Overview & Reviews

For 2012, the Kia Optima receives the optional Uvo voice command system on all but the base models and a minor shuffling of features between trim levels and option packages. The front seats have also been slightly reshaped for improved comfort.

• Lengthy warranty.
• Impressive value
• Powerful and fuel-efficient engines
• Good ride/handling balance
• Handsome cabin
• Top crash scores
• Copious features

• Disappointing real-world fuel economy and driving experience for hybrid
• Numb steering.
• Can be tight on headroom

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 111.00

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  POOR GAS MILEAGE - 2012 Kia Optima
  By errolb - January 15 - 3:22 pm

  I bought a new 2012 Kia Optima LX a few months ago. I like everything about the car except the gas mileage, stated to average 28mpg, all I get is 22mpg. That is a big difference when gas is over $4/gallon. (Every car I have previously owned achieves the stated mpg.) The matter is compounded by the poor response from Kia. I have spoken to two consumer service agents, both of whom were unresponsive to the point of being rude. They contended that the mileage rating was after 5000 miles of break-in, despite the fact that the manual clearly says no break-in is required, and actually tried to blame the dealer (?). A disappointing commentary on an otherwise good car.

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  Excellent Car - 2012 Kia Optima
  By jsap123 - November 21 - 12:25 am

  Bought a 2012 EX in October 2011; 10,500 miles on it now. I was looking for a car that had good visual design inside and out, better gas mileage and more power than my previous car [2006 Mazda 3S 2.3L]. Fell in love with the interior and exterior styling, love the driver-centric interior, I like how everything is angled towards me. Was very impressed with the quiet cabin, smooth ride, and nice seats. The Optima, however, doesnt handle like my Mazda did, but I would say thats the only thing the Mazda comes out on top in. The car feels very refined, engine is plenty fast and Ive been enjoying 28-34mpg on mixed driving [Im not a lead foot and its flat in FL]. I also like the ECO button.

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  Great Value and fun with a few caveats - 2012 Kia Optima
  By willj69 - November 9 - 2:17 pm

  A really fun car to drive with great looks. Absolutely love the inside and every feature, especially the cooling seats and keyless entry/startup. Disappointed in the paint as I have at least a dozen chips. Any little thing causes a chip or scratch. If this car had AWD, blind spot info, and a hard drive, it would be THE PERFECT CAR. It is pretty damn good as is.

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  Nice car, Good dealership experience - 2012 Kia Optima
  By roop07 - October 5 - 3:04 pm

  Bought the Optima 2 weeks ago. Very nice car with lots of luxury features for the price. Good power and handles well on the road. Had a wonderful experience at Hollwood Kia in Broward County. No hassle.

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  Optima EX GTi: 5-year review. 79000 miles - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Val - August 24 - 5:05 am

  (The dropdown only gave me the Hybrid option; this is NOT a hybrid Optima). My last review (shown below) still holds. I did have to replace a headlight, a $100+ job due to the way the way the bulbs are accessed. The car remains trouble-free and other than routine maintenance, car washes and the new tires mentioned below, I have invested no $$ in it. Its the go-to car in the family for road trips due to great gas mileage & comfort. I have kept the Sirius/XM subscription which we enjoy on long drives. (Previous review at 61,000 miles) I have a 3-day a week, 120-mile round trip commute. Gas mileage and good handling in snowy IL winters were important to me when I made a decision to purchase this car new in 2012. In all but the coldest conditions, I average 32-35 mpg on my highway drives; 25+ if driving around town. Like others, I love the heated steering wheel and seats, cooled seats in summer and the sunroof. Like others, when I have to take a turn in the passenger seat, I find it annoyingly low. Replaced tires at about 50,000 miles. Had the fuel pump go out (under warranty) at about 27,000 miles. Other than that, no repairs; just routine maintenance and regular oil changes (using synthetic oil - my choice; always use it!) I still love a lot of little things about this car - the keyless entry; the way the lights come on when I walk up to the car, the trunk space, the room for occasional passengers, the stylish looks. Handles just fine in the snow and still looks sharp as new on the outside. The tan leather is too light - shows dirt too easily; wish I would have gotten the darker interior. Overall, very pleased with my loaded Optima.

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  I would buy if it wasnt front wheel drive - 2012 Kia Optima
  By atx4life - July 28 - 2:48 am

  Kia has done an exceptional job with the 2012 Optima. I had a chance to test drive one and it was very surprising. I did enjoy driving it, however, all that horsepower is wasted b/c its no fun driving a front wheel drive car. You cant drift and there is under-steer if you get on the gas too hard. Being front wheel drive is a major deal breaker for me. If they get smart and make a rear wheel drive or even an all-wheel drive model, I will buy one.

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  The Power to Surprise. This is a Kia?! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By dratsu - July 25 - 11:09 pm

  with Premium Package. I wasnt this excited about my wifes 07 Infiniti G35x, an incredible car. I expected that to be great. The 7 midsize sedans I tested now should be solid, affordable family cars. I got so much more. 4700 miles, 4 months. First impressions are lasting; still loving it. Unequaled luxury & value - the style, features, and attention to detail are unmatched at this price point. Some cars costing $10K more lack this level of sophistication. How many cars light up for you as you approach, inviting you back? With this amazing car, Kia hasnt just arrived to the midsize sedan competition, its taken the category by storm. The Power to Surprise, indeed.

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  Update on Infinity Sound quality - 2012 Kia Optima
  By fixer199 - March 13 - 2:32 am

  I posted in early January about the center dash speakers overpowering the rest. Turns out it was a bad amplifier. Got it replaced today under warranty. Now the Infinity system sounds like something Harmon Kardon can be proud of! We now have 1600 miles on the car and like it more all the time. That amplifier is the only defect weve found. We carefully log our gas use & got 25.06 mpg for the first 1,066 miles of 100% city driving. Only one trip out of town & got 31.9 mpg with lots of hills and slow downs for small towns.

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  Skeptical on EPA - 2012 Kia Optima
  By kbsmith - December 30 - 1:55 pm

  I have recently come off an Acura TSX, rated lower EPA, while in reality gets much higher than the estimates. My Kia gets around town less than 22mpg and on the highwaqy about 29. Those numbers plummet as soon as you get off the highway to an overall 23. My Acura was 25 and didnt plummet so quickly. This is my only disappointment with the car, but it is a big one. The engine seems to miss as I start out, in the 1400-1800 RPM range. I havent checked this out at the dealer yet because there are NO loan cars provided---only expensive Enterprise rentals at about $55/day. Acura and other upscale models have spoiled me---you get what you pay for, folks. No doubt here. Great value!

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  2012 Optima EX purchased new - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Michiganrunner - November 23 - 11:01 am

  I love my car....except...from the time I bought it just over 3 yrs ago, Ive had battery issues. Now Im thinking its an electronic issue. I can sit in my car not running, and listen to the radio for 15 mins and the battery will die. Cant count the number of times Ive had it jumped. KIA replaced the battery last year...and the problem continues. I only have 32,300 miles on my car in over 3 yrs- with a newer battery, and its died twice within 3 weeks. Thankfully my local Kia dealer is going to pick it up from my work tomorrow morning, evaluate it, and bring it back to me before I leave work. My electronics freaked out today when I attempted to restart. I prepared to call Kias free roadside assistance again and needed my VIN# to do so. Id waited approx an hr and a half before calling. I went to my car to get the VIN...and it magically started! Wth? All electronic features had to be reset, but it actually started right up. Hence I do not believe it to be a battery issue, but an electronic one