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 61 through 70 of 111.00

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  Honda, Toyota, and Nissan-----LOOK OUT!!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mojonphx - January 3 - 9:10 am

  This car is amazing, after dismal repairs on my 2009 Honda Accord EX-L, I gave in on my frustrations and traded in the car for a brand new 2012 Kia Optima EX with Tech and Prem packages. The car is so much nicer than the Accord and a pleasure to drive. I have already put 3k miles on the car in one month because it is so addicting to drive and it turns heads wherever I go and people always ask "Thats a KIA?" I highly recommend it and dont pass it by because it is a KIA, the brand has made drastic changes and it definitely shows. My Honda Accord was my third and last Honda and I will not be going back.

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  Reason why it needs 100,000 mile warranty - 2012 Kia Optima
  By DEBRA GREEN - December 13 - 6:25 pm

  This car I bought new it has needed so many things replaced. Eat tires going on my 4th set and dealership says noting wrong with car dont know why it wears tires so quickly. Yeah warranty is great its the constant inconvenience of having to take in for repairs. Never will buy or recommend Kia ever

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  3000 miles and running - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mrvega - December 1 - 7:37 pm

  3000 miles later and I am still impressed with my Optima sx turbo. Driving a bit faster than Highway speeds 80-90mph it feels very stable, relatively quiet, it feels like you are doing 20-25 mph slower. If you hit the gas from 75-100 it feels like its running out of steam. Sound system- Very good (however streaming is poor) Bluetooth- Poor (my 2011 Camaro BT was thousand times better) This cuts out and I have to reconnect. Sirius Satelite radio still stops working under bridges and gas station where my xm in my camaro never failed. Suspension-Feels great, not floaty It was a great purchase. I would like to see a future comparision with the 2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 and the next Mazda 6

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  Blown Engine - 2012 Kia Optima
  By J Supanich - October 19 - 3:00 am

  Engine blew at 47,000. Like others have posted, my engine blew driving 70 mph on the highway. I bought the car used with 36,000 miles. At 42,000 it needed the fuel pump replaced (under warranty). When the engine blew, it took a long time for Kia Motors to approve the work. They will try to find reasons to not cover the work. I finally got my car back 6 weeks later. Another issue I have is it is consistently pulling to the left. I have had it looked at 3 times already and its still not fixed. I do really like the some of the features of the Optima though. The Navigation and Climate Controls are on point. And it has a nice sporty feel to the car, but at this point Im looking to trade it in ASAP before something else goes wrong.

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  Very pleasantly surprised - 2012 Kia Optima
  By country6543 - September 14 - 7:55 pm

  My wife totalled her 300C and we looked at new cars for almost 8 months. With the way the economy was I wanted fuel efficient but she wanted sporty and fun to drive. Looked at all the different family cars out there and then drove the optima SX turbo. The features that set the Optima apart was the very roomy back seat for the kids, Great looks and fuel economy. We have around 8,000 miles on the vehicle and still love it. No problems, No noises and she gets raving compliments everywhere she goes. She drives mostly city with a little highway driving. City mpg is about 19-21 but highway mpg is right on the button at 33. I am 62" and have no problem with comfort, front or back.

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  Beautiful, great performance, awesome value BUT poor "actual" fuel econmomy - 2012 Kia Optima
  By travelingwave - July 17 - 12:32 am

  I have a black on black fully loaded 2012 SX. I paid $30k. I have had about 3 months with 3500 miles on it( I dont drive it when there is snow, sand, etc. on the road) Great: Awesome exterior look, a real eye turner. It looks like Audi BMW, but $20k less. Performance-unbelievable - corners on rails, and there is no turbo lag. Bad Horrible actual( total miles/ gallons use) fuel economy compared what is advertise 24/34. I actual get about 24MPG ALL highway driving like a grandma. Fuel economy computer is not accurate. Narrow bucket seats, slightly tight on my shoulders Poor wheel well insulation. When driving on snow, gravel, sand, it very loud inside

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  Great 4 door sports car - 2012 Kia Optima
  By david_h - May 12 - 3:14 pm

  I had 3 Land Rovers in a row and was tired of 12 - 14 mpg fuel economy in the city. This Kia Rocks on mileage, I average 22- 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg or even higher on the highway. I live in Texas so its very flat here and Im sure that helps. At first I would do my own calculations for fuel economy bu ditched that after I realized dash computer was on the money. I have two children, both in car seats and there is plenty of room in the back seat for them. The doors open very wide so its easy to get them in and out. I love all the features, the seats are comfortable, and the price is outstanding for all that you get. I got a loaded one for under $30k after lots of negotiation.

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  Disappointed - 2012 Kia Optima
  By swkia - April 9 - 4:37 pm

  Poor gas mileage especially in the city. Under 16 mpg avg(mostly city) Never been gentler on a car(BORING) cant get it get anywhere near rated mileage. Dealer no help. Sirrus radio sounds awful when using Sirrus. I leased this vehicle expecting to save on fuel consumption. This low mileage is hitting hard at $4 a gallon. When researching I saw the low mileage warnings and bought into break in in period malarkey. Not true, got worse. If it werent for the poor gas mileage. I would give it high ratings. I like most everything else.

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  Really Fun To Drive - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mswhitfield - January 3 - 4:31 am

  2.5mths and almost 3k miles, I am still enjoying my Spicy Red Optima. (Midlife crisis? Maybe) After over 7yrs in a Chevy Equinox, off the showroom floor, that I soon came to loathe, thats an understatement. I had a Lexus in mind, but the SX blew me away. Kia has come a long way from their buy one get one free days.

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  Great car for the money hands down - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sassy1866 - January 1 - 1:15 am

  I just bought a 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo. Spicy Red with Beige interior. Absolutely love it. You cant find any other car with the amount of options at the Kia price. I bought the tubo because the regular 4 seemed noisy. Plus I love the power. Only two complaints I have are the wind noise around the windows when driving on the highway and the passenger seat is too low.