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 11 through 20 of 111.00

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  Never thought - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Scott Oaks - January 21 - 5:38 pm

  Ive had this Kia for a year and a half. Ive never had a issue with it. It is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned. A few years back I never would of purchased a Kia, but since the design change in 2012 they have made a remarkable convergence from one moment a disposable car and now its a car I want to keep until the wheels fall off. The options offer are technically sound and most are offered only by luxury cars at a much higher cost. As a personal note I normally do upgrades wheels, performance enhancing, eco and power. But this car has not needed one, great fuel mileage, excellent handling and power with more to spare. Its a well rounded car.

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  Short-Term Review (5k Miles) SX Premium Touring - 2012 Kia Optima
  By cura04 - January 15 - 3:14 pm

  Currently owned for 3 months (my last car was an Acura TSX). I researched like hell because I never thought that I would purchase a KIA in the near-future. Overall, I am in love with the vehicle. I mainly purchased the vehicle because of the appeal, features, performance/fuel efficiency, and size (in order of whats important to me). I like to point out the price point- Retail $30,395. No car in the mid-size region offers every option as the optima SX for that price. Of course, pending where you live, incentives and supply/demand will dictate the final price. I couldnt be happier with my purchase and I feel like a million bucks (as I drive down the street knowing what I actually paid for it)

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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!

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  No Spare Tire!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By alanbala - October 19 - 2:37 am

  My wife and I had to purchase a new car, after our less than two year old car was totaled. After ruling out several cars, we decided we really liked the 2013 Kia Optima EX with the Premium Package. We got a really good price considering it is a 2013 model, and as we were settling on the sale, we discovered the car comes with NO SPARE TIRE!!. Instead, you get some kind of hinky tire inflation kit good for one use. We bought the car anyway. Now we have to go out and buy a space saver spare, a jack and a lug wrench. The jack and lug wrench are easy to find. Not so the spare. Chevy started this stupid trend. its a shame all the other manufacturers are following suit.

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  6000 mile update - 2012 Kia Optima
  By scrapalara - September 20 - 4:34 am

  Posted a review shortly after I purchased this EX with Premium (no turbo, no nav). Love this car more every day. Just back from a 3-day road trip; mostly highway miles - averaging 36.3 mpg. Woo hoo! Front drivers seat is SO comfy, love the stereo and a/c and the pano roof. Lost a star for comfort only because the front passenger seat is SO low (I feel like "Kilroy was here" when I ride on the passenger side). Otherwise, loving this car.

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  Blown Motor with just 105,000 miles on it. - 2012 Kia Optima
  By David - September 14 - 4:29 pm

  I bought my 2012 Optima LX brand new. Kept up with oil changes and used it almost exclusively for commuting on the highway. Without warning the motor started knocking and squealing on the freeway and then died. Had it towed to KIA who said that the engine needs replacement. Since I am 5,000 miles beyond the 100,000 mile warranty they will not cover anything and gave me a quote of about $7,000 to replace the motor. Although I absolutely loved this car, this is unacceptable. It appears that I am not the only person who has experienced blown engines with the Kia Optima. Now I have a car that is only half way paid for and I have to come up with 7k to fix it. I will never buy a Kia again.

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  Changing My Mind About Kia - 2012 Kia Optima
  By amandal0514 - September 14 - 1:05 am

  Ive had my 2012 Kia Optima EX (with Premium Package and Navigation) for a little over a week now. I traded in my 2008 Honda Accord for it because I was looking for something a little more "fun" with more options but needed the same size. I owned a 2002 Kia Sportage and it lost $10k in value in 1 year so Kia has always left a bad taste in my mouth. Since 2003 Ive been with Honda but a new Kia Optima caught my eye not too long ago and I was surprised to see it was rated the #1 sedan under $25k on this site. I started checking into it and really liked what I read about it. Its only been 500 miles but I love all the features! My daughter and I adore the car!

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  Kia Hybrid Premium was a great find - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sii - August 6 - 3:35 am

  What a find! Its a bettery hybrid than the Camry and had more features for the same price as the Sonata. Lithium Polymer battery provides extra power during hard acceleration. The transition from EV battery mode to engine power was smooth unlike in the Sonata or the reviews. My guess is they tweaked the software. Not as sporty as a smaller car or a Mazda, but much better than other hybrids. Though its a hybrid, it feels like a normal fully equiped car except for the quietness and good MPG.

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  Never buy a Kia...Worst decision ever - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Michelle - April 20 - 1:41 am

  Kia Optima sucks!! At 55,000 miles engine seized and we were forced to replace it even though there was a warranty but Kia ALWAYS finds a way out of paying as can be seen by the reviews. Now at 90,000 miles car transmission or Turbo is going out so car is now going back into shop. Two weeks ago wire harness broke some how and severe several wires causing the brake system to go out! And if you call a Kia dealer all they will tell you is how great the Optimas are and why they would own them.... I offered to sell him mine on the spot, even told him that since his mechanic replaced motor that car should be perfect right??? There needs to be a mandatory recall o these cars immediately before someone is killed!!!! I want mine gone already!!!

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  Holy Smokes - This is NOT ur Mothers KIA! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By jerryk007 - February 27 - 6:02 pm

  A bit apprehensive at first! After researching and viewing the Hyundai products i.e. Sonata, Elantra & KIA I became convinced that the KIA was amazing! The value for the $$$ was almost unbelievable. Current incentives also played a roll. But after 10 1/2 years with a Nissan Maxima that served me very well at 101K Miles this cars design and finish compared to the Sonata, Camry, Altima & Honda won hands down. The leather interior is the best in class! I am a huge fan and the creature features are just enough! Also ride is very responsive and pretty damn quiet for its cost!