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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2011 Kia Optima

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Kia Optima

Overview

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2011 Kia Optima Review

By KBB Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

If midsize sedans were contestants on a dating show, the previous-generation Kia Optima would have been among the first would-be suitors kicked off. Bland to behold inside and out, and generally uncompetitive in every category but average selling price, the old Optima was easy to overlook. But things have changed in a big way for the 2011 model year. The Kia Optima is now one of the most stylish, most amenity-laden midsize sedans available, and qualifies as a viable, attractive alternative to the segment's heaviest hitters.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2011 Kia Optima backs up its standout styling with driving dynamics and an equipment list that outclass most of its competitors'. And price is still a strong suit.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Kia resale values are improving at a rapid rate, but the 2011 Kia Optima isn't predicted to prove as resilient as stalwarts like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

What's New for 2011

The 2011 Kia Optima is as all-new as it gets, offering sharper interior and exterior styling, new engine options (including a turbocharged variant) and new tech-savvy features

Driving the Optima

Driving Impressions We were impressed with the 2011 Kia Optima's balance of sport and comfort. Smooth and quiet on the highway, the Optima also corners as confidently as most anything you'll find...

in the category. We were only able to drive the EX trim level with the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, but it did not disappoint. The engine was responsive and very smooth with more than enough power for passing and going up steep hills; its fuel-sipping qualities are an added plus. On the inside, the seats remained comfortable over long stretches, and the driver-centric dash was a welcome arrangement for making climate/audio adjustments on the fly.

Favorite Features

Exterior Styling
If the 2011 Kia Optima isn't the sportiest, most stylish midsize sedan out there, it's pretty close.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine
Who needs a V6 anyway? This four-cylinder has 274-horspower and an EPA highway estimate of 34 mpg.

2011 Kia Optima Details

Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The interior of the 2011 Kia Optima takes a different approach than other cars in the segment as its driver-focused center stack gives a cockpit-like feel. Leather touches abound - on leather-equipped models - and we appreciated the soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels. Taller passengers might take issue with the Optima's rear headroom.

Exterior

We call it "futuristically bold," but most would call just plain "different." From the cross-hatch front grille sandwiched between wrap-around headlights to the sweeping chrome arc that extends back to the sleekly styled rear end, the car exudes a luxurious feel that makes it look more expensive than it is. What makes it more interesting is the high beltline and sloping roofline that give the car a sporty profile. Depending on the trim, the Optima is equipped with a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every 2011 Kia Optima offers Bluetooth phone connectivity, iPod/USB audio connectivity, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a cooling glove box that keeps drinks chilled. As for safety, the Optima comes with an impressive array of features including six airbags and electronic stability control. Like other base-priced models in its class, the entry-level Optima comes with 16-inch steel wheels and six-speed manual transmission.

Optional Equipment

Optional equipment highlights include a panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Infinity sound system, touch-screen navigation system and back-up camera. In addition to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the top-of-the-line 2011 Kia Optima SX offers a lightly sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive styling cues.

Under the Hood

Offering more horsepower than the previous-generation Optima's V6 – and far better fuel economy – the new 2.4-liter engine is a welcome addition. It boasts more power and better fuel-economy than other cars in the category, while those wanting more power can opt for a turbocharged 2.0-liter (EX Turbo and SX trims only). Both engines are offered with a six-speed automatic, while the base-trim (LX) offers a six-speed manual.

2.4-liter in-line four cylinder
200 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
186 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 (manual), 24/34 (automatic)

2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder
274 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
269 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1750 - 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/34

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2011 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 97 Ratings for the 2011 Kia Optima models.

Review this car

Value

9.5/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.6/10

This is the most comfortable vehicle ever!

By James (CA) on Thursday, May 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great all around Car."

Cons: "a little pricey but makes up for it in gas(Hybrid)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Not only does it ride smooth and quiet but it doesn’t have any type of pull when it’s shifting gears or whiplash after going over a pot hole. I have the Hybrid model and have never been happier with my gas, driving 300 Miles on one take of gas and I still have a little more than an half a tank left. Another feature I love about this car is its UVO (Bluetooth/Radio) and how much information the dash can tell you about your car. I can truly say KIA has come a long way and made a point to stand out amongst its peers. I look forward to seeing what else the future might hold for them."

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Great all around EXCEPT in one HUGE category

By Reeg25 (CA) on Wednesday, May 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,300

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything other than the MPG"

Cons: "Terrible gas mileage for this type of vehicle"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I've had my new 2012 Optima (base model) for two weeks now and I love everything about it EXCEPT: The GAS MILEAGE IS TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTING! The car looks great, drives oh so well, is comfortable, has every feature/option that I wanted - but c'mon! A combined city/highway MPG of just 25.6?? And this was while driving with the "Eco" (economy) feature on. Granted, I am a bit of a lead-foot, but the majority of miles I've put on the vehicle have been on the highway. I admit that it's been very easy to go 80mph on the freeway in this car and I often find myself traveling at or around that speed. But 25.6 MPG in a 2012 4-cylinder sedan?? You gotta be kidding me? This has really taken the wind outta my sails. Yeah, okay, I'll now see what happens when I go no faster than 70mph and consciously soften my acceleration at all times. But I'm not very hopeful that this will result in my getting anything close to the MPG estimates Kia is pitching in its ads. This car is looking like it's gonna be a heck of a lot more expensive than I imagined."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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