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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  Great Commuter Car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Long Commute - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I drive approx. 150 miles a day in my car. The ride is quite comfortable and I think I got alot of features for the money. For the $15.5K on the sticker I could either drive a stripped sedan either from the US or Japan. I am quite pleased with the quality "feel". -Good acceleration -Quiet ride -Around 30 mpg highway -Comfortable seating

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  Dont Do It..... - 2004 Kia Optima
  By ramon - August 28 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my first Kia in 2004, Optima Lx,4 cyl, numerous problems, radio went out, power steering hose leaked, windshield wiper motor out, timing belt defective, overheating problem not yet fixed, had trouble passing emissions, crank sensor went out(which shuts down motor completely) Will never buy a Kia again.

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  a money saving car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By jillianramos - August 27 - 10:00 am

  i love my kia optima, it is excellent on gas and the ride is as smooth as a cadillac. and the warranty program is outstanding.

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  Love my new car at a great price - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Alexis - August 22 - 12:06 pm

  Have loved my new Kia so far. I traded in my Galant that I absolutely loved because the insurance was too costly for it. Got this car brand new, 8 miles on it when I took it off the lot, and have slowly fallen in love with it. Would have probably loved it quicker if I hadnt been in love with my Galant that I didnt really want to get rid of but had to. Great pick up and go for a 4 cylinder car, have read the reports about it being noisy when picking up but havent found that to be the case. Great turn radius when I get lost and have to take the U to get back on track. Would reccommend this to anyone looking for a new nice car at great price.

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  good value, but not refined.... - 2011 Kia Optima
  By jerryjerry - August 20 - 5:39 am

  Did the online shopping at Edmunds before I bought this for my son. Ive been driving it the last 5 months as well. The power train is not smooth. Shifting is awkward after a few months. Very loud in hwy, wish we had longer test drive on hwy before we bought it. I think they were very aggressive when they stated their gas mileage. Im getting 3 miles below in Georgia driving. And my son stated it pull to the left as others have experienced.

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  Kia owner for life - 2004 Kia Optima
  By David Hatch - August 19 - 8:40 am

  This is the second Kia Ive purchased - first was an 02 Sedona EX that has been so solid, my ex-wife fought for (and got it) in the divorce. I paid around 12K brand new as an 04 left over and have had very few problems. So far after 80K miles all Ive done is oil changes, new brake pads, and two new tires (one a side wall puncture). Have not had to used the warranty on this one, but had to in the past on the Sedona (power window, rear wiper motor) and had no hassles in invoking the warranty. Great commuter car that also offers pleanty of interior room. My next car will also be a Kia, but by the way this ones going, that doesnt look like Ill be getting a new one for a while!

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  Watch out if you have infants... - 2005 Kia Optima
  By sesasalt - August 17 - 11:30 am

  We bought this car when we had a one year old child, and now we have a two year old and another baby on the way. We are out of luck on using the nicer strollers though because the trunk is very short (as in height). We are unable to fit our single seater Graco stroller in it w/o scratching the top of the stroller handle, and almost all the tandem strollers are too big... We are just unsatisfied with the size of the trunk... Other than that, we dont have any major problems with this car.

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  Cant be beat for the price - 2006 Kia Optima
  By LaMarr - August 13 - 1:30 am

  I test drove a comparable 06 Hyundai Sonata and I went with the Kia because it was $8,000 less. The Sonata may have had a little more power and dual exhaust, but the Kia was basically the same car minus $8,000. I went with aftermarket leather from the dealer as my Optima came with cloth. Now with leather I love the Optima. Its quick, and even gives the option of manumatic shifting, which can be fun. Its a nice quiet drive as well. I test drove a 2006.5 4 cylinder and found it lacking compared to the 2006 V6, even though the power output is similar. The V6 keeps up with the boytoy Hondas nicely. :)

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  Hidden Gem - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Allan - August 10 - 6:56 pm

  Drove this car and immediately fell in love with it. Acceleration very good, mileage good for a six, handling OK, impressive build quality, no problems when purchased and none yet. Exterior is simple yet classy looking. No chrome on LX, but I dont like chrome. Oil change was simple to do. Virtually the same car as EX minus the sunroof, power seats and auto rear view mirror. I found the non-power seats to be better padded and more comfortable. Interior space is impressive. Factory standard radio is ok, but I replaced with aftermarket radio with more bells and whistles. Easily the best buy Ive made on a new car in years!

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  BEWARE of the left pull!! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By jfogs - August 9 - 1:27 pm

  Purchased brand new 2011 Kia Optima from Nationwide Kia in Timonium MD. Car was defective off the lot with a marked left pull that requires constant pressure on the wheel to keep the car from flying off the road. DO NOT believe the dealer if they say they can fix the car. This is a known defect with many Optimas and their kissing cousin Sonatas. I was told there is "nothing else we can do and your car still pulls to the left" from their "service" tech. I have lemon with 800 miles on it - great.