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 1 through 10 of 63.00-
Fine Ride - 2003 Kia Optima
By militarymama1969 - September 4 - 10:00 amI love this car!! I had a Focus and i loved it and when trade in time came, the Optima is the only car that caught my eye...
-
Great Car for the Money - 2003 Kia Optima
By Levi - August 10 - 10:00 amThis has been a great car for the dollar. It has alot of the bells and whistles of the competition that you would be paying $20k or more for. The engine is surprisingly powerful. My car was in an accident and did well protecting me.
-
What a Suprise!! - 2003 Kia Optima
By l24k2g - December 14 - 10:00 amI 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..
-
Optima has been a good car - 2003 Kia Optima
By wsm - January 23 - 4:10 pmWe bought our 2003 Optima just after getting married in 2003. We werent particularly looking for a Kia but due to the rebates Kia was giving at the time we settled on the Kia because it had superior options and a price we could afford. After 7 years of ownership we are ready to upgrade though and unfortunately wont be buying another Kia. Heres why: Cons: we paid 18000 for the car and today we can get about $3500 if were lucky. Depreciation on this car is terrible. Belt squeals nonstop and dealers cant figure out problem. Always had transmission troubles that again dealer cant fix. Pros: Super reliable, fuel system problem at 30000 miles and door problem at 120000 but otherwise Reliable!
-
Nice Front-Poor rear design - 2003 Kia Optima
By Optimized - December 26 - 10:00 amThe rear end has a lip that extends out from the trunk. While it looks ok, we only had 2500 miles on it before a hotel luggage handler used it to lay our luggage on it and then proceeded to push suitcase in the trunk. It resulted in a few scratches and a major chip of paint taken off. It should be redesigned to be more flush with the trunk . Load your own luggage, golf clubs to avoid damage.
-
Great for the money - 2003 Kia Optima
By Btnfly30 - December 12 - 9:50 amFor the money I could not do better. Comfortable, reliable and stylish for 12,000 dollars.
-
A great value... - 2003 Kia Optima
By bulldog485 - October 18 - 2:00 amWe decided to look at the Kia Optima along with everything from the Olds Alero, Toyota Camery, Ford Taurus and a whole slew of others. The Kia Optima SE V6 won hands down for both the price, the features that came standard and the warranty. The same car in a Toyota Camery would cost about $5,000 more and I liked the exterior lines of the Optima. With four months and 7,000 miles on the clock, we are still happy with our purchase and I fully plan to have the car past its warranty. My personal goal is to have this car past 150,000 miles and from what I see so far, I will... Good car for the money.
-
After 1st Three tanks full... - 2003 Kia Optima
By Willa Jabir - July 19 - 2:00 amThere is no "Get up and go" here, but for what you pay it is worth it. Ive gotten 26-29 mpg. I normally get more than the ratings, but not here. Handling is good. The engine is a bit noisy, but not that bad. The sportmatic transmission is nice for control. A family car for easy driving. All controls are in good locations except the cruise control on/off switch. It is located by the left knee...go figure. The cruise has to be turned on each time the vechile is used again. Each time you turn it on, it is a one time deal. All other controls are in good layout.
-
nice for the price - 2003 Kia Optima
By kink - December 1 - 10:00 amI have enjoyed my new KIA. I love the pickup when I punch it. The ride is smooth and quiet.
-
NICE CAR - 2003 Kia Optima
By KEITH C. - June 13 - 10:00 amThis is my 2nd KIA. First was a 2000 Sephia. The dependabily was the reason why I went back for another. I had 138,000 on my 2 1/2 year old Sephia. I liked the style of the Optima 2003. So far I enjoy driving it. I have had a simple problem which the dealer will correct. I am hopeing to get the same reliable transportation with this car. If so, I will buy another KIA in 3 years.
