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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  So Far So Good! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By J Christian - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Hey guys, Ive had my Kia Optima for 1 yr and 2mths now. So far so good. Im actually a few thousand miles over my next maint visit which I shoul schedule. Im a Network Engineer and sometimes Im required to drive great distances daily to reslove problems. But so far in my opinion it was a great buy. The only draw back is power but I purchased a 4 cyl so what can I expect. but its held up great for me so far. In short other cars are faster but wheres their warranty? What good is a fast car if it only last a couple of years. Ill keep my Optima and the 10 yr warranty. Best of Luck.

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  Great Car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By steven0925 - August 25 - 7:50 am

  We did a great deal of research before purchasing the Optima and it was the right decision. We have the fully loaded EX with the appearance package and I highly recommend it. We went with the 4 cyl for the better mileage and after 5,000 miles we are seeing MPG returns in line with what was stated on the ticker. Great car for cruising on the highway because it is comfortable and quiet. We had a bad snow/ice storm here in CT and the traction control was outstanding. I never lost control for a moment and felt like I was driving an AWD car rather than FWD.

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  Extremely Satisfied - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bambino3 - August 23 - 12:16 pm

  I 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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  WAY impressed with this car! - 2013 Kia Optima
  By c1carroll - August 23 - 1:28 am

  Went shopping for a used Optima the minute I realized it was car time. Found a used 2013 with 44K on it, and almost dismissed it out of hand for high miles, until I drove it, then ...WOW! Like it just rolled off factory floor. Loaded EX with ALL the bells and whistles. Have had it for 7 months and another 6K, and I cant find the slightest flaw. Getting about 24 MPG around town, and up to 38MPG on hwy, so I do NOT understand the MPG complaints Ive read here. Car drives like its on rails, and very quiet. My wife has the 2011 Sonata Limited so were always comparing cars, and shell admit, the Optima is the better of the 2. For the price, you cant beat it

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  2003 Kia Optima SE V6 - 2003 Kia Optima
  By jeff420m - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Drives great. You get a lot of car for your money with this car. The warranty and roadside assistance make it even great, Honda and Toyota dont even come close.

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  HORRIBLE piece of junk - 2004 Kia Optima
  By David - July 20 - 3:43 pm

  Have had my Kia for about 2 years. Constant trouble. Timing belt, pully, power steering, and now the computer is out. Guess I will have to sell it on ebay for a few hundred bucks.

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  2011 Optima EX w/ Premium Package - 2011 Kia Optima
  By arumage - July 16 - 12:03 am

  So far, Im really enjoying my new Optima. It looks great and the features are awesome. It has enough power for any driving that I do and so far is returning about 27 mpg in mixed driving even though its not fully broken in yet. It really loved being driven steadily between 45 and 55mph. The trip computer says its getting about 39mpg at those speeds, although I hear its a little optimistic.

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  exelent car for small budget! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By jason - July 13 - 3:56 pm

  21 city,28 highway, not bad! needs only regular maint, i recomend you to drive one (5-6k with 50000 miles on it). never had a single problem almost 1.5 y driving!

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  Not a bad car. - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Greg McGhee - July 10 - 10:00 am

  My Kia is a great car. I use it to drive 40 miles to work and back 5 days a week. The only problem I have had was when a sensor went out. I believe it was a recall. The dealer took care of the problem quick. It handles better than I ever imagined a Kia would. I would change to front grill of the 2004 back to the 2003 style. It gives the appearance of a more expensive luxury car. Not what you would expect from a Kia. I am planning to trade it in on the new Amanti in a couple of years. Who knows, there may be a Kia in my garage for a while to come.

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  Home run! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Elmo - July 8 - 10:00 pm

  All I can say is Kia has come a long way in a short time. I bought an sx and a comparably equipped camry or honda was about 11,000 more. I am very happy and plus have the best warranty in the business.