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:

• 

  Former Kia Salesman gives rating - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Whatever - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I happened to own one while selling them to make a living. Periodically the CD/Cassette player gives an error indicating unable to locate last track played on the CD. We are going to have paint problems. Have you noticed the trunk, door, hood, door handle wells need another coat of the same metalic exterior pant? I dislike the wasted jet beams that spike straight up at about a 75-degree angle from horizontal. Look up at tall evergreens after dark while driving some night especially in the fog! "NO REAR CABIN LIGHTES"? Why should I have to feeeellll my way around the rear seats and rear floors in a 21st century automobile? This is Un-American.

• 

  man are we peeps stupid - 2005 Kia Optima
  By J.E - February 22 - 5:23 pm

  well let me start by saying i bought this car for my daughter.but 2 months ago my wife got a new car. infinity g 35. test drove mercedes c230 and slk 350, bmw m series. and we owned 2 hondas.This optima is best riding and value car on the market. it just blows me away how people can over look this car.just do a test drive any car the optima will be a better ride .

• 

  piece of &%$#...... - 2005 Kia Optima
  By joel29m - February 8 - 2:59 pm

  ive been getting work done on this car since the first year we had it! problems: 2 batteries, timing belt, condenser, lights, 3 thermostats, motor mounts, valve cover gasket leaks, oem car stereo, air bag, tension pully, and rear seatbelt. bought it in 2005, and getting rid of asap!!! got into it with the dealer about the warranty, and it only has 89,000 miles and had more ##@# done to it than my 91 corolla by 80%!!!!

• 

  Great Family Car With Lots of Goodies - 2012 Kia Optima
  By nomis68 - February 8 - 10:17 am

  I came to this 2012 Optima from a 2010 Mazdaspeed3. With a new son the Speed3 just wasnt doing it. This Optima is the real deal! The ride is smooth in my opinion and the handling is tight. The cabin looks great in the SX. I love the Infinity sound system, it sounds GREAT for a factory system. The iPod interface works great and the Nav. system is about as good as it gets. The panoramic sunroof is just plain cool. The heated and cooled front seats will come in real handy here in St. Louis. The backseats are almost as comfy as the front ones, back seats being heated is pretty sweet. The style of the exterior is awesome, slick lines, LED taillights, xenon headlights. This car ROCKS!

• 

  Car from Hell - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Magentis - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The Optima is the U.S. name, it is called the Magentis in Canada. At 55,000 km the dealership has replaced all four brakes and the transmission. The new transmission is acting up just as the old one did.Door locks have been replaced.Windshield wipers have rusted. The life of the headlight bulbs is six months.The fuel guage was replaced after two months of driving.It takes 3 months to get parts at some dealerships.Ive been to three dealerships because the first two closed.

• 

  Key sticks in ignition - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Melissa Widener - January 30 - 12:40 am

  My Kia Optima purrs like a kitten and rides like a dream! Mechanically, it has served me well. It is an attractive car and I am a proud owner.

• 

  KIA OPTIMA POOR - 2009 Kia Optima
  By rtoothman - January 14 - 3:17 pm

  Car codes every spring return to dealership they clear code[multiple misfires] runs fine after several restarts, and say they cant find whats wrong with engine 2.7 V6 which they no longer offer in Optima.The vehicle has had this issue since 10,000 miles and only has 49,000 as of 2013.Dealership or KIA problem?????Rhormans of FT Wayne In.

• 

  My first car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By ameagle177 - January 13 - 2:17 pm

  I bought this car two years ago as my first car, i got it for 400 bucks all smashed up. i fixed it at 75k miles and ive had no problems at all except crank sensor and belt squeak. I drive it pretty rough, but i perform all needed routine maintenance. it now has 86k miles and has served me well.

• 

  A used 4000 mi. Optima LX at $119 a mo. - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Dangelus - January 13 - 4:46 am

  Very quite and comfortable ride, the suspension is comparable to a german ride. The stock audio CD cassette combo is far better that japanise competition. The trunk is Cadillac size! I could no possibly ask more for what I paid.

• 

  Love My Kias - 2007 Kia Optima
  By R Jenkins - January 11 - 2:40 pm

  We purchased a 2007 Kia Optima EX V6 with heated seats, sunroof, spoilers, dual exhaust, etc. and LOVE this car! It has lots of safety features, a huge trunk, a comfortable interior, and is still sporty to drive. It feels like you are riding in a much more expensive car. The car is very responsive. We have owned sports cars and luxury cars, but this is the best of both worlds. The front and rear de-icers are great and the ten speaker Infinity sound system is AWESOME! The built-in roll-down shade for the rear is like those often seen on a Benz. The car is quality built and we believe that by the time Honda and Toyota take note, their market share may be lost! We love both our Kias.