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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  Kia Magentis 2004 Model - 2004 Kia Optima
  By alfybio - September 29 - 9:17 am

  I have found this car great value for my almost meagre spend on it. The car starts effortlessly, almost before the ignition is turned, its silent, and just purrs when running. In motion it is very stable, and appears to bounce when it hits a bump.

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  True Review of the Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Jay - September 28 - 1:06 am

  First 3 years and nearly 60,000 miles the car was flawless. At 59,700 the check engine light came on needed spark plugs, wires, and sensor covered by warranty then all of a sudden the headlights started to blow-out every other month, the chk eng light came on with several major codes not covered by warranty, the exterior held up but the wheel covers peeled and wiper arms started to rust. Drivers door speaker started to make horrible noise. The belts would squeak in cold/damp weather at start-up

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  The Best Car for the Price - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Elisa - September 27 - 2:36 am

  The car is worth more than you pay for. It makes Honda and Toyota look like a joke! It has beautiful lines and drives better than its competition. I test drove it against the Corolla and the Civic and came back to buy the Optima. If youre looking for a car with quality this is the car to buy. Competitors better look out. Theres a new kid in town.

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  Very Impressive - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bambino3 - September 26 - 6:28 pm

  Ive had this car for just over 3 months. After owning many VWs and Audis, I was in the market for a new Audi when I read reviews on the Optima and decided to at least have a close look and test drive. To be honest, I felt this car looked better overall than the Audi A4. Sleeker lines end to end. I know thats a personal judgment, but that was how I saw it. Next, I looked closely at the interior and features offered in the SX (to me, a turbo charged engine is a necessary performance feature). The interior, while not quite as plush as an Audi A4, was extremely nice. Leather, very stylish dash and trim. Finally, I drove the car and was very impressed with the ride and performance.

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  False MPG, but lovely car - 2013 Kia Optima
  By optimahybrid - September 20 - 6:21 am

  The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid is pretty to look at! It is also comfortable to drive and has good pick up. BUT...the fuel economy under real world driving conditions is substantially lower than the estimated 36/38/40. We drive 85-90% hwy miles and our mpg is a pathetic 33 mpg. Weve driven 10,000 + miles and have calculated the mpg each time. Worse, the fuel gauge onboard display overstates the mpg by 4-5 mpg. It is easy to be lulled into thinking the mpg is decent, but when calculated...it isnt.

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  good as any other car i had! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MAURICE HAMEL - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NOTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS VEHICLE,IT HAS BEEN A GOOD RELIABLE AUTO , I BOUGHT IT IN JAN 2004 I HAVE 26500 MILES ON IT , ITS BEEN IN BELOW ZERO WEATHER, AND VERY HOT WEATHER, AND IT PERFORMED FLAULESSLY,I GET 31 MILE PG ON HIWAY AND I LOVE THIS CAR. I HAD CHEV,CORSICA,2 LUMINAS,BUICK REGAL,CHEV VENTURA VAN,ALL NEW AND THIS CAR IS AS GOOD AS ANY OF THEM!

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  Like it! - 2003 Kia Optima
  By sharron99 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is a great value. I have the V- 6 and it rides great. I have had only one problem with the sunroof motor that was repaired by dealer, no charge to me. Car has excellent warranty! 5 year 60,000 bumper to bumper! 10 years - 100,00 powertrain.Most options are standard and I also got the leather package. The interior set up and controls look nice and function well. The styling is great, and several people thought I was driving a Mercedes because of the new front grill European style. A car with all the options I wanted for just slightly over $20,000! Time will tell, I hope the vehicle lasts. So far, so good!

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  Kia CAN be reliable - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Iowa - September 7 - 5:06 am

  I love my 2001 Optima. Ive had it for only a month, and it has 95,000 miles on it. It drives like a Buick, though, and is as reliable as a Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai. I had to have a new timing belt put in it ($500), but that was just a maintenance thing since it looks as though the previous owner had never done it. Its so much fun to drive, though, and all of my neighbors, friends, and family salivate over it saying it looks brand new. I couldnt find a better deal for $5,000 with all the options!

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  Fine Ride - 2003 Kia Optima
  By militarymama1969 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!! I had a Focus and i loved it and when trade in time came, the Optima is the only car that caught my eye...

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  The service is the problem not the car - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Leann - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have made 4 visits to kia service centers and for a simple problem with the belt squeeling. I supose today it will be fixed after the car had to be towed.