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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  The Perfect Car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Happy Owner - June 21 - 4:13 am

  Wonderful car. Nothing but reliable. The only thing that could be better would be gas mileage, but this car is wonderful. Very reliable. Gets good mileage on highway. Absolutely love it. Only real problem is the trunk is super heavy to open. Worse in winter. Sleek beautiful. This car has the exact same interior and exterior as Toyota Avalon and the competing Honda. I dont know why Kia isnt outselling Toyota. You will not regret buying this car.

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  2004 optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By aqeelz - June 19 - 2:00 am

  just got a 2004 optima after driving a 2000 sephia for three years it is qutie a improvement power,confornt,control,

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  Surprising and great - 2016 Kia Optima
  By NapaOpti - June 15 - 8:28 pm

  Like many people I doubted the Kia brand of vehicles just from historical knowledge. However after doing several weeks of research into mid size sedans the Optima kept near the top. I went and test drove Accords, Mazda 6, Audi A4, Fusion, Sonata, and Acura TLX. I own a 2010 Acura TSX commuter car that I like but is getting old. I found that each of these brands has some comfort or convenience issue I couldnt live with. The Kia Optima had the best balance of price, performance, convenience and great technology. Fit and finish are spot on for this class, no problems at all. Every car I have ever purchased I seem to always have to compromise and just get used to. The Optima is enjoyable right from the start and I always look forward to driving it. Sometimes hate to stop! Very glad I expanded my horizons while shopping.

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  Avoid At All Costs - 2007 Kia Optima
  By RickHadley - June 8 - 3:13 am

  I bought my 2007 Kia Optima brand new. The car was great for the first 18 months. But this car is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. My automatic transmission went out at 60,076 miles. It seized up and left me stranded in the Arizona desert. My starter went out soon after. Engine was replaced just before 65,000 miles. The car has horrible resale value. I get pretty crappy MPG, 23 highway and 17 city.

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  you get what you paid for - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Bentley Kid - June 6 - 10:00 am

  yeah, the car is inexpensive. obviously much cheaper than a comparable camry or accord. but you get what you pay for. the engine is louder than the accord and camry. tranny is slow to respond in sportronic mode but okay in full automatic. seats are good enough for the price. the styling is good though. if you trust the koreans, why not?

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  Good deal! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By great car! - May 13 - 9:33 pm

  My husband and I always bought American cars. We looked around, test drove many. For the value and what you get, you cant go wrong! We traded a big SUV we could not afford any more thanks to our changing economy and purchased this car and we cant say enough! Comfortable ride, good on fuel, nice looks. Get the convenience package with it.

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  The best dollar value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By coloradoan1 - May 10 - 10:31 pm

  I bought my Optima two weeks ago. So far an excellent decision. The engine is impressive and in the city gives 25+ MPG. What is fun is the technology package: this car is equipped with features that you only find in a top notch brand. It is probably true that it is a little more noisy than a BMW or a Mercedes... But it is half the price!. I think this is a great option. Must see before buying a new car

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  Kia Girl - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Angel Kia - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ok so this is my second kia and my second car my first one was 1998 Kia sportage. This was a huge upgrade for me. I havent experienced any problems just yet other than car kinda sound like its having trouble starting, but once it does it runs beautiful. I love my car its so nice and shiny!

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  2001 Kia Optima SE V6 - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Erika - May 3 - 6:33 am

  The worst part about buying from a used car lot: you dont know what youre going to get. I did just that. Bought it w/94K later finding out the previous owner did not do ANY maintenance to this car. Little "fixes" add up very quickly. Kia service dept. knows what theyre talking about. My regular mechanic still cant figure out a nasty chugging/"hiccup" the car does in reverse and idling which has been going on about 6 months now. They cleaned out the idle system, but that doesnt seem to be the case. Looks like Ill have to take it back to Kia to have it checked out. Also has a passenger side-impact airbag problem - $1600 to fix. Ill just go without the airbags... its not worth it.

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  I Love This Car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By rick fagan - April 27 - 6:50 pm

  I drive 52 miles round trip sometimes six or seven times a week. The Optima handles very well in heavy traffic and the shifttronic feature is just the best to pick up speed fast. This car averages 28 miles per gallon and I have not had any car troubles.