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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  Trip Computer - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Marty - May 9 - 4:23 pm

  I currently have a Hyundai Sonata and when I wanted to replace my wifes car, I looked at the new Sonatas. The way I wanted the car equipped (the new 4 cylinder and not the V6), Hyundai did not make a Limited with just the 4. In addition, I felt two things about the new Sonata, were below par. The first being the side mirrors. They are fixed, and cannot be folded back. The second is the display for the automatic air-conditioning system is much too small. The Optima allows one to purchase a fully loaded car and have the choice about the engine. The new 2.4 has had great reviews and now has a timing chain vs. a belt.

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  not too happy - 2002 Kia Optima
  By stainman - May 5 - 7:56 pm

  i am so sorry i ever bought this car.

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  Happy - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Inflight - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Two months and two major trips, Phila. to Boston and Phila. to Richmond. Some tough driving conditions heavy rain and high heat all handled with confidence. Car rides great at speed. Best mileage 28.6. Ive had no problems at all.

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  I Love my Kia Optima - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Adriana - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My Kia meets and exceeds all my expectations. For the last 14 years I have been a Toyota Camry Customer and I didnt think I would EVER like anything else until I drove my Kia, this car has all the bells, whistles and performance I need at a great price.

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  Sweet Chariot - 2009 Kia Optima
  By bargain hunter - April 16 - 10:13 am

  Nabbed this Midnight Blue MT baby 10 days ago and am in love with it! Researched for months to narrow my search; thought Id opt for a Honda Fit or a Scion XB as I wanted utility, cargo room and decent mileage. But when I realized this was the only car under $20k with standard stability control, traction control and disc brakes on all wheels I was sold. The 10 year warranty and $2k rebate were icing on the cake. Amazing what comes standard on this base model! Almost bought the smaller Elantra but figured the Optimas extra HP and larger engine with only a 1 to 2 mpg penalty was well worth the minor price difference. Excellent gearing + short throw 5 speed = FUN RIDE!!!

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  enjoy my kia - 2013 Kia Optima
  By stan - April 10 - 7:24 am

  my kia get good mileage and maintence have been good lot of people at my job love my kia would recommended to anyone who desire to buy a kia.

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  Disappointed - 2012 Kia Optima
  By swkia - April 9 - 4:37 pm

  Poor gas mileage especially in the city. Under 16 mpg avg(mostly city) Never been gentler on a car(BORING) cant get it get anywhere near rated mileage. Dealer no help. Sirrus radio sounds awful when using Sirrus. I leased this vehicle expecting to save on fuel consumption. This low mileage is hitting hard at $4 a gallon. When researching I saw the low mileage warnings and bought into break in in period malarkey. Not true, got worse. If it werent for the poor gas mileage. I would give it high ratings. I like most everything else.

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  A Great Car - 2002 Kia Optima
  By raz - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought just yesterday. I think that it is a wonderful car. I do not care about what Kia/Hyundais past reliability were. I just know that this is a great car.

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  The Kia that kept on going... - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Satisfied Owner - March 15 - 10:03 pm

  We have owned this car for four years now, out of it we have had to take it to the shop 3 times in the last year. Thankfully the Bumper to Bumper waranty cover it. So far the struts had to be tightened, the driver side door lock regulator (I had to crawl out of the passenger side for days! LOL!) and I had to have the passenger window motor replaced because it was noisey. All of these have been minor repairs, we are finally nearing 50,000 miles and it has never let us down, stranded or anything to that affect. No one believes how fast this car can actually go, but on a trip to Georiga after we first got it, I got it up to 137 MPH and it handled very well. Better than my 98 Z28.

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  Solid Car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By OnlyHonda - February 28 - 4:16 pm

  I am converted to Kia. This car excels all of my expectations for the money. You know that if a company backs up a car with such a warranty, they know they are going to still make a profit. With the new innovations of the sister company Hyundai, I can see even better things coming from Kia and for this specific model.