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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  Husband against imports. Not anymore! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By AMYMARIE - June 7 - 2:56 pm

  Husband had to go from a Taurus (19- 21 mpg) to an import because of his 50 mile one-way track to work everyday. He was against imports until he sat in the Optima. The conv. package with the 8-way lumbar seat, dimming rear- view, alloys and trip along with the dealer package of the rear spoiler, LEDs on side-view mirrors for turn- signal, and pin striping made this car a looker! Not a plain Jane anymore! Car was 22K and with rebates/trade we paid 15K. Was a leftover with 18 miles on it. Dealer put another 100K on the pwrtrain warranty for a total of 200K! Hubby did not think he could find a mid-size import with the mpg he liked. Thumbs up so far!

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  Koreas Biggest kept Secret - 2004 Kia Optima
  By NCCU EAGLE - June 7 - 6:03 am

  I bought my Kia with 30k miles on it. Since I have bought the car I have driven about 13k miles without one single problem with it.

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  WOW WHAT A CAR! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By beafantoo - June 4 - 6:08 am

  I am 62 weigh 315 lbs and this car wows me to no end. Great looking car, great comfortable car, very nice styling. My car has the tech package and nav..I would recommend this car to everybody.. I am getting about 27.8 mpg with most of my driving in the city, I purchased the car 3 weeks ago and have put 1000. miles on it already, very responsive around turns with great handling. Very fast for a 4cyl. you wont go wrong buying this car..

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  A dream to drive... love my Optima! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By trainer1366 - June 3 - 9:50 pm

  A Dark Cherry EX with the Premium package. It is taking me a while to get used to the length --I feel like Im in a full size car. The car receives a lot of attention! Comments like, "What kind of sports car is this? Lexus IS, ES or Jag? Peter S. and the KIA design team dialed up the heat and produced the best looking sedan on the road. Hands down.

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  This car rocks!! - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Dano - June 3 - 3:53 am

  I have had this car for about 5 months and have almost 10000 miles on it. I am a big guy and I found the room and comfort to be very surprising. I chose the 4 cyl. over the 6 because I found it to be more sporty and responsive than the 6 which seemed a little laggy to me. The interior styling and the heavy resemblance to the Lexus at well under half the price is a big plus. If this car performs over the long run as I expect I will definetly be a longtime Kia customer.

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  Engine trouble - 2013 Kia Optima
  By sjh12 - May 31 - 8:35 am

  Bought this car as college graduation gift for my son. Drove it from Midwest to west coast to begin a job in a new city. Across country, engine light comes on and now needs to be in for service 3 days. This should NOT happen with a brand new car. Starting a new job and needing to get car in for service in a new city is a HUGE hassle. Wish we had bought something else.

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  WOW!! It is a KIA!!!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mrvega - May 30 - 1:27 am

  Purchased my 2012 SX 3 weeks ago and I am truly amazed. It doesnt feel or look like a KIA. The ride is very smooth yet sporty. Quieter and more stable at speed than my mothers 2009 Camry SE V6 even though the SE V6 feels like it accelerates quicker yet handles and feels better than the Camry. The style is elegant yet sporty (Many people compliment the exterior and interior). Even though it is a 4 cylinder, because of the turbo, it doesnt feel sluggish especially at slower speeds. Gas mileage could be better. It is returning 18-19 City hwy around 28 The style in my opinion looks much better than the Mazda 6, New Camry, Sonata, Accord, Malibu, and more expensive cars.

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  I lOVE THIS CAR - 2004 Kia Optima
  By rvingsuz - May 24 - 12:03 pm

  This was the first car I have ever picked out for myself and am I ever happy with it. It handles very smoothly and is sooooo comfortable for me....fits me well. I have followed the manufacturers suggestions on care and have not had any problems. It runs great and corners like an expensive sports car. I know, I drive on winding roads regularly. Very fun and inexpensive to own.

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  Amazing Car! Worth every penny! - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Marjorie - May 19 - 12:23 pm

  Ive owned Hondas, Camrys, and other trendy cars in the past, but this is by far the best in terms of safety, price, and smooth riding. I love this car! Too bad people think its a cheap car b/c of the name brand, but its very reliable, rides smoothly, very safe 5 star-crash safety testing, 6 airbags, double safety bars on doors, etc. This car is by far better than any Honda, Camry, or Nissan in terms of gas mileage, price, warranty and safety. I highly recommend it to anyone buying a new car. You cant beat the warranty. I got free oil changes for 80K miles:)

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  Thats a Kia? - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Dave5928 - May 19 - 4:36 am

  If I had a nickel for every time I heard that question! I just bought this car a week ago and already have 600 miles. The computer indicates my average MPG is 27. The car is just very well-built. Nothing squeaks, rattles or looks out of place. The fit and finish is first class. It doesnt feel like a cheap car. It is the real deal. I dont know how they pack that much value into such a (relatively) low sticker price. Kia made it easy to choose this car. They didnt hold back all the goodies and spent the time and money to make this car more than pretty. I didnt think I was entitled to this much car for so little money.