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

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  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.

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  Overall.... - 2005 Kia Optima
  By BabyBlue - October 8 - 6:13 am

  Well, I love my Kia. However, I was recently in a car accident, about 2 days ago actually. I hit a semi-truck, his fault, but it happened, the car has remarkably held up, no air bag deployed, which is a major concern of mine. However I received only minor injuries and was released from the hospital. The safety of this car is outstanding! Too bad I had to find out the hard way. On a regular basis, the city mileage is averaging about 20 miles to the gallon. Interstate is awesome! With an average of about 30/32 miles to the gallon! Comfortable, FUN and a car I can be proud of!

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  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

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  2005 Kia Optima EX V6 - 2005 Kia Optima
  By H Gerike - July 16 - 9:16 pm

  Having bought this vehicle only 2 months ago, but in that time I have enjoyed driving it very much. Compared to my previous vehicle, a 1998 Olds Intrigue, my Kia Optima has as much interior room even though its exterior size is smaller. The ride is as comfortable, if not more so, than the Intrigue. The design is also quite striking. I look forward to a long tenure with the Kia Optima.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By rockport3 - June 13 - 1:46 am

  I totaled a Honda Civic, and rented an identical Kia for 2 weeks. I liked it so much I bought one! Compared to the Civic, this car has much greater visibility, greater safety features, and equal economy. The headlights are brighter and covered 1/3 more area, and the Kia is the quietest car I have ever owned, better than a Caprice Classic. The seats are a luxury and I am far safer in this car. I used the balance of the 60,000 mile warranty at 3 different dealers, who were far more courteous than any GM rival! A happier owner you will not find!

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  Love This Car - 2005 Kia Optima
  By jafarmer1 - January 7 - 9:03 pm

  This is my first Kia, and it wont be my last! I just drove to Georgia, and I couldnt have asked for more from my Optima, I cant wait for my next trip. The gas mileage was awesome, and it handled beautifully.

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  Not Worth it - 2005 Kia Optima
  By john miller - December 2 - 7:06 pm

  Told it was bought brand new 07, one previous owner for 1-2 yrs. & sat at Used dealership since. My mother bought 13 immediately w/o test driving for $1400; Fuses & electrical problems! RPMs didnt work, many lvls not shown (i.e. battery). lights point to ground, adjs dont help. not even 1-2 days, cuts out w/ oil leaks. had to change freeze plugs. 1-2 month later, overheats; payed $1500 to change thermostat, hoses, sensors, there was actually cracks in radiator & exploded coolant everywhere, cost another $1500. everything requires proprietary tools; cant take off door panel to put windows back on track. spark plugs only thing easy to change! Pass. door doesnt lock/unlock and open.

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  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.

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  Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Sam - October 5 - 6:10 pm

  Pros: Dealership maintenance service is superior; no appointment needed, just roll in and the service rep is more than happy to assist. Fuel mileage good, but could be better for its size. No questions asked on warranty; 10 year/100K coverage areas. Kia, in general, is a very real vehicle seen on the ordinary used car lot! Excellent value package over Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Cons: Insurance rating is higher than a 1999 Durango because of side impact risks to the driver. An occasional transmission slip upon initial startup. Not attracting a large number of mature buyers; considered the beginners car choice, not a family vehicle.

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  2005 Kia Optima LX - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Optima LX - February 10 - 4:56 am

  I am 50 years old and this is my very first new car. Our baby chose a college 3 states away, and although our vehicles were fine for home, I was afraid to drive it over the mountains. I chose the Optima initially for the safety features. I love the way it handles mountain curves at high speed. Even with my heavy foot I average 24.8 miles to the gallon in town and an amazing 30 to 35 on those long hauls. Nothing is comfortable after 6.5 hours, but at least there is enough room to shift positions. The only thing I dont like is the way the car squats in a quick brake, but at least it stops! I love my car, and am going to help my daughter choose a Kia.