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:

• 

  Great Start...a few nitpicks - 2011 Kia Optima
  By flip00 - October 19 - 3:22 am

  Wow, Kia hit a home-run with the new Optima. Researched and then drove all the competitors in both 4 and 6 cylinder high end versions, and the Optima hands down was superior. had to wait almost 3 months to get mine, I had really just wanted an EX with the premium package...love those cooled seats in the hot El Paso sun, but have not regretted the SX. Have not experienced the pull to the left, and the car is as quiet as my former Accord EX-L on the road. A few quality issues with the sunglass holder and mood lighting not functioning on the passenger door and I do get have the rattle from the sunroof. getting an average of 24-28 in mixed driving in part due to elevation Would buy again!

• 

  A great value... - 2003 Kia Optima
  By bulldog485 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We decided to look at the Kia Optima along with everything from the Olds Alero, Toyota Camery, Ford Taurus and a whole slew of others. The Kia Optima SE V6 won hands down for both the price, the features that came standard and the warranty. The same car in a Toyota Camery would cost about $5,000 more and I liked the exterior lines of the Optima. With four months and 7,000 miles on the clock, we are still happy with our purchase and I fully plan to have the car past its warranty. My personal goal is to have this car past 150,000 miles and from what I see so far, I will... Good car for the money.

• 

  KIA Out Does Themselves Again - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Tom Gage - October 17 - 12:27 am

  If upgrading to the Harmon Kardon stereo system, you sacrifice a CD player. The sacrifice is worth it. You can use a personal Apple IPhone, Apple or other brand Ipad as well as an MP3 to play your recorded music with the USB cord. Other than this perhaps negative for some buyers, it is a delightful ride with all the top safety features and luxurious features of the finest cars offered by all top auto manufacturers and surpassing them. It should be noted that this is my second newly purchased KIA. The previously owned 2010 KIA Forte LX accumulated over 195,000 miles with only normally scheduled maintenance. BRAVO! I expect no less than the attainment of this achievement for my 2016 KIA Optima SXL Turbo when combined with the past exceptional KIA service.

• 

  Best value for comfort and performance - 2004 Kia Optima
  By glim - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Bid most 2-litre non-NA cars on the road

• 

  best buy for your money - 2005 Kia Optima
  By roger roberts - October 15 - 4:10 pm

  My 2003 Kia Optima 4 cyl has more power than you need, great on hills, 28 mpg hwy, 23 mpg city, car is very quiet, ride is great, great sound system, only bad feature is, must change timing belt at 60k mi. but this is recomended for many other cars to. Just drove car to Fl and back to Roanoke, Va. Service has been great, I would put thiis car up against any car in th USA. I will buy another used Kia. I wish that Kia would build a car that would tow a small travel trailer.

• 

  Best Kept Secret on Highway - 2013 Kia Optima
  By jimbojjm - October 11 - 5:23 pm

  Im shocked at some reviewers complaint about poor gas mileage. I bought a 2013 EX with premium package two weeks ago and cant say enough good things about the car. It receives wow comments from passersby and Im asked over and over again "How do I like it and how much does it cost?" I got mine for less than $24,000. Sound good to you? I average over 30 mpg in 50/50 city highway driving. When I drive at 65-75 on the hwy I at get about 37 mpg. If you want good mileage you have to learn to and use good green driving habits. There are plenty of articles on the internet on how to get the best mileage out of your car. This car looks great , drives nice, is comfortable and a bargain.

• 

  My review - 2002 Kia Optima
  By BONZJONZ - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a 1990 Ford Ranger, the Optima is definitely a step up. The mileage is very good for the long trips that I have to take.

• 

  best car for the money - 2004 Kia Optima
  By mack11 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  For the money, it is the best car I ever owned. Underated by the media. Ready to buy their new, best model now. KIA is gaining momentum very quickly.

• 

  Do Not Get a Kia - 2008 Kia Optima
  By barbararoberts - September 13 - 3:44 am

  I bought my car brand new in June 08. The main reason I bought an Optima is because all the safety airbags on it. it really did seem to be a safe car on the market at that time. Since then I have seen a main complaint that the airbags DO NOT deploy when there is an impact. That gave me a really big concern. Well, now my car is cutting off with me as I start down the road and I have been told it is because I have used aftermarket oil filters. BULL!!!!! They put Kia oil filter on and guess what? It is still cutting off with me. I came to a T-intersection one day and it desided to cut off. When it did NO BRAKES, No Power Steering and I had to pull out IN FRONT of another vehicle that was coming and just luckily there was noone coming in other lane so that vehicle could go around me. And I guess that I forgot to mention that my 10 yr old SON was in the car with me. I have taken my car down to the Kia shop in Myrtle Beach, SC every Tuesday for the last 2 months and it also stayed there for 1 full week during that time. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE EXCEPT A KIA OIL FILTER PUT ON... I"m considering this car to be a LEMON and I have told Kia that it will be on them if this car kills me and my son until it is fixed or replaced. I have been dealing with Wes and Bob at the Kia Service area in Myrtle beach, SC which has been very nice to me but something has to give. I am fixing to list this car under the Lemon Law with my lawyer. The safety of this car SUCKS!! I need help with this. Someone else higher up the ladder needs to step in on this case. Wes has a case number already out with the Technical staff but something has got to be done. I can not have mine and my sons life in jeoperdy like this. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS. I have dropped it off AGAIN at the Kia Service area this evening (09/03/12) for the ump-teenth time so it can be checked out again tomorrow. I will travel ANOTHER 45 min to check on it tomorrow. My days off from work should NOT be spent at the Kia Service area.

• 

  First foreign built - 2008 Kia Optima
  By fred r - September 11 - 11:36 pm

  Now have 1000 miles on 2008 LX. Fun to drive. Corners very well. Have only had city driving and getting 21mpg. Like the interior setup and the blue light on the dash. Would like a softer driver seat with a longer front cushion. The car has a "ping" sound when driving on rough roads. I had the car undercoated thinking it would help but it didnt. On smooth roads it is a quiet ride but a definite metallic ping on rumble strips.