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 1 through 10 of 111.00

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  Stay Away from Kia Optima unless you like noise - 2012 Kia Optima
  By 2012kia - December 10 - 4:05 pm

  Purchased this car May 9, 2012. After a few days, I noticed a creaking noise every time I turn left or right. Took the car into the dealership and was told the clock spring needed to be replaced. Ive only had this car 7 days, and something already has to be replaced. Also, the engine or transmission is really loud when accelerating from 0-40. After I reach 40mph or higher, this noise goes away (not sure if thats a normal noise or not, my 2005 Honda Accord was never this loud!). Engine makes a pinging noise when engine is turned off. Looking to trade this car in really soon. This dealership, Crain Kia in Sherwood, Arkansas is not very customer friendly after the sell.

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  so far so good - 2012 Kia Optima
  By dawoj52 - November 29 - 2:38 pm

  I got my kia optima 2012 LX used. I thought it would make a great commute car i drive around 80 miles per day to and from work. I currently have 80,000 miles on my kia and so far it has been a joy .I do have some minor problems like the passager and rear windows cant be rolled up or down from the driver control panel ,r/s cigarette lighter does not work,inside temperature gauge quit working ,so i have to take it back to the dealer. The tires on the kia are very cheep and need to be replaced asap upon purchase. MPG is great i drive from Chicago to Indiana all highway miles and i spend no more than $ 55 per week on gas . I get complements on a look of the car all the time !!

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  4000 mile update - Wow!- keep being impressed - 2012 Kia Optima
  By fixer199 - November 12 - 12:57 pm

  After 3 months & 4000 miles we like this car -- and Kia, more and more. As previously posted, the amplifier was replaced under warranty. I complained to Kia, the found the problem, & took care of it. Last week we received a gift card from Kia apologizing that we had experienced a problem with our Kia. Wow!! What a nice experience compared to my dealings with Ford on our other car! We get so many compliments on this car. Love driving it. Really like the 2.4L engine. The only thing we would do differently is not buy the Infinity NAV system. My $150 Garmin is a much better nav, & you give up the HD radio. Controls are frustrating!

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  Very Impressive - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bambino3 - September 26 - 6:28 pm

  Ive had this car for just over 3 months. After owning many VWs and Audis, I was in the market for a new Audi when I read reviews on the Optima and decided to at least have a close look and test drive. To be honest, I felt this car looked better overall than the Audi A4. Sleeker lines end to end. I know thats a personal judgment, but that was how I saw it. Next, I looked closely at the interior and features offered in the SX (to me, a turbo charged engine is a necessary performance feature). The interior, while not quite as plush as an Audi A4, was extremely nice. Leather, very stylish dash and trim. Finally, I drove the car and was very impressed with the ride and performance.

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  Could not beat this value anywhere... - 2012 Kia Optima
  By astrol - August 27 - 7:16 am

  My wifes new car is a Satin Metal SX w/tour and tech pkgs. and trimmings. She drove both the 2.4 EX and the 2.0T SX and preferred the latter hands down driving the same exact test route and road irregularities. She didnt feel the need to drive the EX w/Turbo after that. For some reason the SX with the Sport tuned suspension actually feels more refined. The car is very new so no long term data from me as of yet but I cannot imagine getting more for your money than what KIA is now offering with the Optima. The overall level of refinement more than makes up for the few hard plastic bits found in parts of the interior. The 2.0T has amazing torque from 1250rpm with no lag. Yikes! Avg. 28 mpg.

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  Great deal and ride! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Don Heisler - August 22 - 6:05 am

  I got mine way below book and it was one time lease owner so it was taken care of. If you find one treated right it should last. In all makes of vehicles there are bad apples so get an extended warranty because any used car will have parts that fail. Mechanic friend said that kia has come along way and I couldnt be happier. Great sporty luxury car for low price. Fast and very fun K5 edition!

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  Fine car with a couple of odd quirks - 2012 Kia Optima
  By scrapalara - July 7 - 1:04 am

  600 miles into my 2012 Optima EX w/premium pkg (pano roof, UVO stereo), no NAV. First, Ive read several reviews that say they upgraded to the tech pkg to get the backup camera. With the EX premium pkg, the backup camera was included. Car is quiet and responsive. I have a 60-mile daily commute (one way) and running about 69-70 with the cruise am getting about 32 mpg. Expect this to improve as the car breaks in and the weather warms. A head-turner! Trading up from a loaded 05 Sebring convertible, so, to me, road noise is quiet! Handled 8" of Illinois snow with ease and stability. Very pleased so far!

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  6-months and counting... - 2012 Kia Optima
  By t1000 - May 12 - 8:40 pm

  The build quality, I rated a 3. Heres why: the body material is quite flimsy. Very light actually compared to previous cars I owned (Honda, Lexus, Toyota, Nissan). As I wash my car, I can feel how easily the hood can collapse under your hands, the rear fenders are plastic like and feels like I can bend it all the way to the back. However, it does have a 5-star crash safety rating. Go figure.... The comfort, I will never give a 5-rating because I havent found a seat that I like. Overall, this car has excellent acceleration, very sporty looking, head turner, excellent warranty, high tech features and a lot of them for such a low price.

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  So far so good... - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bykdude - March 17 - 9:07 am

  Great car and great value. First 1000 miles ok. Only complaint would be the seats. Dude...you might as well be seating on a park bench. Other than that, this vehicle has all the features of any other luxury car. Well just have to see how it stands up over time.

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  Optima Hybrid Great Value all Around - 2012 Kia Optima
  By ennui5000 - February 20 - 8:17 am

  I chose the KIA Optima Hybrid because these were the hybrids dealers were willing to negotiate lower and KIA offered additional incentives. From what I understood, it was the same system as the Sonata. 2010s KIA seems to be the great deal like their cousins unknown cousins were in the early 2000s. I am learning the car. Mostly, I keep it in cruise control as the EVO best monitors the performance. This works well. If you drive in EVO on your own, their is slight hesitation (why I gave it 4). EVO off and you feel the 200 HP and it moves without hesitation!! Lots of room, quiet, smooth ride, panoramic sunroof has wind shield. Tons of features. Handles well.