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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  Amazing value for the money - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mustrockon - December 2 - 5:44 pm

  When 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!

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  VERY HAPPY - 2003 Kia Optima
  By chiselstone - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had noting but fun since i have gotten it. The car purrs and hada a great sound when you punch it. I have a Blast driving it. Friends always want me to to let them drive it. For the Price I dont think any car compares. I got mine with every option.

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  Greatest car on market! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By abc55 - November 25 - 3:28 pm

  What can I say? I love my Optima LX 6AT. It blows away any other Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Chevy or Ford off the road. I looked and drove them all before buying. Looks slick while its doing it. Quality abounds from interior, exterior to engine performance and MPG economy. All the other car makers...watch out. This is going to catch on in a big way. Nobody can believe it is a KIA. Im getting 32-33 MPG on a twisty, turning, up and down road. Electronic stability control is the best.

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  unbelievably good value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By ssekdad - November 23 - 10:07 pm

  I bought this car in early July and drove from Chicago to Colorado and back in August so I already have almost 5000 miles on this car. I love almost everything about this car so my complaints are really nit picky. The city gas mileage isnt great (15-20) but we got almost 33 mpg on the trip to Colorado where we averaged over 70 mph. In Eco mode the transmission seems to downshift abruptly when you are decelerate. The routing on the GPS and the POI library isnt great so I am continuing to use my TomTom GPS unit. Other than that I am thrilled with the car. The workmanship is top notch, its extremely roomy and comfortable, the panoramic sunroof makes it feel even more spacious.

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  Better than expected... - 2013 Kia Optima
  By joseph70 - November 21 - 12:43 pm

  This car delivers. Everything that it says it does...it does. The power is quick, responsive and really makes the car fun to drive. It handles with the precision of a European counterpart. I have been impressed with the features that are offered inside the cabin as well. I would have never pictured myself in a Korean car as I have been a Japanese owner all of my life. The quality and fit of the car have really sealed the deal for me. I am not sure if I could recommend a car more highly. Kia has been excellent with all the maintenance and follow up. It has been better than expected.

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  Kia Optima SXL 2.0 Turbo Blown Engine - 2013 Kia Optima
  By Colton Pack - November 18 - 1:14 am

  At 80,00 miles I had to replace the engine. In total I spent $5,500 for the engine replacement at the Kia Dealership. They said the cause of it was "metal to metal rod bearings". According to kia I was to blame for not using a KIA GENUINE oil filter. Because I did not use their oil filter somehow metal got in my oil and ruined the engine. Thats a bunch of BS. I read multiple peoples accounts of the same experience with their KIA optima. I saw on the news where Hyundai recalled the same engine this car has. Clearly they need to investigate the optima engine as well. KIA doesnt care about their customers.

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  Best Midsize Car for 2011 Update #3 - 2011 Kia Optima
  By dankocke - November 14 - 9:54 pm

  Left Pull Issue 90% eliminated by getting new tires. I was very hesistent about going this route as Kia would not offer to do this for me. Ive read the discussions on Kia forums and people who changed tires had success. Luckily I was one of them. I went with Yokahama Avid Envigors about $100 each and the fun factor has returned to this car 100 fold. These new tires handle much better, are better in the rain and provide good road feel with a much better pronounced on-center feel. Otherwise, my Optima is performing well. With the sweltering heat my mileage has been between 27 and 29mpg commuting to work and back.

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  it ok - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Terri - November 5 - 1:40 pm

  seem to me I steering to the right a lot on this car. Maybe caused it have Low performances tires. Also the road noise is bad aint a really big fan of that.

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  april buyer - 2004 Kia Optima
  By scrubmd - October 27 - 10:00 am

  had problems with the trunk latch second day of owning car but dealer fixed right away and provided a loaner vehicle until fixed. car takes bumps and handles nicely and has a great sound system

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  Great Car LOW PRICE - 2010 Kia Optima
  By DERSSAS - October 26 - 3:00 pm

  Wow. I had this car for a couple months now and it is amazing. There is no complaints . It handles the road well and gas mileage is perfect . Plus now they have a $2000 Discount Incredible. The guys at Nationwide treated me great and I really enjoyed my buying experience. Hands down the best one yet .