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 41 through 50 of 111.00

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  First LX Manual Review - 2012 Kia Optima
  By trusko - September 9 - 4:11 pm

  I owned 1997 Acura Integra GS-R for 13 years and it was time to say good buy. With 3 kids and two of them playing hockey I was looking for a car that I can drive to work on daily basis and it can still fit two hockey bags. Optima handling is quite impressive, engine is very responsive. I like driving manual transmission and was quite impressed with Optimas responsiveness. I had to go with LX base since this was the only model that comes with manual. However, car is already loaded with all options I really wanted so no big deal. Gas mileage is pretty good - I am averaging 8.5L/100KM (mixed 50% highway), gets better on highway I could easily get 7L/100km.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mrcwby - September 6 - 6:55 pm

  I am 56 and have owned many a vehicle but i have never, ever, had anyone walk up to me and admire my vehicle on atleast 4 different occasions. I even had one take a picture. I am 66" and this car even fits me with the panoramic sunroof. I really enjoy driving this vehicle every day and currently i am getting 30.2 mpg going back and forth to work. Granted it is mainly highway until i reach the city but i did take a jaunt to PA and that was two months ago and i was getting 35.1 mpg. I purchased this vehicle in Oct 11 and i currently have 10k miles on her.

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  Extremely Satisfied - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bambino3 - August 23 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased this car new in November 2011 and now have just over 12,000 miles on it. Its been flawless so far. Not a single issue. Averaging 30mpg under all conditions. I cant say that about any of the previous Audi A4s Ive owned--which were far more costly when comparing feature for feature. Great performance with the 2.0 turbo, plus excellent fuel economy for a sedan of this size--on regular unleaded.

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  Love Love Love - 2012 Kia Optima
  By uwololli - July 3 - 4:16 am

  Ive had this car (used) for nearly 3 months and Im having a love affair! I drive almost 70 miles round trip a day and I average 36-38 hwy mpg (32 mpg overall). Anyone who says they get lower milage needs to press their "Eco" button and set their cruise control. My neighbor bought an Accord about the same time and while he gets a few more mpg, no one turns their head when he pulls into the parking lot at work. Speaking of work, we get 4 adults into my Optima when we go to lunch and no one complains about room (also cant be said for his Accord).

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  2012 Kia Optima Amazing Value for the Money - 2012 Kia Optima
  By botoboto - June 15 - 1:52 pm

  I purchased a 2012 Optima last year. I love this car! There is no need, I feel, for spending $$$ on a luxury sedan. The car is very comfortable, sporty, fun to drive, and the Gas Mileage is what the sticker says. Actually I can get 37 on highway trips. I even used the Progressive drive module for a month and had a poor rating because of my acceleration habits. Now there are some things I do not like. The side mirrors are NOT connected to the seat memory. If I had known this, I wouldnt have purchased the car. My last 3 cars had this feature and I am very used to it. Also the passenger seat will not raise and my wife says its like sitting in a hole. Road noise is louder than I like.

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  2012 kia optima SX Turbo Very, Very bad gas mileage - 2012 Kia Optima
  By jiebew - May 18 - 5:20 am

  Poor gas mileage. only getting about 21 MPG I drive mostly freeway and cant get any more than that. took it to the dealer and they did nothing about it. Seriously thinking about a lawsuit. will be soon getting some legal advise from and attorney. If other are already in this mode i would love to hear from you. Yesterday and today I couldnt get the car to go above 40 MPH. I had to pull off the road and turn the car off and restar it. It did better but something is wrong. will be taking it back to the dealer in the morning.

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  Love the car - hate the Infinity NAV - 2012 Kia Optima
  By fixer199 - May 3 - 6:41 pm

  Just bought a new EX with Premium & Tech packages last week. More we drive it, the more we like it -- except for the Infinity audio/NAV. The center channel dash speakers overpower all the others. its almost like driving a car from the 50s with one dash speaker. I thought I didnt have it adjusted right, but you cant adjust it away and the Kia forums have lots of the same complaint from other owners. You also give up HD radio when you upgrade to the $1400 Tech Package. Dont do it unless you MUST have the backup camera! Harmon Kardon make this system and they should be ashamed! We would buy the car again -- but without the Tech Package.

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  A little disappointed - 2012 Kia Optima
  By pinkcar - April 18 - 6:57 pm

  Bought my 2012 Kia in Feb of this year. I was surprized I never had a follow up contact from the dealer - like "how are things". Have been, for the most part very happy with the Kia other than the wind shield wiper. Not enough power and have found my self twice in pooring rain, on a three lane highway at 70 mph and cannot see a thing. I have had 5 maybe 6 new cars -- I have never once in my driving life had to pull over because the wipers didnt keep up with the rain. I would let Kia know, but when I tried to locate how to contact customer service corporate-wise, found this is non-existant for the customer. Another example of how they are all over you during the sale and drop you after

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  Worst decision for a first time car buyer - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Ashli - March 12 - 1:33 am

  Im do disappointed with colonial Kia I bought a used 2012 Kia Optima lx at 25,000 miles Ive had to replace tires twice since I bought it last year really had in rain and snow. Just recently for state inspection had to buy a whole new set of tires! Then tonight I actually made it home thank god but my car now will not start! Ive poured a lot of money into this car this is my first car that I bought and it has been a horrible experience my Jetta vw that was given to me from my mom lasted longer than this :(

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  What else did KIA decide to go cheap on?? - 2012 Kia Optima
  By robs777 - January 16 - 11:13 am

  We leased this car in 2012 and as of 2014 we find out that KIA decided to make OE tires that are only 30k tires! So now we have a leased car that we are having to replace the tires on before we return the lease. What are your thoughts America? Would you buy a car from a company that has no more concern for their customers than that? Also I am wondering what else KIA decided to cut corners on??