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- Not given enough credit - 2004 Kia Optima
  By K Nestor - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for the price but fell in love with the overall quality, design and comfort of the vehicle. Trunk is large enough for a big day at the grocery for a family of five. Leather interior exceeded my expectations for quality. Performance of the V-6 is surprising good, will maintain interstate speed with cruise on with out a problem. Auto-stick shift works flawlessly. This car needs to be given more credit.

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  My 2002 Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Robert Berns - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Kia Optima in August 2002. It is the best car I ever owned. I have had no problems. I turned in a Cadillac DeVille 1998 lease car before getting my Kia. The ride in the Kia is comparable to the Cadillac. I am a retired automotive engineer. The fit and finish on the Kia is the best I have ever seen, bar none. I am 62" and I find this car very comfortable for me.

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  I Love my Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jose Perez - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Kia Optima in the last two years.(Kia Optima LX 02) and (Kia Optima SE-V6 03. Ive enjoyed driving and owning both of them, but the V-6 is definately the Optimum. I like every thing about my car, and especially the fact that its given me exceptional service and pleasure. Would I buy another Kia? Definately Yes. A Very Satisfied Customer

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  Squeeky brakes - 2001 Kia Optima
  By C Johnson - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 2001 optima about 6 months ago. The brakes wont stop squeeking, even after new brake pads. The seats are not very comfortable. The starter feels like it is going out. The door lock keeps jamming. Poor gas mileage. Stiff suspension.

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  Really Fun To Drive - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mswhitfield - January 3 - 4:31 am

  2.5mths and almost 3k miles, I am still enjoying my Spicy Red Optima. (Midlife crisis? Maybe) After over 7yrs in a Chevy Equinox, off the showroom floor, that I soon came to loathe, thats an understatement. I had a Lexus in mind, but the SX blew me away. Kia has come a long way from their buy one get one free days.

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  Love it!! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By KjunDreamer - January 2 - 10:00 am

  We searched all over for a car that was dependable, priced within our budget and fun to drive. We wanted a car that looked good (sporty, yet classy). And we found it with our Kia Optima EX. Weve only had it a few months but so far, we love it. The gas mileage is great and for comfort, its better than anything weve driven in a while. It handles well and responds quickly. The stereo system is awesome with the surround sound. Our next one will be a Kia, as well.

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  Honest Opinion - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Not sure - January 1 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my car in September 2007, I drive about 40 miles to work every day. Since September I have the weather stripping on my windshield come off, I have had a bad tire, and the gear shifter cable undone twice leaving me stuck because my car was stuck in reverse, I have had it towed to the dealership twice within a month. Thank god the warranty covered it but not fun when you rely on your car to get to work.

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  THE SMILING COBRA - 2005 Kia Optima
  By alantalbot - January 1 - 4:27 pm

  I bought it used from Enterprise Cars in Jan 2007, it had 40K miles on it then. Had it for almost exactly 5 years. In that span of time, nothing really ever went wrong with it. It drove great. I did all the required maintenance on it. Timing belt was done at 75K. After about 4 years, gas mileage started to decline. Took it in for fuel system cleaning and a few other things. Suddenly, with no warning, there was an engine malfunction. It wasnt even overheating or making noise, but it was permanently damaged. I said goodbye to it was it was taken away to the junkyard, got 600 bucks for it. I was told by others that altho Kia is kinda cheaply made, that theyll run forever. What a lie.

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  Great car for the money hands down - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sassy1866 - January 1 - 1:15 am

  I just bought a 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo. Spicy Red with Beige interior. Absolutely love it. You cant find any other car with the amount of options at the Kia price. I bought the tubo because the regular 4 seemed noisy. Plus I love the power. Only two complaints I have are the wind noise around the windows when driving on the highway and the passenger seat is too low.

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  Fun car to drive - 2012 Kia Optima
  By robert202 - December 30 - 7:02 am

  Pros: Fun to drive with great performance Outstanding appearance inside and out Love the UVO system, especially the back up camera, large interior and trunk for a small car, Cartersville, GA. Kia dealer was good to work with and treated us well. Good value. Cons: Seat cushion could use more padding, becomes uncomfortable after 2 hours of driving, gas mileage overstated my best is 30 MPG but average 27 - could be my foot in the Turbo, road noise on rough roads transmits into the interior excessively. Bought the car in December 2011 it now has over 9K miles on it. All in all, Im happy with the purchase.