Overview & Reviews

For 2012, the Kia Optima receives the optional Uvo voice command system on all but the base models and a minor shuffling of features between trim levels and option packages. The front seats have also been slightly reshaped for improved comfort.

• Lengthy warranty.
• Impressive value
• Powerful and fuel-efficient engines
• Good ride/handling balance
• Handsome cabin
• Top crash scores
• Copious features

• Disappointing real-world fuel economy and driving experience for hybrid
• Numb steering.
• Can be tight on headroom

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 111.00

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  Fuel Pump - 2012 Kia Optima
  By slh2 - December 23 - 6:00 am

  Not too bad of a car other than road noise is pretty loud. It sounds like air leaking in the windows but they say there is nothing wrong with the windows. My fuel pump went out and it was $700 to fix (not covered under the warranty). The tires that come on the car are terrible in rain. I have had to use Synthetic oil since my 2nd oil change because it was low on oil. I am really not happy with this car. I have 80,000 miles on it now and I drive 100 highway miles a day. It doesnt seem like it is going to last as long as my 2003 Toyota Highland that has 299,000 miles on it and never replace the first think except tires, brakes and spark plugs. The toyota was an excellent vehicle!!!!

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  Amazing value for the money - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mustrockon - December 2 - 5:44 pm

  When we were looking for a car in the 30Ks range I have to admit Kia was not on the short list. After talking with two family friends, one with a BMW and another with a Mercedes both purchased within the last 3 years we began to broaden our search. Not only were the repair bills outrageous for even the smallest of fixes, but the features for the "lower priced" models were lacking compared to the Optima. We ended up getting a pearlized white with leather interior and a turbo 2.0 getting 275 horsepower. It has no problem getting up to speed and rides like a dream. Not only is this the best car we have owned for this price, but our family friend with the Mercedes is trading in for an Optima!

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  UPDATE: review 2012 Kia Optima SX - 2012 Kia Optima
  By cdh906 - September 8 - 5:10 pm

  This is an update to my past review. I have 67,000 (2.5 yrs old) miles on my car- and I want to get rid of it now. Im very disappointed in this car now. (I previously gave it 4 stars) but reliability trumps here. This car has now left me stranded in a parking lot twice because it wouldnt start. Stuck on the side of the freeway due to a failed fuel pump which is apparently common, but Kia wont pay for the replacement. Without a working turbo more than a few times. The leather is not real - and has started cracking despite meticulous care. Battery died at 2.25 yrs and this is also "the norm" for this car. Having to tow my new car to the dealership on a flatbed was less than fun.

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  Just OK - 2012 Kia Optima
  By soadokdls - May 16 - 2:43 pm

  I really like the way the car looks and some of the great features you would never get with a similar car but there are definitely things that I am not impressed with. The UVO system they have works well intermittantly and they claim the issues I have with the phone is bc Im using my iPhone cable instead of their $40 cable which is total BS. Also, I had a 2010 Toyota Camry V6 prior to this so the HP is the same, but since the Kia is a 4 cylinder the power just isnt as good. Oh, and my insurance also doubled!!!! My insurance company claims the Kias ISO rating is 30 and my Camry, which was $2k more, was a 16. How is that freakin possible?? Has anyone else experienced that?

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  Replaced trans at 18k - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sassy1866 - April 20 - 4:31 am

  I love this car but at 18k miles Ive had to have the transmission replaced already. As soon as I pay the car off Im getting rid of it. Its fun to drive and looks great inside and out. But to have a major part of the replaced so soon is unacceptable. I had high hopes for Kia but it seems they have a long way to go in reliability.

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  Not all That.... - 2012 Kia Optima
  By torch1342 - April 9 - 6:08 am

  Seriously, you all need to get over yourselves with this car. The interior is cramped and the interior is one giant piece of hard plastic. The headroom up front is not good if your over 6ft. The 2.4l engine makes a loud buzzing noise when you hit the gas. Overall I am pretty dissapointed with my purchase. If you read the reviews you would think that the Optima is a Mercedes, well sir it is not....

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  Good in some aspects, still lacking in a lot more - 2012 Kia Optima
  By orleans44 - April 7 - 7:31 pm

  Traded my 09 TSX for a 12 Optima SX. While there are tons of nice standard features, like the heated and cooled seats, the turbo, the push button start and the panoramic sunroof, its easy to tell the trade-offs Kia sacrificed to appease the value conscious consumer. If youre a true car person who pays attention to details and spends a decent amount of time in the car, spend a little more and get a car from a manufacturer who figures out the details. The car has great power. It will go when you want it to. The tires are the weak point and you find that out with wet pavement. The mileage is less than what mfr states on the sticker and on the "ave mpg" show in the dash.

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  Kia has come a long way - 2012 Kia Optima
  By molina67 - March 12 - 7:25 pm

  This car is awesome. I admit it was hard wrapping my brain around buying a Kia, but I am sure glad I did. This car is not only sexy it 174 hp when you need them. Only downside I have yet to see 34 mpg as advertised. The highest Ive gotten in 5 months and 6000 miles is 31 mpg, still better than my previous car which was the 6 Cylinder Pontiac G8. That only got 24 mpg and only had 254 hp and after 28000 miles I started having engine problems.

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  Best car ever - 2012 Kia Optima
  By turbo25 - March 2 - 6:42 am

  The 2012 kia optima is the best ive ever driven after owning a 2007 hyundai elantra which has no power or pick up the kia is the total opposite i love it

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  update* reaching about 13000 on my 2011 SX - 2012 Kia Optima
  By acerava - February 12 - 9:23 am

  so far no problems! I must agree with the road noise though. I never owned a Kia before, but if they just get the wheels/road noise and (my preference, wheel well gap shortened) it would be nearly perfection. On soft pavement its extremly quiet, on rough/normal pavement it really makes me consider buying some better tires and im leasing it :/... Anyway, fuel economy no matter how much i try i cant seem to do 22 city (LA stop go traffic: 15-18 :( but on the dealer paper it states actual milage may be 18 in fine print) but i can definitly do 34+ highway. Overall, not upset everything works well, still get compliments and stares every day Wish the logo changed w the designs! ill update at 25k.