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:

• 

  New Car at a great price - 2004 Kia Optima
  By BC Baker - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have been looking for a new car for about 5 months. When I first went to the car lots to find a new car I had sticker shock. I couldnt see why cars should cost so much. One day we decided to take a drive to Pocatello Idaho and see what the new Kias Looked like. They are a very stylish car. The front end kinda looks like a BMW . We test drove the car and I just fell in love with it. Yeah it dont have ABS brakes on it but you know ABS brakes wherent always around. For the price of the Car we got a really good deal and they are going to stand behind it with a 100,000 thousand mile waranty.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By southernmsboy - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Optima. I was Newvous about buying a Kia, but not anymore. The car has been great. People are always asking me what type of car it is. When I tell that is is a Kia they are shocked. Kia has come along way since the Sephia and it shows.

• 

  Red Kia Optima - 2007 Kia Optima
  By RayS - August 29 - 6:13 pm

  2500 miles. Averaging 23 MPG in town. Just got 33 MPG on its first long interstate trip while running in the low to mid 70s. Car is comfortable and quiet. Not a sports car, but, it is very competent with about 5 PSI extra in the tires. Transmission and engine seem to be well matched and smooth. On the interstate, even in full auto mode it does not down shift at every hill. In the manumatic mode you can make it hold 5th even longer to increase mileage. Acceleration will easily keep up with any reasonable traffic without flogging it. Like the chain drive camshafts that do not require replacement belts every 70K. No problems yet – car has not even been back to the dealer.

• 

  Worst Nightmare - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Disappointed - August 28 - 5:53 pm

  Everyone says foreign cars are better. I would say to them dont include kia in the mix. Brand new alternator twice in 14 months, had to replace just about everything on it so far and have only 76,000 miles on it. Sound system is horrible it skips like a cd player and the cd player hasnt worked since the first week i bought it. Alarm hasnt worked for 2 years it goes off whenever it wants to when its set. And the parts are so expensive its stupid! I would NEVER recommend a Kia to anyone stick to toyota or honda.

• 

  Never getting a KIA again - 2006 Kia Optima
  By never_a_kia - August 21 - 9:12 am

  I will never own a KIA again. I had to get the AC replaced 2 months after getting it new off the lot took them 4 weeks. I have also had to replace the sun visors 3 times on each side. The visors are only replaced in the first 50K, and I am not going to pay $130.00 for the visor now. Even the dealer says they see them all the time with velcro, tape, and one person stapled them up. The computer says that I am getting 29MPG but I have NEVER gotten it that good. I keep up the maintenance and when I run the numbers while filling up I am getting 19 to 20MPG. I will not even get into how you cant set the castor and camber on the front end. If you are cutting tires you cant fix it.

• 

  My first Car (i.e. non 4x4 gas guzzler) - 2011 Kia Optima
  By rbish - August 17 - 11:25 am

  I went to look at the Sorrento SUV and saw this unique looking beauty sitting next to it on the showroom floor with a $10K less price tag. I walked around the car and sat in every seat multiple times ... I couldnt talk myself out of liking this car! I get asked by neighbors, people at the gas station and people in parking lots, "What is that? "It looks like a BMW, Audi, etc... no way its a KIA" "Its a KIA?" "Looks nice!" Needless to say I enjoy my 30min each way commute a lot better now. Sometimes I cant even tell I am driving a 4-cyl! Oh and lets just say my business partner asked for us to take it to our lunch meeting (he drives a 7-series BMW)...

• 

  Good all around new car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By p - August 14 - 12:33 pm

  I compared Honda, Toyota, Ford, Saturn, Pontiac and was surprised to find that the Optima beat out the others. The deciding factor was the standard safety features and room. I am 64" and found that most of the others wouldnt accommodate my knees. The backseat is great and there is more than enough room all around. I have owned the car only a short while but have been very impressed with the overall common-sense design. The ride is very good. It is a midsize sedan, not a sports car. The standard 2.4 is plenty for me especially with the ability to down/up shift. I did the comparison, crunched the numbers and for the money you just cant beat it.

• 

  Good Car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Nick - August 13 - 2:23 am

  In the current market of rising gas prices this is a very sound vehicle with good gas mileage. I have gotten an average of 25 MPG city/hwy. There is plenty of necessary pep available with the slide shift transmission for entering freeway traffic. I hate it when my baby is dirty because she looks so pretty when she is clean.

• 

  This Kia Will Turn Heads! - 2003 Kia Optima
  By optimumclass - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Optima two months ago, and absolutely love it! Previously I owned a Mercedes-Benz 300SD, and the Optima turns just as many heads, and is very fun to drive!

• 

  Good car for the money! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sabz - August 9 - 2:34 am

  Originally had the 2011 Optima, but after having the same problem 6times with the brake pedal getting stuck, and not being able to start the car, the dealer bought it back from us, and we traded up to the 2012. Weve had the car since about this time last year. Really impressed with the difference. Seats are significantly more comfortable, and interior quality is also improved. Performance is adequate, and so is interior and trunk space. However, we arent able to get the MPGs that are predicted to get, about an average of 26. Overall, were really happy with the car, and hope to get many miles out it.