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 1 through 10 of 59.00

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  Awesome car - 2002 Kia Optima
  By PeterM - June 30 - 10:00 am

  had this car for over a year now, love the milage can go forever it seems with the gas light on. the only major problems ive had is the car lurches when im breaking sometimes and a sensor went out, had the sensor fixed but havent had the breaks checked yet. plenty of room in front and back, im 63 so that says something. dont care for the stock radio, doesnt bring in AM channels well, could get Milwaukee stations in, in MI with my Focus, cant with the Kia

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  SAFE CAR! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Joshua - January 21 - 3:50 am

  I cant speak much of my Kia Optima, I only owned it for less than a month. I will however be more likely to buy another though. I was involved in a severe front end collision. A large pick-up truck ran a stop sign on a country road giving me no time to even brake. I escaped the accident with only severe whiplash and back problems. The doctors said that it could have been so much worse. This is one safe car and I would recommend it to anyone. The whole front end of the car was gone and the roof buckled under the impact, however no part of the interior was altered or harmed me.

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  The Car that will surprise you - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Aaron - August 8 - 9:40 pm

  Just a note to those thinking of buying this car. I owned my KIA Optima for 4 years. I recently was rear ended by a full size truck traveling 40+ miles per hour, totaling my KIA. I was amazed at how it reacted. The rear completely crumpled leaving the passenger compartment intact. Even the police officer was shocked at how well it handled and that I was able to walk away. This car has been the safest, lowest cost of ownership, and most fun sedan I have owned. I never had any problems with my car, I put on 96,000 miles on it, and tearfully will have to say goodbye to it. I recommend this car to anyone looking. I am going to purchase the new KIA Optima this week. Enjoy!

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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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  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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  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.

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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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  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.