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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  OVER RATED - 2013 Kia Optima
  By josejose - April 25 - 6:45 pm

  Be prepared to buy a car a car and not like it once you have driven it for a while. Most new car owners look forward to taken it for a spin , not here. The ride is noisy and stiff and the electric steering is rough and stiff. Not worth it , the reviews saying it was a good car are bogus. You should rent one for the weekend before buying it , I wish I would have.

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  Automatic Transmission Failure at 3600 Miles - 2011 Kia Optima
  By ghostrider1017 - April 22 - 4:41 pm

  On 4/11/11, we were driving to work and had gone four miles from our house, when we thought we had hit a deer. The car made a very loud sound and lurched violently, at highway speed, frightening us both. The lurching was so violent that it may well have caused other damage. We were extremely fortunate not to have crashed. We then found that the car would not shift gears. The automatic transmission had gone out of our 2011 Kia Optima EX. We bought the Kia new on 1/8/11. The car had 3600 miles on it at the time of the catastrophic failure. This was our first Kia purchase (and last, I might add), and we are very disappointed. Needless to say, we were shocked by this dangerous occurrenc

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  Most Car For The Buck - 2004 Kia Optima
  By tigerokie - April 20 - 10:00 am

  After driving Nissans for 20 years I decided to test drive many different models. I enned up buying the Kia for several reasons. It was great looking, different and rode as good as my Fathers 2004 Mercury. But even with leather and every thing I could get it was only $19000. It has the best warranty, just hope it is like my past Nissans, never have to see the dealer again. The gas milage started off at 24mpg but has been getting better with miles. I bought a K&N filter and no it has jumped to 30 mpg. It is nice to be able to buy a nice car for under $20000. My Dad wished he had bought one and not the big Mercury.

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  My Car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By HuntinChic79 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned my Kia for about 6 months, but I love it. I have never had so much fun with a car. Im usually a truck person, so for me to like a car is a huge compliment.

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  my review - 2004 Kia Optima
  By grannyRae - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car 2 weeks, but it has been most pleasurable to drive. it has all the cajones and good looks to go with it. it feels very solid to drive. comparable to my ford, which i truly loved. With this car i dont miss her as much as i thought i would.

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  Great so far! - 2010 Kia Optima
  By char3lee - April 19 - 2:25 am

  I love this car so far. I have put about 1000 miles on it and am really enjoying it. I bought it barely used, and feel I got a great deal. The back is very roomy for two people and a third would be pretty comfy if they were not too big or if it wasnt a long trip. It has all of the things that are important to me and more. I did get the higher end wheels and automatic drivers seat, which are nice. It has lots of pep and I get 33 mpg on the highway. I think thats great for a non-hybrid. Everything is just laid out great! Get one now, because I think the price will go up on these. The 2011 looks even nicer.

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  I Really Like This Car! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Mark in Cinti - April 17 - 4:23 am

  Ive had this car for about seven months now, and Im surprised at how much I like it. It is comfortable, smooth, powerful enough, and incredibly easy to drive. I have owned and driven a good number of luxury cars, but right now, Im more pleased with my Optima than any of them. Well see how it goes over the long haul, but Im still smilin today! Definitely go with the EX V6 with leather.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Kia Optima
  By 1Canuck - April 11 - 11:20 pm

  Bought this car in 2006 with 18K miles, now (2009) just went over 70K miles. Hands-down the best car Ive ever owned. I track gas mileage every fill-up and have averaged 27mpg combined city/hwy driving. Car has been very reliable though I did make sure to preemptively change my timing belt at 50K miles just to be safe! Car is comfortable, handles great, very strong for a 4cyl and looks great. Would definitely buy another Optima without hesitation!

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  Nice family sedan - 2004 Kia Optima
  By ol luke - April 10 - 4:13 pm

  This car is a nice car for the money. It has the optional "sportamatic" auto- clutch transmission. I wish it wouldnt kick down automatically. The cloth seats are comfortable, and it rides like a Cadillac. Has as many features as our 1995 Maxima - minus the leather and climate control (Maxima bought used for $12,000, Kia bought new for $14,000.). Great Honda or Toyota alternative. Give Kia a try!

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  From My Point Of View - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Juskolmeal - April 8 - 8:53 am

  I have driven quite a few autos and I love my Optima. The dealer came to pick me up in the 2007 and I fell in love with the car. Then they wheeled out the 2007 with the appearance package. Love at first sight. 17 inch rims and low pro tires. Chrome interior. Blue light dashboard. I have had people coming up to my car and looking at the Kia symbol like whoa?!?! A Kia??? Yes ladies and gentleman- A KIA!! Handles like a dream and the sport-stick performs like a dream. The take off power and acceleration has me moving at a pace that is keeping up with the best. Im telling you, This car is a real shocker!