Overview & Reviews

Now in its second year, Kia's midsize sedan gets an upgraded V6 engine. Four-cylinder LX models trade their 14-inch wheels for standard 15s, while SE models get auto on/off headlights and two keyless remotes. The optional Leather Package for the SE now includes a four-way power passenger seat.

• Competitive price, solid build quality, loaded with standard features, pleasant highway ride, super warranty.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 59.00

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  Kia Optima 2002 second car - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Gilman Brown - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable and dependable car. Great warranty, and most bang for the buck. Would highly recommend purchasing.

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  You get what you pay for - 2002 Kia Optima
  By DavidR - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for one year with no problems yet. It is very responsive on the highway and in the city. I love the sport shift. A very comfortable and quiet car. The only problem I see with it is the resell value. The darn thing has virtually no resale value. Only time will tell on reliability. After one year and 45000 miles it is a pleasure to own.

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  You get what you pay for - 2002 Kia Optima
  By DAVIDR - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for one year with no problems yet. It is very responsive on the highway and in the city. I love the sport shift. A very comfortable and quiet car. The only problem I see with it is the resell value. The darn thing has virtually no resale value. Only time will tell on reliability. After one year and 45000 miles it is a pleasure to own.

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  02 OPTIMA LX - 2002 Kia Optima
  By JOHNNY B - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT A FORMER RENTAL OPTIMA FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP.SINCE DECEMBER OF 03 TO PRESENT I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE KIA IN 5 TIMES FOR SMALL STUFF. WINDOW REGULATOR,KNOCK SENSOR,RECALL ON EMMISSIONS,SPEAKERS NOT WORKING,AND A DOOR LOCK SWITCH. OTHER THAN THAT THE CAR IS VERY NICE TO DRIVE,COMFORTABLE.

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  nicks view - 2002 Kia Optima
  By nick - September 2 - 4:43 am

  My wife has me drive everywhere we go. Even though it is her car! I am not able to take out on my own. We like to take drives around the area we live in, Northern California. With the v6, it gives me the power I need to pass all the vehicles going up hill with no problem. With the safety features, the way it handles --. it is what sold me on it. I have a son who is 10, and I want him safe.

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  Honda Killer - 2002 Kia Optima
  By whtever - July 30 - 11:26 am

  This car cost less than a new Accord LX and has way more options. We are very happy with our choice to buy a KIA. The build quality is better than Honda and generally so is everything else. KIA, if it keeps it up will be the next Honda. Great pricing and tons of options on a solid car. In my opinion the car is under valued on today’s market. But that should change. Just look at what people are saying about it. I would buy another Optima any day!

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  2002 Optima - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Swinedog - July 18 - 1:00 pm

  The car was very reasonably priced. I have had problems with the keyless entry. It was eventually repaired. It took the dealer 3 tries to fix it ... the manual provided by KIA was in error and referenced the wrong part number. The dealer was good and provided a loaner while they figured out the problem. I had attempted to replace a front turn signal ... it is not something easily done by a consumer. The transmission has always slipped ... it has been brought in on multiple occasions and they flash the onboard computer. The problem has never been completely resolved.

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  Dangerous car - 2002 Kia Optima
  By walkstick - March 22 - 10:06 pm

  As soon as I bought this car I started having electrical problems with the car. I would lose all lights, steering, brakes, and air bags for the vehicle. Kia was no help in finding the problem with my vehicle and I totaled the car in July 2005. The only good thing that saved my life was the seat belt installed in the car. There was a burning smell that came from the car and the dealership had a hard time duplicating the problem. They changed many items on my car but they were not sure they had fixed the problem and in some cases were scared to drive the vehicle themselves. Please report your car to the NHTSA if you have this problem so it can be fixed

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  seeking college students - 2002 Kia Optima
  By optimagyrl - December 14 - 10:00 am

  At first when my uncle pointed out the car to me I was like ugh Kia? Not good cars. One thing that I love about this car is the warranty. 100,000 mile warranty! If you are a college student or on the run with a medium price range choose the Kia Optima. I have had no major problems and all Kia asks me when I have minor problems is the mileage. I work with service writers at different car lots and it just doesnt move that simply. Car could be a little less shakier at 90 m.p.h. (if you go that fast)I give Kia Optima a A-.

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  Optima - 2002 Kia Optima
  By plm - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The only problem we had with our Optima was a passenger side window that would get stuck if you closed the door with the window open. After the second trip to the dealership this problem was solved. We also had concerns with the was the transmission shifts. We were told that since the car was a demo, that the electronic transmission never had a chance to "learn" the drivers preferences. I would like a little more pick-up but other than that the car has been a great buy. I wish we had waited one more year to buy though. The 2003 has the Infinity stereo, a garage door opener, and auto dim rear view mirror, all standard.