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:
Showing 731 through 740 of 955.00-
Lots of car for the bucks - 2005 Kia Optima
By lEMAC - February 23 - 9:53 pmGreat looks, quality workmanship, price a deciding factor, average gas mileage, most options included in price.
-
03 Kia Optima - 2003 Kia Optima
By Wacko63 - February 23 - 2:00 amThe Kia Optima is the first car in a long time I have been more than happy to brag about. It has the amenities of cars costing thousands more and the quiet, smooth ride of a larger luxury auto. I have nothing but praise for this car and the dealer who sold it to me. No buyers regrets at all! And dont even get me started on the 10/100 warranty! Where else does anybody have the guts to back up their product with that kind of warranty? You can spend more money on another car than you will at a Kia dealer, but, why would you?
-
Kia Optima EX V6 - 2004 Kia Optima
By Nauman - February 18 - 10:00 amGreat driving car with alot of extras for the money. Would like to have a little better gas mileage.
-
Heating/air conditioning - 2004 Kia Optima
By lvargo - February 11 - 10:00 amDisappointed at the heating/ac system. The auto temp control works well, however, you cannot utilize the lower and upper temp feature together with air or heat. If the a/c is on in the dual mode, the lower vent will blow the temp of the hot air outside and not cool air. Conversely, if heat is on, the top vents will blow the temp of the outside air while the bottom is heat. Sad part is no one can fix it and main hq of Kia has not responded to my inquiries since the problem started in Dec 04! Dealership acknowledges the problem but cant get an answer from Kia on how to fix it either!
-
KIA how inexpensive thou are - 2013 Kia Optima
By george marx - February 7 - 9:06 pmThe car is the best value I could find. (and it do a lot of research on cars) I bought SLX turbo and its plenty quick for these old bones. Just dont drop the hammer on it, the turbo doesnt like it. (Turbo lag) It came with every option you can think of save for auto slow down when its in cruise control.
-
The kids love it! Nuf said. - 2011 Kia Optima
By rutgersfan87 - February 5 - 4:20 pmTotally impressed with everything about our new Optima. Heated leather seats, front and rear, keeps everyone toasty...its been a cold snowy winter. Roomy interior, extreme leg room in the back for 3 kids ages 10, 13 and 17. Has all the bells and whistles you need, and more. Great looking, sporty, opted for a silver EX with Premium package right off the showroom floor. It didnt have the UVO nav-ent. system, but you should consider it. So far we are very happy with our purchase and would highly recommend this vehicle. Over 3 weekends, we test drove or saw all the competition and the Optima was the classiest ride, and best bang for the buck.
-
Buyer Beware - 2008 Kia Optima
By NOTW Girl - January 23 - 1:20 amI purchased a new 08 Optima in January and it has been in service twice because the "Check Engine" light came on. The day I bought the Optima and drove it on the freeway, the RPM went to 6000. The car hesitates when trying to accelerate and it drives like a four-cylinder. There could be a problem with the transmission in the 08 model.
-
Im a Kia Fan! - 2006 Kia Optima
By Camwise - January 10 - 1:03 pmWe have had this car for about 9 months and it has been great. We even bought it from a car rental place! It has run great with no major mechanical issues. Occasionaly when its been a while since the last oil change it will be hesitant on the acceleration and the check engine light comes on, but once you change the oil its back to perfect. Now my wife and I are searching for an SUV and lets just say the Kia Borrego is high on our list! Kia makes quality cars and your not going to find anything more reliable than this for the price! I get 25-30 miles per gallon with a good mix driving of highway and city miles.
-
Great Car - 2005 Kia Optima
By KiaLover - January 7 - 9:16 pmSo far no problems great car
-
Never Ever again - 2001 Kia Optima
By Upsidedown - January 5 - 2:00 amThe car is roomy, great gas mileage with the five speed, and the base 4 cyl is not bad at all. However I have had nothing but problems with this car. Everything from the center console falling apart to the infamous power window problems. Premature clutch failure, electrical dash problems, engine problems and on and on. Yes there is a bumper to bumper warranty, but it does not pay for car rental if you have to leave the vehicle in the shop (which you certainly will). When you factor in the horrendous resale and/or trade-in value I would say that this is one of the worst automobile purchases you could ever make
