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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  what warranty? - 2013 Kia Optima
  By bobbo9 - December 13 - 8:34 am

  With less than 3000 miles, the rear bumper cover "separated" from the back side panel. A "clip" which had secured the two panels had broken. They said it was an accident, I said it was a faulty clip. Escalated to Kia regional, and still no satisfaction. I paid $500 out of pocket to get it fixed. Couple this with the fact that I am not getting anywhere near the advertised MPG and I would never buy a Kia product again.

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  What crap!! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jer455 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it was all I could afford. I wanted an upscale family sedan like the Accord, Galant or Camry but it was too expensive. The result is that people think I drive a Jag (based on the style) but laugh when they discover its a Kia. Dont get it, the only good thing about it is the price. The rep sucks and so does the ride. It is such a boring car.

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  Been a great little car... - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Mike Z - December 3 - 10:06 am

  I was skeptical when I test drove the Optima, Im 63 and 220 lbs, so I thought I wouldnt fit in it. The seat is fine, and I have more than enough room to sit with an adult in the back seat behind me. Ive been impressed with the fit/finish and reliability. Ive got 46,000 miles on the car and the only time its been in the shop is for regular maint (oil/trans), and the visor broke twice. By far the most reliable of the 10 cars Ive owned in my life. I went from a loaded SUV, so I went with a loaded optima; leather, moonroof, and the infinity sound system is amazing. Smooth ride, plenty of power.

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  My Greatest Mistake - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Tom - November 30 - 12:53 am

  First I have to say that it saddens me horribly to write a poor review for this car. It was such an amazing car for the longest time. My commute is 148 miles everyday and my Optima handled the long daily drive like a champ until this last month. At 63,373 miles the engine failed. It seized just cruising down the highway and nearly caused me to crash into the center divider. After a nice little dance with Kia, they agreed to replace it. At 65,973, the transmission had to be replaced. Finally a Kia mechanic told me that the 07 models have some severe quality issues. He said that owners who do heavy driving, and have long commutes have had head gasket, engine and transmission problems.

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  Boring, but I love it! - 2007 Kia Optima
  By bkoeth - November 27 - 12:10 pm

  I looked at every car out there. I liked the Optima right away. After I first drove it, I knew it was the car I wanted. I am very picky with my cars, and have a couple of styling gripes (why is the roofline so much higher in front than in back!?) but overall its an unassuming car I dont have to be embarassed to be seen in. Fit and finish are superb. The only thing that feels cheap are the interior door handles. The car is unbelievably quiet, which makes it a pleasure for leisurely driving. Mileage had proven to be amazing for such a large car. On that note, it is VERY roomy and for thousands less than a Civic LX I just feel like I got more car for the money.

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  NEW OPTIMA FIRST 4 DOOR - 2008 Kia Optima
  By daewkia - November 25 - 9:06 am

  Well decided to try a KIA got my optima very base model only option "floormatts" so far I am impressed what you get as a base car,pwr windows, nice stereo w/cd player,pwr locks,a/c I just wish it had cruise control,I do not drive to much as I have a company car but I am in a new city and wanted a reliable car.I am suprised how peppy the car is and how the fit and finish seems above average.I expect this to be a great car excellent warranty I will be taking a 1000 mi trip soon and fully expect it will be a pleasure and very comfortable drive, I only have 195 mi on the car as of now BUT I expect to have the car for a long time to come and will report back. purchase price was 12,500 total

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  Best Midsize Car for 2011 - 2011 Kia Optima
  By dankocke - November 22 - 6:07 pm

  Ok, so Ive owned several dozen cars over the last twenty years....I trade once a year or so. Ive had 3 Kias and 2 Hyundais and they have all been terrific cars. This Optima, though, is the cream of the crop. I traded a Lexus ES 350 which the Optima compares to very favorably, especially for the money. There is a difference between bying the EX/SX and the LX in respect to road noise. This one is quieter than my Lexus. I have the nav which is awesome and the interior of the car is just plain great. Gas seems to hover around 27 mpg mixed. Bottom line: quiet like a Camry, but feels like an Accord...which by the way is super noisy at HWY speed. More to come in a few months...

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  WOW, says it for me. - 2008 Kia Optima
  By BigChris - November 22 - 8:40 am

  As with many people my bias toward Kia was negative based on second hand knowledge of prior year models BUT Wow, I am so far amazed. I gave the car a 9/10 on Interior only because I feel the plushness of the cloth seat fabric does not fully live up to the quality level of this car. I am impressed with how this car measures up to my test drives in similar Lexus, Toyota, Volvo, and Mazda vehicles. Sweet! The cabin is solid and quite. Rear seat leg room and comfort beyond expectation. Ride, Steering, and Handling ... ahhhh ... so good. Love the Deep Sea Blue paint. Trunk - Deep & Wide. Standard sound system, pretty darn good, and thats VERY important to me. A/C works very well even in Texas.

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  Good for the money - 2002 Kia Optima
  By RJimmis - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I traded it from a 6 month old Spectra. The Optima is twice the car. The SE also brings many comfortible features. The 2.4 is addiquatly acceptable (for 138 horses). Stopping is pretty good as well.

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  Good car, could be improved - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Bob A - November 20 - 1:46 am

  I didnt like the horn, the mushy suspension, the fuel economy, and it could have had more power. V-6 is average and the 4 cylinder is inadequate. I also think it tries to be good at being both a luxurious car, and a sporty car, and ends up not being good at either. Buyers should get a choice which car they want. Dealer support is horrible. I took my car back at 12k, with a squealing belt and got a song and dance about the belt being a "wear & tear" part. I thought at 12k, there shouldnt be any wear, and bumper to bumper should include the belts. For a $10 belt, that dealer lost a customer.