Overview & Reviews

The Optima gets several revisions for its third year on the market. Most obvious is its new front-end styling, which replaces the Optima's reserved countenance with a more upscale European look -- double light clusters call to mind the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Other changes include new wheel designs, and inside, a new center stack, new door panels and fresh seat fabric. A manual transmission will no longer be available on the four-cylinder SE model; all automatic four-cylinder models will offer Sportmatic manual-shift capability. The LX model now comes with cruise control and a CD player (at the expense of the cassette deck). The SE will include automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink and Infinity speakers; a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel is now part of the Leather Package. Lastly, engine horsepower ratings have been lowered following parent-company Hyundai's announcement that it had misstated outputs (the Optima is a corporate twin of the Sonata), but the engines themselves are unchanged.

• Excellent warranty, pleasant highway ride, lots of bang for your family sedan buck.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 63.00

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  Pretty Nice Sedan and the Price is Great - 2003 Kia Optima
  By lh_acer - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It rides smooth and has a great initial acceleration.

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  After 1st Three tanks full... - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Willa Jabir - July 19 - 2:00 am

  There is no "Get up and go" here, but for what you pay it is worth it. Ive gotten 26-29 mpg. I normally get more than the ratings, but not here. Handling is good. The engine is a bit noisy, but not that bad. The sportmatic transmission is nice for control. A family car for easy driving. All controls are in good locations except the cruise control on/off switch. It is located by the left knee...go figure. The cruise has to be turned on each time the vechile is used again. Each time you turn it on, it is a one time deal. All other controls are in good layout.

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  The more I know it the better I like it - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Richard Gross - June 27 - 8:33 pm

  The more I drive this car the better I like it. Peppy, handles great, and the Selectronic shifter is great in the mountains. Good gas milage, good looks, and nice interior (leather package). Will it be reliable in the long haul? Only time will tell, but with the great warranty I am not worried.

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  great car - 2003 Kia Optima
  By mstrwidget - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems. It drives great

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  bought for too much...but love it - 2003 Kia Optima
  By SoberStarlet - April 6 - 9:16 pm

  Although I fell hook line and sinker for a full priced 2003 Kia Optima (just weeks before it would become "last years model"), I am truly loving it. Classy, and fun to drive (with optional sport shifter) I couldnt have picked a better car to be my first "new car" to buy. Next time though...I think I will bring my father to the dealership with me, so that I get a fair price. :) I recommend this car to anyone...its a great car to hand down to your kids (which is what we plan to do) and know that they are safe.

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  my new optima - 2003 Kia Optima
  By new car buyer - February 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the kia optima 2003 and could not believe all you get for the price.Our car has everything in it except heated seats.When living in Texas that is not really necessary.The car drives great,is comfortable,gets good gas mileage,and was afordable.I had never heard of a optima before and never drove a kia.I do admit that I was looking for information on the car myself.After driving the car myself it did not really matter what anyone else said because I loved it.The warrenty that kia carries made me fill secure in my decision and to just enjoy my car and I do.I bought my car 8 weeks ago and have already put 4,200 miles on it.It is great!

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  nice for the price - 2003 Kia Optima
  By kink - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my new KIA. I love the pickup when I punch it. The ride is smooth and quiet.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Kia Optima
  By MSAGRO - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2003 Kia Optima LX V6. I have had the car for 2 weeks and just love it! A helpful hint on the 2003 Optima owners: That grill! Ugh, looks like shark teeth in Finding Nemo. What I did was go to a Kia dealership and get a 2004 grill. Its the same fit as the 2003, just 6 screws later and you have a car that is radically changed. The part was only $87 and made it look like a newer car. I highly recommend it.

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  NICE CAR - 2003 Kia Optima
  By KEITH C. - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd KIA. First was a 2000 Sephia. The dependabily was the reason why I went back for another. I had 138,000 on my 2 1/2 year old Sephia. I liked the style of the Optima 2003. So far I enjoy driving it. I have had a simple problem which the dealer will correct. I am hopeing to get the same reliable transportation with this car. If so, I will buy another KIA in 3 years.

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  Happy - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Inflight - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Two months and two major trips, Phila. to Boston and Phila. to Richmond. Some tough driving conditions heavy rain and high heat all handled with confidence. Car rides great at speed. Best mileage 28.6. Ive had no problems at all.