Overview & Reviews

The Optima gets several revisions for its third year on the market. Most obvious is its new front-end styling, which replaces the Optima's reserved countenance with a more upscale European look -- double light clusters call to mind the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Other changes include new wheel designs, and inside, a new center stack, new door panels and fresh seat fabric. A manual transmission will no longer be available on the four-cylinder SE model; all automatic four-cylinder models will offer Sportmatic manual-shift capability. The LX model now comes with cruise control and a CD player (at the expense of the cassette deck). The SE will include automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink and Infinity speakers; a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel is now part of the Leather Package. Lastly, engine horsepower ratings have been lowered following parent-company Hyundai's announcement that it had misstated outputs (the Optima is a corporate twin of the Sonata), but the engines themselves are unchanged.

• Excellent warranty, pleasant highway ride, lots of bang for your family sedan buck.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 63.00

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2003 Kia Optima
  By JPhelan - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Optima is a luxury car for an economy price. With Leather, Wood Interior, Moon Roof and all the extras, the Kia is a steal for the money I paid. I went to a Toyota dealer with the price I paid for the Optima and they could barely get me into a stripped down Corolla for that price. Ive had the car for nearly one year and put on 28,000 miles and I have not had a single problem. The blue color is very nice looking also. I wanted the Pearl white and settled for the Blue and now I think the blue looks even better!

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  Kia Optima LX 4 - 2003 Kia Optima
  By KatyChowChow - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! Great handling and pick up. Wonderful gas mileage, for a full sized "luxury" car. Large,roomy interior. Looks like it cost a lot more than it really does. Better than th e Hyundai Sonata(Kias cousin). Smooth ride, great comfort for short or long rides. Nice safety features. Would reccomend to anyone looking at a Taurus or comparable car! More car, less money!

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  2002 Kia Optima Excels - 2003 Kia Optima
  By S. White - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Although I have not had this 2002 Kia Optima LX-V6 very long, it has impressed me with its quality build, comfort and performance. I highly recommend the V6 engine over the 4 cylinder. Much smoother and better performance with the automatic. The car is roomy and I am a large man who is over 6 feet tall.

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  Lack of response - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Wanda Malinski - August 28 - 10:00 am

  New car checklist has not been completed. Kia Motors and dealership has not responded to my inquiries. Dealership made out 2 bill of sales with two different sets of figures, both which are incorrect. Minor problems have not been fixed by dealer.

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  Another winner from KIA - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Allen Mitts - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a KIA Sadona last year and have been very happy with it. So when our 2nd car needed to be replaced, there was no hesitation on what make of car we were going to look for. We went to the dealership and the choice was between the Spectra and the Optima. I really wanted the V6 so that left the Optima as our choice. I only have 200 miles on the car, but I love it! It drives very nice, and the look of the car compares to many luxery sedans. The price was right and I am sure when we are ready to trade our Kias in .... we will be buying 2 more new Kias!

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  why pay more - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Bob Hoskins - June 14 - 2:00 am

  why pay the outragious prices of new forign luxury cars? when you can spend less and own more. and have a much longer warranty.make sence, did to me thats why i also bought the optima se. it is the best deal i ever received.

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  What a Suprise!! - 2003 Kia Optima
  By l24k2g - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I went to KIA just to take a look Because I travel 25000 miles a year and I needed a car with warrenty. I was supprised the engine is spunky for a small engine, the interior is practical and the Price is right not to mention the warrenty. I love my KIA! Only time will tell how much..

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  Excellent V-6 Value - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Dvweb - December 14 - 10:00 am

  My last auto was a Chevy Prizm which was a very nice car overall. This Kia is both prettier, faster, and better designed overall than previous autos owned by me. The V6 is quiet while fun to drive. Plenty of power and I like the 4 speed automatic with the Sport manual shift. The ride is soft but not bad. Handles well with the 15" Michelin tires. Very happy with the build quality of this Kia Optima and the many features that are standard. Very happy with this purchase and highly recommend the Kia Optima to others looking for a midsize auto. Very nice!

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  good looks great value - 2003 Kia Optima
  By tony927 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  as a previous lincoln and cadillac owner, I was amazed at the creature comforts and quality of ride.

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  2003 Kia Optima SE V6 - 2003 Kia Optima
  By jeff420m - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Drives great. You get a lot of car for your money with this car. The warranty and roadside assistance make it even great, Honda and Toyota dont even come close.