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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  Great car for the price !!!! - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Don - July 26 - 10:30 am

  Plenty of interior space. Dashboard is well laid out and controls within easy reach. I have only owned my Kia for one month but am averaging 30 mpg back and fourth to work. Ride is good but drivers seat needs more lumbar support. On long drives, back gets a little tired. One thing I did have troubles with were the headlights. They left a dark shadow on the drivers side. Had dealer replace headlight and problem was fixed.

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  Really like the car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By JsM - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I really like my car. I bought it because of the looks and price. Went with the intention of buying basic car but ended up with extras (leather, wood trim, better stereo and heat/air system). Im used to a four cylinder so Im sure that makes a difference. Optima drives great (smooth, great pick- up) and gets good mileage on the highway (drove to Penn from Mass and got about 30 miles/gal). Around town not so great (about 19 miles/gal), but I sit in traffic going/coming to work. Very comfortable and roomy. Rides smooth. Very happy....

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  Beautiful! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MEmeme - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very NICE ride! Nicer than my SUV. I LOVE to pass the gas stations in my NEW CAR!

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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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  Whoa!!! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Big John - July 17 - 6:50 am

  This is a keeper. Rides great, great gas mileage at 34 HW, low initial cost, low insurance premiums, sharp looking, great lines, best color combination (Ruby red, w/charcoal interior), turns heads everywhere I go. Nobody can believe this is an Optima. Ever seen the old styles? Those things were ghastly. This one looks nothing like them from any angle. I intended to buy another Rio, but when I spotted this Optima, it was case closed. MPG is about the same as the Rio, but the car has way more charm. Love it.

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  What a car! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By damitch - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I own a 97 Sephia and bought the Optima for the value you get in a Kia. I have been thoroughly pleased with the increase in styling and performance Kia has shown. The leather seats are very comfortable with both front seats powered. The engine is very adequate for a 4- cylinder. The overall sleek appearance, 15 inch wheels, and chrome accents have turned heads on the road. I would say the Optima is dollar for dollar the best you can buy.

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  Refined Luxury with a sporty overtone - 2013 Kia Optima
  By boesman1 - July 1 - 2:21 pm

  Coming out of a 2007 Mazda CX7 GT, I was leaning hard towards a 2014 Mazda6. In my due diligence, I looked at the 2013 Optima which really caught my eye with its beauty. After test driving the SXL w/turbo there was no comparison. With 3k in incentives it was comparable to the Mazda, yet blew it away in creature comforts and luxury. Ive had the car for about a week and have no regrets. Having had BMWs, Infinitys and a corvette I can honestly say this car is the nicest I ever owned. Performance is nothing less than amazing with the smoothest power-band Ive ever experienced, especially considering the turbo. Comfort and value are second to none. Fun factor remains to be seen as I adjust.

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  Best new car yet - 2008 Kia Optima
  By art - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I own a 08 optima. Was skeptical at first, but after a shake down Cruise of 500 miles, I was hooked. Got 31 mpg new. Only after market addition was a k&n air filter. Got 50.000 out of the original tires and believe it or not the brakes! Have had no major problems and it only left sit once a dead battery! I remember the earlier models and all the problems associated with them. Night and day! Way to go! Would recommend Kia to anybody looking for an inexpensive durable car. BTW mine has over 75,000 on it.

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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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  Appealing Value, Poor Quality. - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Florian - June 20 - 2:00 am

  2004 Kia Optima LX 4-Cylinder Automatic: Dashboard Rattles along with steering wheel when car is on idle, and this is at only 8230 Miles on the Odometer. Trashy loud Engine, No ABS (even as an option), Vague Steering Feel. One of the poorest re-sale values on the market. Easily purchase the Suzuki Verona over this, its smoother has a comparable warranty and has more features for roughly or the same or even lower price, Korean cars are just not up to Japanese Standards. A Used Camry or Accord would also be smart. Dont let the Warranty fool you, how inconvenient to have the car in the shop.