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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  Good Car - 2003 Kia Optima
  By monmoses - October 31 - 4:53 pm

  The car has been a reliable car. At 60k, please remember to have your timing belt replaced as I didnt and could have had major expenses, but fortunately no bent valves. Battery out at 65k miles. New tires at 55k miles. Thats it and now at 83,000 miles. The power locks on the doors stink big time and the drive window sticks.. Trunk auto popup is gone.

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  Poor Reliability - 2007 Kia Optima
  By JonBoy3109 - October 20 - 10:06 am

  Car ran perfectly fine for the first 42,000 miles and then everything went downhill. Head gasket blew, then the automatic transmission went crazy on me & blew, cruise control went out, car has died three times on the highway and left me stranded. I babied the heck out of the car. Mobil 1 full synthetic oil every three thousand miles, new transmission fluid, all scheduled maintenance, everything. The car really seemed to be perfect until it hit the 42,000 mile mark I sold the car last month and the new owner has informed me that the car has had numerous insanely costly problems. I warned him before he bought the car but he fell in love with the style and he said he read some great reviews.

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  Kia Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Darvin - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The KIA is an excellent Car for the money. The warranty is exceptional. I would recomend the KIA for the money, quiet comfortable interior with a smooth quiet ride. Excellent fit and finish with style on the exterior.

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  Not THAT Impressed... - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Not THAT Impressed.. - October 15 - 12:10 am

  Just bought my Kia Optima used not new. Im used to a sports car so handling is very different, seems jerky to me. Much smoother ride (shocks/suspension) than my old Camaro, but doesnt handle corners/turns well. My first impression is "where is all my gas going?" Just appears to guzzle it. There is a hitch with initial start, kinda jerks when moving from a stand still. Interior is very nice, wood grain, stereo, seating etc. My 64" bros had plenty of leg room in back seat. I still have trouble finding the turn signal, seems too high on steering column. :) Overall its a nice car, just a big transition for me coming from a sports car to a 4 door sedan.

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  Best car for the money in a long time - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Elmo - October 11 - 7:36 pm

  I am 60 and cars have always been a hobby of mine. I decided to trade in my HHR due to rusting and other problems. I have looked at many cars and drove several and I like this car over the camry and accord, witch cost 10000 more comparably equipped. I chose the SX 4cyl model and so far I am totally delighted. Who knows what the future brings but so far excellent! I never thought I would buy a Kia but, I have to say they have come a long way.

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  Way More than what I expected - 2013 Kia Optima
  By 1powerfullady - October 8 - 8:41 pm

  I absolutely love car. I must say that this was more than what I bargained for. I do a happy dance every time I get in my baby!

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  an optimal automobile - 2015 Kia Optima
  By arubin - October 5 - 7:26 am

  Traded in my 2012 optima ex turbo, for a 2015 kia optima sx turbo.The 2012 was a very reliable and fun to drive car.The 2015 is quieter, rides smoother,handles a little better, better stereo, and nicer dash board.Sportier and great steering wheel.All and all Kia made a very good car even better, and the value is amazing.

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  HORRIBLE MPG FOR A 4CYL - 2013 Kia Optima
  By padriver1979 - September 30 - 10:29 am

  I purchased my 2013 Kia Optima LX in September 2012 at my nearby Pittsburgh Kia dealership. We chose an Optima because of the exterior design and great EPA MPG rating of 24/35. It surprised me that these numbers were better than my 2009 Ford Focus which were 24/32. After 3500 miles I have yet to see more than 20.1 mpg on a full tank of gas. Granted, my commute to work is 10 miles through the city but shouldnt this balance out with the highway miles to give me more than 20.1? Mostly highway miles (75%) gets about 26-27 mpg. A far cry from the 24/35 that the EPA issued for this vehicle. I hope that the 2013 Optima is reviewed by the EPA just like other KIA vehicles recently.

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  Dont get hit! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Brad Zimmerman - September 14 - 1:30 pm

  Overall, car was good looking and fun to drive. Lots of pick up for a 4 cylinder. Comfortable on long trips with ok mileage (29 hwy). 2 days after I got it, battery was dead - faulty alternator was replaced. Then, battery failed. After that, the car was trouble free. Then, I was rear ended by an SUV at about 20 miles an hour. My car was pushed into the car ahead of me. This low speed collision caused $17,000+ damage to the Optima, totaling it. My 8 month old car with 6500 miles on it was totaled with this small wreck! The body shop said repair parts for Kias are overpriced and hard to get, sometimes requiring a long wait for the parts. The car did protect me as I wasnt hurt.

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  Youve got to be kidding me!!! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By dezjet - September 12 - 1:00 am

  I bought this car, 2006.5 Optima two years ago based on the semi-glowing reviews of this and other sites. What a mistake. Im wondering if there are any real drivers out there. This car is an engineering piece of junk, nice looking with accessorie wheels, but not much else. MPG is puzzling also. Only car Ive ever had that got poorer mileage on the freeway than around town-dealer cant explain this phenomena. Oh, great ad campaign, Kia, all image and no substance. End note: if you drive like grandma or the snowbirds we entertain in Az, by all means, buy the Kia. If youre any other kind of driver, push it far, far, down your list. Disappointment is waiting.