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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  I love my Kia - 2005 Kia Optima
  By brenda mutcherson - April 9 - 11:20 am

  Comfortable, smooth ride. Great deal for the price. Seats are soft and comfortable. Love the easy opening sunroof. I Love the fold down back seats. I love my Kia Optima. This car comes with free car mats!

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  Drive a new Kia Optima - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Silky - April 6 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this new 2006 Kia Optima LX 2.4L three weeks ago and drove it to Alabama and back to Colorado. The drive was great. I averaged around 28 MPG. The car is much more comfortable than the 03 Kia Spectra I traded in for this new one. My wife was surprised when I drove up in this new Optima. She didnt know for two weeks that I had purchased this new car. She wanted something that was comfortable. This vehicle is very comfortable. Im happy with this 06 Optima and I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  2004 kia optima lx v6!!!! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By AHartman90 - April 6 - 4:50 pm

  I got my kia in April 2009 I have had no problems with it so far it is a realy Nice car I put a high flow intake and a cherry bomb in it and it gave me a little better performance... The head lights keep going out but thats it with problems. I didnt like kias befor I got this on I have about 180-185 and 140-145 foot lbs of torque! I highly recommend the 2004 kia optima for anyone!

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  My best decision - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Suhail Sood - April 3 - 9:30 pm

  I bought it used with 67,948 miles on it. Replaced transmission fluid and stock Infinity stereo with pioneer DEH- 2200UB and boom it sounds great with stock speakers and tweeters. Engine goes silent after 5 minutes of drive. I get about 23-27 mpg on regular commute. My Optima has California state emissions and dont have to worry about timing belt change until 105,000 miles Last time it averaged 30 mpg on my way to philadelphia from pittsburgh, 356 miles on a v6 and 30 mpg, what more do you want?

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  Awesome car for the money - 2014 Kia Optima
  By dumrman - April 2 - 11:13 pm

  This is my wifes driver. We have had several BMYW 7s, Jaguar XJs, and two Audi A6s. At one third the price this thing gives them all a run for the money IMHO. I am a guy that has bought eight new Porsches and i am amazed that Kia can make a car of this quality and deliver it at that price. At this price point, it is definitely the best car out there.

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  Love my KIA - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Fireshaw - April 1 - 3:46 pm

  Awesome package deal with sporty looks, luxury interior, good fuel economy and still practical.

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  Great Value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By cosmosprophet - March 31 - 10:02 pm

  I bought this car as a second vehicle to drive to work. I commute 600 miles one way. I bought it because of what I perceived as a great value. It has been just that. The gas mileage is coming up a couple of miles short but still very good at 33 miles per gallon on the freeway. I drives excellent and is very comfortable to ride in for the 8.5 hour trip.

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  Get it a try! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Mark1016 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have been toying with the idea of buying Korean. I like the tweeks made in the exterior design for the 04 Optima. The 6 cylinder moves out plenty fast enough for me to collect some pricey tickets. I am 61" and my only complaint is that my head is very close to the headliner in the car. The steering wheel needs to be telescoping for long legged people.

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  Optima ex - 2004 Kia Optima
  By advci - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great value with the rebate. For 13K I find it fun, and a fantastic deal. The main selling for me point was the warranty.

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  Im a believer - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Frank - March 7 - 10:13 am

  The steering power assist is over compensated and the steering feels almost artificial, but I will never complain about it again. I had a near miss on the freeway yesterday and my Optima maneuvered excellently. If it wasn’t for its excellent maneuverability and the power of the V6, I may not have been here to write this. Most people do not believe I paid $20k for the car (with $3K cash back); most say I must have must have paid at least $25K (its loaded, leather, abs, and power everything). Its longevity remains to be seen, but for now, I’m a believer.