Overview & Reviews

For 2005, the Optima wears clear turn signal lenses up front, the sunroof on the EX gains a one-touch opening feature and the optional leather seats get new stitching.

• Low price, pleasant highway ride, refined V6, lots of storage space, excellent warranty.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 66.00

• 

  I love my Kia! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By melly07 - November 3 - 11:30 am

  I bought my car used with 84,000 miles on it, its been a great car, currently we have to replace the blower resistor in the a/c but warranty is covering it. This car has plenty of power and handles very well.

• 

  True Review of the Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Jay - September 28 - 1:06 am

  First 3 years and nearly 60,000 miles the car was flawless. At 59,700 the check engine light came on needed spark plugs, wires, and sensor covered by warranty then all of a sudden the headlights started to blow-out every other month, the chk eng light came on with several major codes not covered by warranty, the exterior held up but the wheel covers peeled and wiper arms started to rust. Drivers door speaker started to make horrible noise. The belts would squeak in cold/damp weather at start-up

• 

  Kia Krazy - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Kia Krazy - November 26 - 2:20 pm

  This car is well built for a Kia. The 2.7 liter v6 is quite peppy and smooth. The transmission is very smooth and the Infinity sound system is great. The leather seat are more comfortable than I expected and with all these options and quality its weird to see the price.

• 

  Our 2005 Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Roy Deamer - September 29 - 1:36 pm

  My wife and I bought this car because of the 10 yr, 100,000 mile warranty. I really do like this car, it is fun to drive and I surprise a lot of people with the accelleration and power this car has. The only drawback to it so far has been the gas mileage, it only gets about 25 hwy and 20 city, but I still like the car. Kia could have a real jewel with this car if they install and overdrive gear, this car would get 30 to 35 mpg, easy.

• 

  Kia Optima ALi - 2005 Kia Optima
  By ASyed - September 9 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car 3 years ago and i havent had any problems. I havent really been maintaining this car as should but it doesnt bother me at all. very reliable. this car is definitely undervalued. should compete with Honda or Camry.

• 

  so-so car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Shaun - August 30 - 5:10 pm

  Bought this car used when it was 6 months old. The car is gorgeous inside and out. About a year after buying it, we started to have a lot of problems. One problem was the car would get stuck in third gear and not go up or down for days they "fixed" it twice under warranty but when it happened again after the warranty expired, it was a chip that I had to pay for. The coolant hose leaked and I couldnt buy one at a store, only the dealer sells them and it was $300. The airbag light keeps going off even though they fixed it 4 times. I was so upset with this car, however a year ago I got the new chip and did the timing belt, and since then the car has been very good with no problems, $1000, later

• 

  Excellent value with few reservations - 2005 Kia Optima
  By TJ - July 29 - 8:23 am

  Very well built and well styled car that has a really nice ride quality despite being a small car, and it seems to have the potential of being a very reliable car for the long term as well.

• 

  Great Car for The Money - 2005 Kia Optima
  By LarryP - July 24 - 7:43 am

  I am very impressed with the quality of this car. Only have 6K miles on it but NO problems at all. This car has all the bells and whistles and compared to comparable cars, cannot be beat! After lots of research and driving the other brands, this car was hands down the best bang for the buck. Will definitely consider another Kia, especially the Amanti.

• 

  After Head On Crash -- bought 2nd Optima! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Rachel - April 6 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my first Kia Optima early 2004 & was in a severe head on collision December of the same year. The other party was going about 60-65mph while I was at a complete stop. I sustained severe injuries to my ankle, & my car was totaled from the impact. I felt so confident w/the outcome of the collision, that I immediately went back to the dealership to negotiate my SECOND Kia Optima. The car rides smooth, & I get compliments on the "look" of the car with people asking me all the time..."What type of car is that?" When I tell them its a Kia, they look amazed. When I tell them my story--jaws drop! I WOULD recommend the OPTIMA to anyone looking for a classy, sharp car at reasonable cost!

• 

  Chancing a KIA - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Walter Nowak - October 4 - 12:30 pm

  Our 2005 Optima is most impressive in terms of value versus performance/confidence in driving. It is quite comfortable driving with the manual adjustable lumbar and seat adjustments. We have a 5 speed with overdrive and, although it doesnt have the power I am used to, the mileage we get more the compensates for the lack in overtaking other vehicles on the open road. Now, dont get me wrong we cruise at 74 mph at a little of 3,000 RPMs very comfortably and experience much less road noise and vibration than the Corolla weve rented a number of times with intent to purchase. My wife and I realize the South Korean automakers are serious contenders in the market and our decision was sound.