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 2005 Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Roy Deamer - September 29 - 1:36 pm

  My wife and I bought this car because of the 10 yr, 100,000 mile warranty. I really do like this car, it is fun to drive and I surprise a lot of people with the accelleration and power this car has. The only drawback to it so far has been the gas mileage, it only gets about 25 hwy and 20 city, but I still like the car. Kia could have a real jewel with this car if they install and overdrive gear, this car would get 30 to 35 mpg, easy.

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  Whoa! - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Greg S. - September 21 - 2:26 am

  I have previously owned a Kia Spectra. It was nice, but 2 years later, I went back to the dealership, and fell in love with the Optima. Totally surprised with the power for a four cylinder! I can hold up the parking brake, and burn out (I know, not the smartest thing to do but it does it well)! I have every option available, except for the V6, but I dont need the V6 the 4 cyl is plenty. I feel like I am driving a Lexus or Mercedes. The ride is unmatched.

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  02 OPTIMA LX - 2002 Kia Optima
  By JOHNNY B - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT A FORMER RENTAL OPTIMA FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP.SINCE DECEMBER OF 03 TO PRESENT I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE KIA IN 5 TIMES FOR SMALL STUFF. WINDOW REGULATOR,KNOCK SENSOR,RECALL ON EMMISSIONS,SPEAKERS NOT WORKING,AND A DOOR LOCK SWITCH. OTHER THAN THAT THE CAR IS VERY NICE TO DRIVE,COMFORTABLE.

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  love my kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By lizzy - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I JUST GOT MY KIA A MONTH AGO. I GOT NEW TIRES AND RIMS AND LOVE THE LOOK. THE CAR HANDLES VERY GOOD AND I HAVE TWO KIDS SO I LOOKED AT THE SAFETY FEATURES. THE SIDE AIRBAGS GOT ME HOOKED.I AM GETTING GOOD GAS MILEAGE AND FOR ALL U NEW BUYERS----WAX UR CAR AFTER U GET IT HOME AND ITLL CLEAN UP REAL GOOD

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  Best Midsize Car for 2011 Update #1 - 2011 Kia Optima
  By dankocke - September 13 - 7:49 pm

  So I too have noticed the left pull issue after a few days of driving. This is a known problem by Kia with no good fix for it YET. This problem is not found on all Optimas but only a select few. Please test drive your car on the highway at speeds more than 65mph. My left pull is pronounced but not ridiculous. I did call Kia Custoomer Service and they are very helpful. If you open a case file with them on this issue they will guide you and the dealers through a preliminary fix until Kia engineers figure out a better fix. Gas mileage has been 28 mpg on all 4 tank fill ups in mixed mostly highway driving. Overall still love the car. NAV traffic is great!

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  Transmission went out at 60,400 miles! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Tim - September 9 - 10:32 pm

  Weve have had this car since new, and didnt have any issues until it was out of manufacturers warranty. While driving approximately 55mph the vehicle went into "limp mode" and told us to "pull over and safely exit the vehicle" (this was displayed on the dash). If I tried to put it in drive it would make a very hard jump, and would not accelerate. Upon contacting Kia I was told that there was no road side assistance because our car was out of warranty. So we loaded the vehicle up on my parents flat bed and hauled it to the dealership it was purchased from in Ocala, Fl (we were in Jax, Fl and insurance wouldnt transport it that far). Thank God for the extended warranty! Because after sitting in the dealership for over two weeks while they were "waiting to hear back from Korea, because weve never seen this problem" the car needed a new transmission and new electric motor. If we wouldnt have had the extended warranty I would have set the damn thing on fire because I cant imagine what the cost of that was (our repair bill did not give a price). On top of the transmission and electronic motor going out, the buttons to change the station on the steering wheel do not work properly, and the steering wheel itself is peeling apart. Front air damn fell off going down the road. According to Kia it was because my wife couldnt park, but I think it was never put on properly. Steering wheel makes a clicking noise if you barely turn it while the vehicle is stopped. Im sure it will break while were on the highway. Fit and finish are decent but the car does not live up to its price tag or its estimated fuel economy. Our warranty goes out at 100k so at that time well trade it in for $1,500 and put that towards a Honda.

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  Nice car, give Kia a chance! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Steve - September 9 - 12:00 pm

  Picked up my LX automatic the very last weekend of Cash for Clunkers, which combined with the $3000 rebate made the car very affordable. Great list of standard equipment, good exterior and interior design, and a killer warranty made this an easy purchase. Ive averaged 25 mpg in mixed city driving and just averaged 31 on a 300 mile road trip. Considering that I traded a 13 mpg SUV, Im loving the savings on gas.

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  Kia Optima ALi - 2005 Kia Optima
  By ASyed - September 9 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car 3 years ago and i havent had any problems. I havent really been maintaining this car as should but it doesnt bother me at all. very reliable. this car is definitely undervalued. should compete with Honda or Camry.

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  2009 Kia Optima TRANSMISSIONS ON OPTIMAS ARE BAD! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By unsatisfied - September 6 - 10:17 pm

  I had problems with acceleration from the time I bought this new. I was told there wasnt a problem they put it on the computer and there wasnt anything wrong....I am a woman so...it was well we cant find anything wrong. I was charged for the KIA maintenance plan for 5 years...and low and behold at the end of 5 years....they found it needed a new transmission....!!!

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  Avoid the Optima - 2007 Kia Optima
  By RichardErikson - September 6 - 2:06 am

  My transmission has been replaced twice. Bad head gasket. I bought it new and it was great for the first two years and then this year it has been problem after problem.