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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  Our Little Vacation Car - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Hummer Guy - November 2 - 9:40 pm

  Have a new H3, a 6yr old Sunfire, and an 08 Dodge Avenger (son). Needed a new smaller, more economical car for vacations now that both of us are retired. Looked at all of them in the one-year-old under $15000 range. I wanted another Avenger which son loves, but wife not comfortable in the seat. Ended up getting this 2008 Optima as a former Enterprise car. Absolutely LOVE IT. Wanted a four, but settled on a six, but the power is amazing -whiplash acceleration -and the economy on three fill ups has been 34, 34, 38 on combined interstate and city driving. The four could not have done much better. It has all the toys like steering wheel radio controls. Only had it 1 mo. So far VERY PLEASED!

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  Decent car for the price - 2015 Kia Optima
  By cvs8floz - November 1 - 4:18 am

  Purchased a new 2015 Optima EX with premium package in January just when we got all the snow in Boston to replace a 2009 Hyundai Sonata that was totaled in an accident. Kind of had to rush the buying process and only looked at a few other cars. Got the car for under $23K delivered before taxes and fees, more than $5K off sticker. Generally happy with the car, good power, handles well, comfortable drivers seat. City mileage worse than advertised. Head clearance could be better. More difficult to access rear seat than other cars. No spare tire. Trunk release button hard to find with gloves. Front passenger seat is way too low, feel like you are sitting in a hole, did not catch in test drive

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  Low Trade in - 2006 Kia Optima
  By 2006.5 - October 26 - 12:53 pm

  I love my 2006.5 Kia Optima, It gets very good gas mileage. The only problem that I have with my Kia is that it has a low value for trade in. It rides very good handle bumps well.

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  Good Job KIA! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By sabz - October 22 - 8:50 pm

  Wow! Cannot believe the new Optimas comfort level, performance, and reliability. We traded our 04 Sedona in for this new 11 optima and am REALLY impressed with what an overall good reliable family sedan this is! Have taken 2 pretty long road trips so far in this and have put on nearly 10,000miles since purchased in December of 10. Has plenty of room for the kids in the back. Has no problem acceleration to speed while merging on to the highway, while being packed with a whole trunk of suitcases and 2 teenage kids in the back!

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  Great car for the price - 2004 Kia Optima
  By a good one - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new six years ago. The only thing Ive had to replace are the tires and the battery. I think this car is an excellent value. Just had the 60,000 mile service. Its running great and I plan to keep it until the warranty expires in 37,000 miles.

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  New Purchase - 2010 Kia Optima
  By avgwarhawk1 - October 12 - 7:45 am

  I just purchased this vehicle at a end of the year clearance. Glad I did. Turned in a dreaded VW. I did drive the car 150 miles thus far. Not much however the ride is comfortable and overall very pleasant to drive. Controls on the dash are easy to read and reach. Fit and finish are solid. The car feels very confident on the road. Steering is confident as well. There is no blind spots that I noticed. Over all the value of what you get when purchased is excellent.

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  Can a family car be sexy?? - 2013 Kia Optima
  By doogie517 - October 11 - 2:20 am

  I traded in my 2011 Kia Soul for a 2013 Kia Optima EX and even though its only been about a month, I can honestly say this car is HOT. It certainly has more features for the price than any other car in its class, and the the gas mileage is slightly lower than what is posted, overall I love this car. I got the snow white pearl finish with the light grey leather interior. I added custom wheels and a wood dash, and the car is now on par with a Lexus for half the price. the icing on the cake was the other day when i was at the grocery store, and this guy pulls up in a supercharged dodge challenger, rolls down the window, and says "nice ride" that made me smile for the rest of day!!

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  Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By KIA - October 9 - 3:43 pm

  I bought my Optima with about 52000 miles. Overall, it is pretty reliable and fuel economy is good, however it could be better. So far the only things I had to replace are the power steering hose, batteries and the lightbulb in the headlight. At times when I start my car, the cars stalls and takes a couple of seconds to start going.

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  Great Road Car - 2001 Kia Optima
  By GG - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great road car. Good power. Had problems with wind noise on the drivers side window. Fuel sender had to be replaced twice. Check engine light came on twice but was due to not having the fuel cap tight. This is a well performing car, especially if you do a lot of long distance driving.

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  Overall.... - 2005 Kia Optima
  By BabyBlue - October 8 - 6:13 am

  Well, I love my Kia. However, I was recently in a car accident, about 2 days ago actually. I hit a semi-truck, his fault, but it happened, the car has remarkably held up, no air bag deployed, which is a major concern of mine. However I received only minor injuries and was released from the hospital. The safety of this car is outstanding! Too bad I had to find out the hard way. On a regular basis, the city mileage is averaging about 20 miles to the gallon. Interstate is awesome! With an average of about 30/32 miles to the gallon! Comfortable, FUN and a car I can be proud of!