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 31 through 40 of 111.00

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  Does Kia really listen to its customers? - 2012 Kia Optima
  By dbenson62 - July 27 - 1:18 am

  I just purchased a 2012 SX Turbo in Corsa Blue. I have already had people pull up next to me and tell me what a beautiful car it is. I love the power, styling, all the controls and more. I had a 07 Impala and the leg room in the back seat was awful. power was sluggish and not many options. I was pleasantly surprised to find plenty of leg room in the Kia along with all the goodies to play with. I only have 175 miles on it so far, just breaking it in so I cant say much about the gas mileage. It is quiet on the road and down the freeway. It is just a fun car to drive. We use to laugh at people that drove Hyundai and Kia, you cant afford a real car? Now we own one and love it! Its rated well

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  Awesome comfortable luxury car great gas - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Daniel Ake - May 6 - 5:31 pm

  I drive Uber and all my riders are surprise by the comfort of the car they say it feels like a Lexus or a Mercedes comfort. I took guys 64 in the back and they were very comfortable with good space. I went from Houston to San Antonio appx 200milines with half a tank. And my two kids love my car i have alot of fun driving it

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  update on my previous review - 2012 Kia Optima
  By arubin - April 2 - 2:25 am

  I am now at 4300 miles on my Kia optima ex turbo and it still a great trill to drive it as it was during my first few weeks of driving the Kia.Furthermore once this car really breaks in and you totally know what to expect on your driving experience, I feel even more confidence when driving at higher speeds.Still very solid and a ride without any rattles no matter how bad the road surface might be.I could not be happier with this car and hope this experience continues.

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  A very nice driving experience! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By garlin1 - February 25 - 4:32 am

  I would like to reply to all those customers who are complaining about the Fuel economy of the Optima. I just bought a new 2013 Optima LX and after reading your peeves about MPG I am flummoxed as to whether or not we are driving the same model. First off, I am approaching 7000 miles and I have averaged 30 MPG. No, I do not only drive on a traffic free highway, for I happen to live in California. Also, if you have the LX or EX model in a 2.4 Litre and you complain about getting under 20 MPG there is something specifically wrong with your driving style and habits. Fuel economy relies where and how you drive. What matters is how smoothly and how often you depress the accelerator.

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  Great Family Car With Lots of Goodies - 2012 Kia Optima
  By nomis68 - February 8 - 10:17 am

  I came to this 2012 Optima from a 2010 Mazdaspeed3. With a new son the Speed3 just wasnt doing it. This Optima is the real deal! The ride is smooth in my opinion and the handling is tight. The cabin looks great in the SX. I love the Infinity sound system, it sounds GREAT for a factory system. The iPod interface works great and the Nav. system is about as good as it gets. The panoramic sunroof is just plain cool. The heated and cooled front seats will come in real handy here in St. Louis. The backseats are almost as comfy as the front ones, back seats being heated is pretty sweet. The style of the exterior is awesome, slick lines, LED taillights, xenon headlights. This car ROCKS!

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  Love my optima - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Patricia - November 19 - 9:21 pm

  I 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 am

  This 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 am

  42,000 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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  Wish I Wouldnt Have Leased So I could Sell It! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bjk2 - September 20 - 7:43 pm

  If I had bought this car I could sell it & cut my losses on gas. Most everything is great about my 2013 Optima SXL 2.0 Turbo except that I average 16 mpg. No I dont drive it hard or fast. I get better mpg in my Chevy HD2500 4x4, 4gr, long bed diesel. If I was getting the advertised 22 mpg city Id be happier. I hope there is such a thing a a break-in period to get the advertised mpg. Id rather have my gutless 1.8L Toyota Matrix that gets great gas mileage at this point in time. The low ratings are all about the mpg.

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  Used To LOVE My 2012 Optima - Now I HATE It! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By imac7 - September 11 - 7:41 pm

  2012 Optima looks great; however, on the first day after I bought it, I was driving on freeway (regular freeway speed) and I noticed intermittent wind noise coming in by the top of driver door. I hope it was something that could be fixed. Three dealer appointments (time wasted) one which was arranged by Kia Corporate their bottom line was "normal noise." I owned a Sentra, Accord, Maxima, Camry, and a Pathfinder (which am not counting) and NONE of the cars had this issue. Also, my MPG average is about 22 (Last tank - no change in driving conditions - I got 19+)... MPG was a major factor when I decided to buy this car.