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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  12 SX Turbo - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sxturbo12 - September 3 - 9:24 pm

  I have owned the 12 SX Turbo for about a week now. I just traded in a 10 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5 due to early trans failure :(. it killed me. However, i am LOVING the Optima SX TURBO.. very good MPGs for a turbo engine. I do about 90% city driving and I average about 25.5 MPGs. Going from a charger to an optima is quite a large jump but I couldnt be happier. I am still on my first tank of cause. With the calculations, I should end up with about 415-420 on this tank. I do not drive like a grandma either .. lol.

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  nicks view - 2002 Kia Optima
  By nick - September 2 - 4:43 am

  My wife has me drive everywhere we go. Even though it is her car! I am not able to take out on my own. We like to take drives around the area we live in, Northern California. With the v6, it gives me the power I need to pass all the vehicles going up hill with no problem. With the safety features, the way it handles --. it is what sold me on it. I have a son who is 10, and I want him safe.

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  so-so car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Shaun - August 30 - 5:10 pm

  Bought this car used when it was 6 months old. The car is gorgeous inside and out. About a year after buying it, we started to have a lot of problems. One problem was the car would get stuck in third gear and not go up or down for days they "fixed" it twice under warranty but when it happened again after the warranty expired, it was a chip that I had to pay for. The coolant hose leaked and I couldnt buy one at a store, only the dealer sells them and it was $300. The airbag light keeps going off even though they fixed it 4 times. I was so upset with this car, however a year ago I got the new chip and did the timing belt, and since then the car has been very good with no problems, $1000, later

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  My Jalopy! - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Ruthi - August 30 - 8:11 am

  I bought this car after owning a Chev Aveo that was bare bones. I did have AC put in the Aveo. The first time I sat in an Optima, I was in LOVE!!! And driving one... Oh YES!!! MyFuel economy has been amazing. Much better then my Aveo was. and holds the roads. I travel across country about 3-4 times a year. The Optima has made this trip amazing! I havent figured out all the technological things yet, so I rated them ok or N/A. All I can say is this is the most comfortable amazing car I have ever been in. I stopped speeding because I dont want to get out of this car....

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  Lack of response - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Wanda Malinski - August 28 - 10:00 am

  New car checklist has not been completed. Kia Motors and dealership has not responded to my inquiries. Dealership made out 2 bill of sales with two different sets of figures, both which are incorrect. Minor problems have not been fixed by dealer.

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  Another winner from KIA - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Allen Mitts - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a KIA Sadona last year and have been very happy with it. So when our 2nd car needed to be replaced, there was no hesitation on what make of car we were going to look for. We went to the dealership and the choice was between the Spectra and the Optima. I really wanted the V6 so that left the Optima as our choice. I only have 200 miles on the car, but I love it! It drives very nice, and the look of the car compares to many luxery sedans. The price was right and I am sure when we are ready to trade our Kias in .... we will be buying 2 more new Kias!

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  Excellent for the money - 2007 Kia Optima
  By csandste - August 4 - 10:06 pm

  No problems so far in five months of light driving.

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  Very Poor Ride at Highway Speeds - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Doug - August 2 - 10:13 am

  This car has vibrated since the day I bought it. they have replaced 11 tires and the car still shudders and vibrates going down the highway. Kia rep says its normal. I bought car for the highway mileage, but if you are looking for a smooth highway ride, DO NOT buy a Kia.

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  Great car for the price - 2014 Kia Optima
  By dover157 - August 1 - 12:56 pm

  Have had my 14 Optima LX with the convenience package for a month now and I still smile every time I sit in it. Was not looking to buy a mid size sedan but loved it as soon as I took the first test drive. Steering could be a little stiffer and provide a bit of feedback, and the front passenger seat is way to low without the power upgrade. Have a couple of friends who dont like not being able to see over the dashboard when riding with me. Mileage could be better, but for a mid size car with a trunk I could sleep in its not bad at all. Over all a great car for the price when I walk up to it in a parking lot I still cant believe its a KIA.

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  Honda Killer - 2002 Kia Optima
  By whtever - July 30 - 11:26 am

  This car cost less than a new Accord LX and has way more options. We are very happy with our choice to buy a KIA. The build quality is better than Honda and generally so is everything else. KIA, if it keeps it up will be the next Honda. Great pricing and tons of options on a solid car. In my opinion the car is under valued on todayÂ’s market. But that should change. Just look at what people are saying about it. I would buy another Optima any day!