Overview & Reviews

An auxiliary audio jack is added to the 2008 Kia Optima.

• Excellent crash scores, plenty of standard features at a low price, spacious backseat, generous warranty, surprisingly involving to drive around town.

• V6 offers little advantage over the more efficient inline-4, styling by the witness protection program, ABS not available on manual-shift LX model.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 66.00

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  Our Little Vacation Car - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Hummer Guy - November 2 - 9:40 pm

  Have a new H3, a 6yr old Sunfire, and an 08 Dodge Avenger (son). Needed a new smaller, more economical car for vacations now that both of us are retired. Looked at all of them in the one-year-old under $15000 range. I wanted another Avenger which son loves, but wife not comfortable in the seat. Ended up getting this 2008 Optima as a former Enterprise car. Absolutely LOVE IT. Wanted a four, but settled on a six, but the power is amazing -whiplash acceleration -and the economy on three fill ups has been 34, 34, 38 on combined interstate and city driving. The four could not have done much better. It has all the toys like steering wheel radio controls. Only had it 1 mo. So far VERY PLEASED!

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  My Kia - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Karin - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing bad to say about my Kia Optima. The only thing I dont like is the headlights. They are pointed too low. Its like 20 ft in front of you is bright, then it drops off to total darkness.

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  Reliability could get 6 stars - 2008 Kia Optima
  By bklyndriver - April 30 - 6:42 pm

  Ive had this car, as second owner, for three years. It has never been a problem. All Ive done is replace the brakes and tires. Its still got less than 35K miles, but so far this is the best around-the-town car Ive ever had. It is surprisingly fun to drive, handles great. Downsides: I dont get the mileage I thought it would get - seems like I fill up a little too often. At about 30, I can feel the gear shift. There is absolutely no style to this car - it is super generic. These things dont detract from how good the Optima is.

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  Stay away from Kia - 2008 Kia Optima
  By i_hate_kia - April 29 - 2:49 pm

  1 BAD EXPERIENCE , I will never buy another , motor locked up with only 46,688 miles , they piece together another new engine because kia was to cheap to send a complete motor it runs for 10,00 miles and the oil light starts coming on at ideal. I ended up letting the dealer buy the car back and bought a Toyota camry, almost forgot car was out of service for 47 days the first time and the next time well its been 3 weeks today and its still not fixed 1/11/12 VERY BAD EXPERIENCE

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  So far so good. - 2008 Kia Optima
  By new kia owner - March 28 - 6:26 am

  Got this car about 1 month ago. After much research, I decided this car would provide the best value for the dollars invested and so far we have few complaints. My wife is not pleased with the "bumpy" ride, but for me I like to "feel" the road a little. I told her for the price we paid that I could get better shocks that would provide for a smoother ride, but so far we havent made any modifications. For an out-the-door price of less than $15K (with $3000 in rebates) there wasnt anything new in this size of car that even came close. Been getting about 27 MPG with a 50/50 mix of city and highway driving. So far so good. We are very pleased with the purchase of this vehicle.

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  In defense of the Optima - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Leo Miller - March 12 - 4:40 pm

  I recently rented an Optima for a week trip. It was by far the most enjoyable car I have ever driven..I recently dumped my Mercedes AMG last month for numerous ongoing problems. The Optima was responsive, comfortable, quick acceleration and the gas mileage exceeded 30 mpg on the highway. I am planning to buy one in the next 30 days. I understand that one week is not the same as owning, but I was that impressed with the car.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Doug - February 8 - 3:30 pm

  After having this car for 6 months, I still am glad I bought it. I truly think with the warranty, quality, comfort etc - for a 4 door midsize sedan it is definitely a smart buy!

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  Im glad i own a Kia Optima - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Proud Kiacar owner - January 22 - 12:40 pm

  A general perception with so many appealing ads on TV,people seem to be just convinced with brands like Toyota camry,Honda,Nissan.I have reviewed and test drived all of above but with their brand name,car seems too very expensive.Happened to try a Kia Optima and never had to give it a 2nd thought.With the price,safety features,mileage i rate this very much in par with Toyota honda nissan.Initially when i bought few asked me-Y did u go for a Kia,but whn i took them for a ride they had a different view altogether which made me so proud.classy sharp looks,smooth silent ride,responsive engine. Im glad i own a Gorgeous midnight metallic grey KIA OPTIMA.Mwaaah & a pat well tht goes to my car

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  Surprised at the Value - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Suprised Kia Guy - July 28 - 8:33 pm

  Had been looking around at new cars. Ford A/Z plan eligible. Drove a Fusion and an Optima. Even with A plan pricing Optima beat out Ford with Features, Pricing (rebate + discount), and gas mileage. The 5* crash rating was the clincher. With Rebate + discount, paid $14,500 for a well equipped Optima LX. Would have liked to buy a Toyota but with the discount, warranty, and features feel like I got a steal. Had it for 3 weeks now and rides great. Getting 25 - 27 mpg mixed driving. Love the steering wheel controls for radio. Only regret is buying white which looks great, but it going to be work to keep clean. Recommend Kia to anyone looking at a Honda or Toyota to save some $$.

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  Premium Car for Undervalued Price!!! - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Scott - March 4 - 2:40 pm

  This car is Amazing! Coming from a Detroit Union raised native (typically purchases GM, Ford & Chrysler vehicles) I decided to take a look at one for the warranty of 10YR/or/100K Miles, whichever comes first. Nice driving give me 30 mpg hwy and the automatic stick shift allows me to have optimal usage in passing slow cars. Plenty of get up and go in the 4 cylinder...technology is incredible as 2009 KIAs may introduce MSFT software in them!!! Drives incredible and has hard hitting stock sound system (from Detroit Rock City). Be sure to go to your dealer and take one for a spin.