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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  It really grows on you - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Allan J Birmantas - August 27 - 2:23 pm

  I have rated this car before (see mickeyrom), but since I have put a few thousand miles on it, it has really grown on me. All the bugs are now out of it and I have finally found a dealer who has a great service dept., so I am glad I bought this car. MPG in city remains poor, but in every other way it has met or exceeded my expectations. Once I figured out how to use the steering column adjustments, I easily and comfortably fit my 6 ft frame into the seat. It actually has more driver space than my 97 Town and Country. I would strongly recommend this brand and this model to friends.

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  love my new car - 2016 Kia Optima
  By hope robinson - August 26 - 5:24 am

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  Excellent value, excellent car! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By mark wilms - August 25 - 9:03 am

  I have had my Optima for 8 months and have done extensive traveling. I have had not one problem with the car. It has plenty of get up and go which is important to me especially since I used to own a Mustang. I would have no problems recommending this car. If you are on a budget it is an excellent value.

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  AC problems - 2007 Kia Optima
  By A/C PROBLEMS - August 18 - 10:23 am

  I have had my Kia Optima in the shop 3 times for AC problems. The ac shuts on and off by itself when brake applied or idling. The first time, they couldnt find a problem. Second time said it was a (fuel cell) in ac. Third time they replaced the compressor. I kept telling them it was a idling problem and they fixed something else. It still shuts off at stop lights and when I am stuck in traffic. Not good living in the South!

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  Love my KIA Optima!! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By sabz - August 17 - 11:57 am

  It is a great looking car. I get tons of compliments!!! People are always stopping me in parking lots and telling me how nice of a car it is. I love to drive it. However, the other day it would not start. Turns out it had a problem with the brake switch. KIA had it fixed and back to me the same day. Also about 3 months of owning the car, I noticed that the radio screen was scrambled. KIA replaced it under warranty. I would still recommend it!

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  Byron - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Byron - August 13 - 7:36 pm

  I have owned my optima for a little over 2 years. Purchased the car brand new. I put 67k on the car in one year. The car never had any major problems nor left me stranded. Recently i noticed a slight hesitation in power while driving @ a constant speed, as if the transmission is slipping, lack of fuel, or ignition break-up. Also when a come to a rolling stop then proceed to accelerate the transmission doesnt always down shift to 1st or 2nd. It has a tendency to pull off in third under 10 mph. I noticed it was 3rd gear when i switch to auto manual shift. Other than that I love my Kia but hate the dealer service of Car Town kia & Ricart Kia. They cant find issues unless the service engine light is ON!

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  Best in class - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Harv - August 10 - 4:20 pm

  Very pleased with this car. Handles very well but not a sports car. comfortable and very quiet. Great warranty.

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  2011 kia - 2011 Kia Optima
  By fmarie - August 7 - 11:50 am

  Last week I bought a 2011 kia optima stick shift with 26,000 miles on it. It looked brand new and even smelled brand new. It is very spacious and luxurious on the inside and very classy, yet sporty on the outside. I have been disappointed in the gas mileage, I have been averaging about 26, 27 in city and on highway. The front seat is a slight uncomfortable because i cannot adjust the angle of the front seat. There is a blind spot on the right back passenger side. It seems a little jerky when going into first and second shift, but when the engine is running it is very quiet. Its a much bigger car than i realized at the purchase.

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  2011 Kia Optima - 2011 Kia Optima
  By vatili1 - August 3 - 3:43 am

  I have driven the new Kia Optima for about 10 days now and it is a very nice car with many good features however it has excessive road noise - Kia pls fix this issue ASAP and you have a excellent car that can compete with the best in its class.

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  Awesome Optima LX - 2008 Kia Optima
  By ex_green_beret - July 25 - 9:04 am

  Ive had my 08 Kia Optima LX for nearly 3 years, I bought it new when gas went to $4/gal back in 08. I got rid of my Hemi Ram and bought the Kia thinking Id keep it for a little while and trade up later. It now has 107,000 miles on it and has proven itself an EXTREMELY reliable little car. Ive done nothing to it except change the oil and filter religiously every 5k miles, had one brake job done at 75k miles, replaced the battery at about 60k miles, put on a set of new tires at 72k miles (I put on Kumho KH16s since thats what it came with), and flush/fill the radiator every 45k miles. I did almost all the maintenance myself. ITS THE MOST RELIABLE CAR IVE EVER OWNED and I love it!