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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  Optima EX shortcomings - 2013 Kia Optima
  By altair47 - September 9 - 11:31 pm

  Car was delivered with a half tank of fuel and empty winshield washer fluid tank. The passenger seat is extremely low, my wife feels like she is sitting on the floor and there is no adjustment up or down? Dealer was not very friendly or helpful. The sales managers personal car was a new Ferrari and he had it parked right in front where all Kia customers had to walk by. Did not look good for KIA.

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  UPDATE: review 2012 Kia Optima SX - 2012 Kia Optima
  By cdh906 - September 8 - 5:10 pm

  This is an update to my past review. I have 67,000 (2.5 yrs old) miles on my car- and I want to get rid of it now. Im very disappointed in this car now. (I previously gave it 4 stars) but reliability trumps here. This car has now left me stranded in a parking lot twice because it wouldnt start. Stuck on the side of the freeway due to a failed fuel pump which is apparently common, but Kia wont pay for the replacement. Without a working turbo more than a few times. The leather is not real - and has started cracking despite meticulous care. Battery died at 2.25 yrs and this is also "the norm" for this car. Having to tow my new car to the dealership on a flatbed was less than fun.

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  Lovin this car so far! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By JAG14004 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I found this to be the best new car deal in its class at the present time. This car rides smooth, and is roomy enough for 4 people to ride in comfortably. The shifting is smooth, as is the braking. Handles curves really well. Minor vibration felt while ideling. Good sound system.

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  Great Value - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Kevin Bartosz - September 7 - 8:53 am

  I am a 40 years old male 6 ft 200 lbs. that drives 55 miles each way to work daily in western NY. Historically a V6 sedan man but the 4 cyl engine is more than adequate especially with the timing chain vs belt. The miles that I put on that the chain saves a $400 preventative maintenance every 2 years (60,000 K). Suspension and ride is good and headlights at night as well. Taller ground clearance 6.3 inches will help in the winter. I have only 1200 miles on it so the MPG is low 27 the first tank and 29 the second. After break in I expect 34-35. With the long warranty, big time incentives and KIA having a few ears under their belt, it is the best valued import if you are buying.

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  Great car BUT......... - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Chris Bell - September 6 - 2:36 pm

  I bought an 04 Kia Optima EX 4 cyl. from a used car dealer in August of last year. This a GREAT car! Ive been told it looks like from far away a Jag so I call it my Kia-Jag. Interior is great, power everything,leather, fog lights, wood grain, 6 speaker Infinity Sound system with a sunroof but I dont like the gas mileage. For a Kia I was thinking it was gonna be better but I should have done more research. 17/ city 23/highway was not what I was looking for, but hey you get what you pay for. Hope this was helpful

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  Best kept secret - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Mike Muckenfuss - August 29 - 1:46 am

  The Kia Optima is one of the best cars out there if given the chance. My wife has a 2003 LX-V6 and i have a LX 4cyl BEST price, BEST warranty BEST all around car. Look forward to my next Optima purchase.

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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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  Great Quality & Service - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Capt 4 - August 13 - 9:53 pm

  This is the first automatic I have owned in years. The car has style, a great sound system and is worth the money. Good value by far, for what you get. Many come up and ask me how do I like the car. Are there any problems? I tell them for about $9k less than the Japanese brands, with the same features and no problems its a good value. I will say the service is by far # 1 on their agenda - they do a good job of pleasing the customer. The only bad feature is outdated colors for the newer cars. We had all the green and dark grey cars to last for another century. Especially when you want to attract younger buyers. Take a tip from Toyo and Nissan when its color time Kia and Hyundai!

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  very happy - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Zach Saber - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven two round trips from Seattle to Monterey in the past three months in my Optima. This is the first vehicle Ive owned that made the trip fun, affordable and comfortable. Im very happy I purchased this vehicle.

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  Much more than expected! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By mark - July 31 - 3:46 pm

  I never thought that I would like a Kia, but this car was too good to pass up. After a Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, I needed something that was dependable and good on gas. Ive had two Nissan cars that were excellent and looked in that direction, but two friends have Kias (one car and one suv) and swear by them, not at them. Three months have passed and I like my Optima a lot. It has a smooth ride and handles well on any road surface and around corners. Very stable drive. The 2.4L 4cyl engine delivers a lot more power than I expected. The cabin is pretty quiet and Ive heard no rattles or noises in the car so far. Im VERY satisfied.