turbo, it doesnt feel sluggish especially at slower speeds. Gas mileage could be better. It is returning 18-19 City hwy around 28 The style in my opinion looks much better than the Mazda 6, New Camry, Sonata, Accord, Malibu, and more expensive cars.

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  KIA is the brand to watch!!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By karkonnoisseur - May 8 - 9:14 pm

  I have 374 miles on my Spicy Red KIA Optima SX T-GDI with premium/technology packages. This car not only draws constant stares and looks of admiration but I had someone at the Gas station who was driving a brand new BMW Xdrive 3 series coupe tell me he had to look twice because he couldnt believe the car was a KIA. Segment leading performance, styling, and value! Ive never felt so great about owning a new car. I traded in my 2009 Audi A5 for this car. I DO NOT regret it. I needed a sporty family car and KIA DID NOT disappoint!

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  Unquestionably in love with this car! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By poolgirl78 - May 6 - 6:42 pm

  After months of research, and driving my friends and family crazy with car talk, I decided to buy the 2012 Kia Optima EX-Turbo in Snow White Pearl with the Premium package. Ive owned this car for 4 months now and taken it on a couple long distance trips; overall I am EXTREMELY happy with my purchase.