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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  Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By ColinQ3 - March 2 - 5:06 pm

  We own a 2002 Kia Optima, putting around 10000 miles per year on the vehicle. The ride is good to excellent. The MPG is 18.5 to 21 in the city and 28 to 31 on the highway. This is an excellent automobile for the money. The finish quality was/is excellent. One cannot beat the warranty!!. This 2002 Kia Optima is as good or better than any automobile we have owned and beats hands down the vehicles we have previously owned when it comes to the quality vs price issue. We will not hesitate to purchase another Kia when we need to update our transportation!!!.

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  Best car ever - 2012 Kia Optima
  By turbo25 - March 2 - 6:42 am

  The 2012 kia optima is the best ive ever driven after owning a 2007 hyundai elantra which has no power or pick up the kia is the total opposite i love it

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  The most for the least - 2011 Kia Optima
  By bflem83 - March 1 - 1:34 am

  Traded in my 03 Rio last week... says a buddy, "you went from a KIA to an Infinity??" No, this IS a KIA! This car meets and beats my expectations. The power of a six cylinder with the efficiency of four, this thing is a beast on the road, whether trying to pass or just have fun. I have the SX turbo with luxury package. Corners are incredible, and the ride is MUCH smoother than i expected based on other comments (what, were you driving through feathers before??), and i still cant believe the power behind it (274HP?!). The interior is incredibly elegant, with attention on the driver, and the panoramic roof, wow. Bumper to bumper, this car will have you feeling much richer than you actually are

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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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  Happy With Car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Desiree - February 19 - 4:43 am

  Im very happy with this car. Affordable, fun, reliable. What more can you ask for.

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  my car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By shara - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I am a fan of economic dependability. I am very pleased with this car.

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  update* reaching about 13000 on my 2011 SX - 2012 Kia Optima
  By acerava - February 12 - 9:23 am

  so far no problems! I must agree with the road noise though. I never owned a Kia before, but if they just get the wheels/road noise and (my preference, wheel well gap shortened) it would be nearly perfection. On soft pavement its extremly quiet, on rough/normal pavement it really makes me consider buying some better tires and im leasing it :/... Anyway, fuel economy no matter how much i try i cant seem to do 22 city (LA stop go traffic: 15-18 :( but on the dealer paper it states actual milage may be 18 in fine print) but i can definitly do 34+ highway. Overall, not upset everything works well, still get compliments and stares every day Wish the logo changed w the designs! ill update at 25k.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Kia Optima
  By billnel - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Optima as a last resort as a more resonable alternative to the higher priced imports and have been more than pleased with my decision. Excellent price, outstanding warranty, and best dealership support Ive seen. You a get a lot of car for the price. I would recommend this car to anyone looking at the higher priced foreign imports and domestics.

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  Excellent value - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Owner - January 26 - 11:56 am

  Bought as a second car for wife, excellent value for money, Toyota reliability, only issues to be critical are certain interior material are level with price point. Others -- fit, finish, durability etc. are far above expected results. Definitely a contender for a repeat purchase. Great car!

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  Thanks Kia - 2008 Kia Optima
  By eager - January 25 - 7:56 pm

  This is a great car for the price. Kia really stepped up to plate on this one. I own the inline 4 cylinder model, the car is very efficient and its performance is excellent.