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 21 through 30 of 59.00

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  So Far So Good! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By J Christian - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Hey guys, Ive had my Kia Optima for 1 yr and 2mths now. So far so good. Im actually a few thousand miles over my next maint visit which I shoul schedule. Im a Network Engineer and sometimes Im required to drive great distances daily to reslove problems. But so far in my opinion it was a great buy. The only draw back is power but I purchased a 4 cyl so what can I expect. but its held up great for me so far. In short other cars are faster but wheres their warranty? What good is a fast car if it only last a couple of years. Ill keep my Optima and the 10 yr warranty. Best of Luck.

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  OUTSTANDING VERY IMPRESSIVE - 2002 Kia Optima
  By ctopher - July 2 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY FIANCE AND SHE ABSOLUTELY LOVES IT. I LOOKED @ ACCORDS, CIVICS, ALTIMAS, CAMRYS, AND A FEW OTHERS. HANDS DOWN THE OPTIMA WON IN EVERY ASPECT. IT COSTS THE SAME AS A 2-3 YEAR OLD HIGHER MILE VEHICLES, AND YOU DONT GET THE GREAT WARRANTY KIA HAS. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND KIA TO ANYONE!!!

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  great car - 2002 Kia Optima
  By 1874 - June 9 - 11:43 pm

  Have had this car for almost 2 years and only put new front brake pads on. Fun to drive, fast and great mileage. I am so happy I did not buy a Camry or Accord for almost double the price. This car is solid and does not feel like it will blow off the road like the Camry and Accord.

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  It gets the job done - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Convinced - April 19 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this car in 2008 from a private party. It had 120,000 miles on it. I have put about 60,000 miles on it in 2 and a half years. In that time, I have had to replace the power steering pressure hose (upper) and power steering return hose (lower). I have had to replace the starter. I am not complaining as the car has over 180,000 miles on it now. It is still solid. The engine does not smoke. The AC still blows cold air. The biggest problem I forsee is that the transmission shifts erratically. It seems to slip a little in between gears. I am a backyard mechanic. If you work on your own KIA, go to kiatechinfo_dot_com, put in your car VIN and you can view repair manuals online.

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  Great Sedan - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Manuel - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Kia Optima is a well built sedan. Economical and fun to drive. The model I drive is an SEV6. I did not get the optional ABS but the car handles braking very well and handles very well overall.

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  You got to buy this car - 2002 Kia Optima
  By ifront - December 12 - 10:00 am

  The best overall value you can find.

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  My review - 2002 Kia Optima
  By BONZJONZ - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a 1990 Ford Ranger, the Optima is definitely a step up. The mileage is very good for the long trips that I have to take.

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  What a car! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By damitch - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I own a 97 Sephia and bought the Optima for the value you get in a Kia. I have been thoroughly pleased with the increase in styling and performance Kia has shown. The leather seats are very comfortable with both front seats powered. The engine is very adequate for a 4- cylinder. The overall sleek appearance, 15 inch wheels, and chrome accents have turned heads on the road. I would say the Optima is dollar for dollar the best you can buy.

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  my optima - 2002 Kia Optima
  By anothermakettle - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. It is by far the favorite of all the vehicles I have owned. I would buy another if I were in need of a car. I have an optima, my sister has a spectra, mt other sis has a optima, and my best friend has a rio. I recommended them all to the kia dealer. We are all extremely satisfied with our cars.

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  How could I say no? - 2002 Kia Optima
  By 3letterword - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I wanted something comfortable, reliable, and inexpensive to own. With a $17k budget my options were several off-lease vehicles that I admire (audis, bmws, etc) but they all had 50k + miles on the odometer. Sure, theyll go another 100k - but not cheaply. In the new car segment there were lots of 4-cyl compacts with sparse interiors. The Optima SE V6 came loaded with every option. Combine the demo discount plus the rebate and it came into my price range. Amazing! Sure, its not one of those German beauties that I drool for, but sometimes reality intervenes. V6 power, comfort, and should anything go wrong - an unmatchable warrantee, plus free road-side assistance.