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 41 through 50 of 59.00-
Great Car - 2002 Kia Optima
By 2 accidents - July 1 - 10:00 amI bought the base Optima just as a cheap commuting car. After $4,000 for a trade in that was worth $400, I bought a 5 speed LX for $12,500 and monthly payments of about $200. Not bad for a brand new car with a great warranty. However, since I bought it in Oct. 2002, Ive been in two accidents. One was a hit and run and the other involved a guy slamming into me from behind and pushing me into another car. The Optima held up surprisingly well. The guy who hit mes Intrepid was undrivable while the only damage to my car was a dent in the back bumper! It has also been a pleasure to drive - when its not in the body shop!
-
you get what you paid for - 2002 Kia Optima
By Bentley Kid - June 6 - 10:00 amyeah, the car is inexpensive. obviously much cheaper than a comparable camry or accord. but you get what you pay for. the engine is louder than the accord and camry. tranny is slow to respond in sportronic mode but okay in full automatic. seats are good enough for the price. the styling is good though. if you trust the koreans, why not?
-
Great Car - 2002 Kia Optima
By Doug1 - December 23 - 10:00 amI bought this car for the value and warrenty, I m impressed more each day. I drive about 45,000 miles a year and have almost 5,000 miles on the Kia. This has proven to be be a great buy.
-
I am so in love with this car! - 2002 Kia Optima
By Tracy - December 13 - 8:56 amI have never been happier with a car in my life. It rides beautifully and meets my every demand. Before checking out the Optima I had originally resigned myself to a lesser model of a car (different make) with fewer options at this price. On a whim I decided to test drive it and knew right then it was the car I had to have. Its much more car than I ever expected to own and the price is unbelievable for what you get. Cant beat that warranty! I recommend this car to everyone who will listen!
-
Steering Issues - 2002 Kia Optima
By nt1579 - October 17 - 10:00 amI have had my Optima for juts over 6 months now. In those few months, I have loved my car. It drives great, and I have no complaints for the price. The only problem I have is that I have had it in the shop twice in 6 mos. for a bad steering component on the right front wheel. The dealership keeps insisting that its not a flaw in the vehicle, but the body shop seems to think otherwise. Customer Service doesnt seem to be high on their priority list.
-
Awesome! - 2002 Kia Optima
By Allen - September 18 - 9:26 amMy aunt purchased this car new, and i have always wanted it. I got it and love it. My car has 154,000 miles on it with many more to come. NEVER has left me stranded, the only thing ever replaced is 02 Sensor which is normal to go out after 100,000 on any make or model car.
-
Great Car - 2002 Kia Optima
By zyllanes - May 22 - 2:00 amThe Optima is a great car! Ive had only minors problems (drivers side window does not open) but overall this car is very durable. Its V6 is powerful on the highway and can get you past other vehicles pretty quickly. It has a sporty feel to it and the steering is precise. The cabin is very spacious, making it comfortable on long road trips. Overall, you cant go wrong with this vehicle. The Kia Optima is a very solid car!
-
pay less, get less - 2002 Kia Optima
By scruff - April 27 - 9:00 amI have owned this car for 3 years now, and cant wait for the moment I can get out of it! I spend about $1k in repairs a year on this car, and Im not talking about routine maintenance. Speaking of that, it doesnt like to go more than 3k miles without an oil change. It needs to be babied. Its a comfortable car and a Nice look, but unreliable. Interior components falling apart/peeling/breaking. Wears tires out like no ones business, but thats due to the factory recall of a rusting sub frame! Hard to find someone that knows how to work on it too... Parts are never available and needs to be ordered. All in all, if you want a cheap car, go Hyundai, my brothers car has lasted way longer than mine
-
What a deal! - 2002 Kia Optima
By Happy Owner 2 - March 17 - 2:00 amI got a GREAT deal on a new loaded 2002. Couldnt beat the price, the warrranty, and the dealer is like a small hometown dealer(everyone there remembers your name over a month later). The small problem(lot damage to the bumper paint) was taken care of pronto. My daughter is buying one at the end of the month. I did alot of checking before I decided and Ive only found one person who was really unhappy with his KIA and he admits there is such a thing as a LEMON. Time will tell...........
-
2002 Kia - 2002 Kia Optima
By JamesB - November 30 - 2:00 amSpoiler as trade for dealer miles, dealer recommended a good detail shop to tint the windows making the car look exceptionally sharp. I just spent a year in Korea where they use these cars as taxis (they drive the heck out of them) and every one I rode in was just as smooth as mine (engine, too). Only problem I have had was the bushing in the steering column where it transfers through the floorpan dried out causing the steering to groan as if low on power steering fluid. One trip to dealer identified and fixed problem by lubricating the joint. Overall excellent buy for the money and compared to other autos in same class.
