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 21 through 30 of 111.00-
Love my optima - 2012 Kia Optima
By Patricia - November 19 - 9:21 pmI bought the car 2012, new. Drives nice, good mpg, a little noisy, trouble shutting trunk. Drivers seat starting to feel springs 4 yrs out. Maintenance, knowing your manual is key to keeping engine &transmission in good shape. 74000 miles to date..no repairs, just maintenance.
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A Solid Bullseye... - 2012 Kia Optima
By kitchendzyn - November 19 - 3:41 amThis car far exceeded my expectations. I traded in my 09 Audi A4 for this car and have zero buyers remorse. It handles better on turns, takes the bumps better and accelerates as well or better than the Audi. But the most noticeable difference is the controls function easily without digging thru menus. I have owned 3 Lexus and 1 Audi before this car and if you looking for style, function and fun to drive, this Optima SX handily beats them. Koreans are a proud people and are over achievers. They have designed and built a very good automobile. Some of my friends would never buy a Kia, not enough of a status symbol for them. They dont know what they are missing.
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Update -- Better than Expectedd - 2012 Kia Optima
By fixer199 - October 1 - 4:18 am42,000 mile update. This car has been one of the most trouble-free and enjoyable cars weve ever owned. Still dont recommend the Nav unit, but I understand Kia changed it for 2013. Nexen tires are crap! We swapped them for Michellins at 30k. HUGE improvement in handling, quiet, and wet traction. We log our fuel usage and have averaged 25.53 mpg since new. About 80% of that was metro driving. We usually get 30-33 on road trips. Dealer service has been excellent. Had one issue with a burr on the steering gear. My wife didnt even notice it, but the dealer took care of it and provided a loaner. No hassles. Wish I could say the same for my Ford truck dealer.
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First LX Manual Review - 2012 Kia Optima
By trusko - September 9 - 4:11 pmI owned 1997 Acura Integra GS-R for 13 years and it was time to say good buy. With 3 kids and two of them playing hockey I was looking for a car that I can drive to work on daily basis and it can still fit two hockey bags. Optima handling is quite impressive, engine is very responsive. I like driving manual transmission and was quite impressed with Optimas responsiveness. I had to go with LX base since this was the only model that comes with manual. However, car is already loaded with all options I really wanted so no big deal. Gas mileage is pretty good - I am averaging 8.5L/100KM (mixed 50% highway), gets better on highway I could easily get 7L/100km.
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BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!!! - 2012 Kia Optima
By mrcwby - September 6 - 6:55 pmI am 56 and have owned many a vehicle but i have never, ever, had anyone walk up to me and admire my vehicle on atleast 4 different occasions. I even had one take a picture. I am 66" and this car even fits me with the panoramic sunroof. I really enjoy driving this vehicle every day and currently i am getting 30.2 mpg going back and forth to work. Granted it is mainly highway until i reach the city but i did take a jaunt to PA and that was two months ago and i was getting 35.1 mpg. I purchased this vehicle in Oct 11 and i currently have 10k miles on her.
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Extremely Satisfied - 2012 Kia Optima
By bambino3 - August 23 - 12:16 pmI purchased this car new in November 2011 and now have just over 12,000 miles on it. Its been flawless so far. Not a single issue. Averaging 30mpg under all conditions. I cant say that about any of the previous Audi A4s Ive owned--which were far more costly when comparing feature for feature. Great performance with the 2.0 turbo, plus excellent fuel economy for a sedan of this size--on regular unleaded.
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Love Love Love - 2012 Kia Optima
By uwololli - July 3 - 4:16 amIve had this car (used) for nearly 3 months and Im having a love affair! I drive almost 70 miles round trip a day and I average 36-38 hwy mpg (32 mpg overall). Anyone who says they get lower milage needs to press their "Eco" button and set their cruise control. My neighbor bought an Accord about the same time and while he gets a few more mpg, no one turns their head when he pulls into the parking lot at work. Speaking of work, we get 4 adults into my Optima when we go to lunch and no one complains about room (also cant be said for his Accord).
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2012 Kia Optima Amazing Value for the Money - 2012 Kia Optima
By botoboto - June 15 - 1:52 pmI purchased a 2012 Optima last year. I love this car! There is no need, I feel, for spending $$$ on a luxury sedan. The car is very comfortable, sporty, fun to drive, and the Gas Mileage is what the sticker says. Actually I can get 37 on highway trips. I even used the Progressive drive module for a month and had a poor rating because of my acceleration habits. Now there are some things I do not like. The side mirrors are NOT connected to the seat memory. If I had known this, I wouldnt have purchased the car. My last 3 cars had this feature and I am very used to it. Also the passenger seat will not raise and my wife says its like sitting in a hole. Road noise is louder than I like.
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Love the car - hate the Infinity NAV - 2012 Kia Optima
By fixer199 - May 3 - 6:41 pmJust bought a new EX with Premium & Tech packages last week. More we drive it, the more we like it -- except for the Infinity audio/NAV. The center channel dash speakers overpower all the others. its almost like driving a car from the 50s with one dash speaker. I thought I didnt have it adjusted right, but you cant adjust it away and the Kia forums have lots of the same complaint from other owners. You also give up HD radio when you upgrade to the $1400 Tech Package. Dont do it unless you MUST have the backup camera! Harmon Kardon make this system and they should be ashamed! We would buy the car again -- but without the Tech Package.
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Amazing value for the money - 2012 Kia Optima
By mustrockon - December 2 - 5:44 pmWhen we were looking for a car in the 30Ks range I have to admit Kia was not on the short list. After talking with two family friends, one with a BMW and another with a Mercedes both purchased within the last 3 years we began to broaden our search. Not only were the repair bills outrageous for even the smallest of fixes, but the features for the "lower priced" models were lacking compared to the Optima. We ended up getting a pearlized white with leather interior and a turbo 2.0 getting 275 horsepower. It has no problem getting up to speed and rides like a dream. Not only is this the best car we have owned for this price, but our family friend with the Mercedes is trading in for an Optima!
