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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Kia Optima

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Kia Optima

Overview

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2008 Kia Optima Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Kia Optima continues to offer buyers a well-built, well-equipped family sedan for less money than the competition. Based on the same platform as the Hyundai Sonata, the Optima distances itself with sportier exterior and interior treatments, as well as a significantly lower base price. Over the last few years Kia has made impressive strides in both quality and content and, while not yet on par with such giants as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Optima comes very close. The Optima provides a roomy, comfortable interior, a large trunk and a choice between a fuel-efficient four-cylinder or a powerful V6 engine. Even the most basic models include such standard safety features as side-curtain airbags and front-seat active head restraints.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a four-door sedan with responsive driving characteristics, a lot of features and an attractive price, the 2008 Kia Optima should be on your shopping list. It's handsome, offers impressive safety features and represents a good value for the money.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you absolutely crave attention, the Optima's exterior, which some may describe as bland, may not grab your eyes -- or anyone else's. And, despite generous interior volume for the category, this midsize package won't be big enough for larger families.

What's New for 2008

No major changes for 2008.

Driving the Optima

Driving Impressions The Kia team has made a commitment to blending the Optima's features into a nice combination of driving capabilities. In what might be considered as unexpected for a Korean brand,...

the Optima is actually fun to drive. Movements of the steering wheel are rewarded with crisp reactions into corners, body roll is minimal and the Optima enjoys a balanced feel, particularly when you consider it's a modestly-priced front-wheel-drive sedan. We found it completely engaging and enjoyable.

Favorite Features

2.4-liter Four-cylinder Engine
Although its specifications aren't too dissimilar from others in the midsize segment, the Optima's all-aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a pleasant character that is involving for the driver. It offers crisp response and decent power, and is so good that, on balance, there seems little justification for either the additional expense or the greater fuel consumption of the V6.

Appearance Package
The LX Optima is a well-equipped model that is considerably above the basic transportation category. For just under $3,000, however, the Appearance Package provides a host of upgrades attractive to both the original purchaser and, subsequently, the resale market.

2008 Kia Optima Details

Interior

Kia continues to offer increasingly worthwhile upgrades in interior design, materials and safety. Even in base LX form, the Optima's interior materials rate well above merely acceptable. Choose the available Appearance Package and you'll receive aluminum interior trim, automated light control and silver-accented inside door handles. On those cars with leather we were impressed by the leather's tone and its perforated texture. Conversely, the standard instruments could benefit from a typeface that was more attractive and readable and the front seat cushions could be angled up a bit more. As the Optima is intended to appeal to young families, safety receives an appropriate emphasis. Its standard airbag arrangement includes advanced dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, along with full-length side-curtain airbags.

Exterior

While unobtrusively styled, the 2008 Kia Optima is still modern and attractive. The profile is fronted by an attractively restrained grille that's framed by halogen headlights with either clear or blacked-out lenses. The passenger cabin provides a nice balance between outward visibility and efficient aerodynamics. Front and rear overhangs are fairly short, while the fenderwells are nicely filled with either the standard 16-inch or the available 17-inch tires. The overall effect is that the Optima looks balanced and secure, in a way that is modern and even sporting.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Optima continues Kia's tradition of providing a generous level of standard equipment for an attractive price. Our test LX model, with the four-cylinder engine, included power heated exterior mirrors, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, four-wheel disc brakes, an AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input jack and a split-folding rear seat. Beyond that, it offered gas shock absorbers and front and rear anti-roll bars, features often available only as parts of "sport" or "handling" packages with other cars.

Optional Equipment

For those wanting a higher level of comfort, convenience and functionality, there is available leather seat trim, power and heated front seats, a manually-operated rear-window shade, power-adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, power moonroof, Infinity sound system and subwoofer, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and other features and options. The Electronic Stability Control Package (available on EX and LX with automatic transmission) provides anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, traction control and brake assist with one easy check on the option list.

Under the Hood

Our driving experience was limited to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with either the five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. In both instances we were pleased by the engine's responsiveness, and the transmission gearing was well matched to the engine's characteristics. Although 162 horsepower isn't exactly stratospheric, in combination with a respectable 164 pound-feet of torque it's very usable. We see little benefit in opting for the V6, given the balance, efficiency and entirely acceptable performance of the in-line four.

2.4-liter in-line 4
162 horsepower @5800 rpm
164 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31

2.7-liter V6
185 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
182 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Optima vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 240 Ratings for the 2006 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.1/10

Great all around car! (And its a KIA!!!)

By Southern One (SC) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great value, Satellite radio, reliable!"

Cons: "Friends giving you a hard time about buying a KIA!"

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

"Bought this car with about 18K on it from Carmax in March 2010 and have approximately 77K on it now. I have replaced two tires and the rear brakes and had regular oil changes done at 5000mi intervals. Nothing else! Only one recall to reprogram the transmission shortly after I bought it(fixed by dealer under warranty). Also the window switches on the driver's side door quit working and were replaced under warranty at 59K. This has been a very reliable car and I highly recommend it. I drive 90 miles a day and average 29 mpg in mixed highway/city driving. I doubted KIA quality and reliability at first, but I am a believer now and look forward to the day I buy another. PS Buy the 2.4 four over the V6 and save about $800, by not having to replace the timing belt at 50K"

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great little car

By tire on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 53,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "really nice, fun to drive, economical, good lookin"

Cons: "the drivers seat"

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

"i bought this with about 13K on it in '11. the car is solid on the road, has great brakes (make your eyeballs pop out) it's quite quick, passing is a breeze. drove it from upstate NY to and around NM. 6000+ trip. i averaged just under 34mpg overall. the handling is quick and responsive. it drives and rides like a much more expensive car. i like the cloth interior. i prefer it over leather. it's not as hot in the summer and it's warmer in the winter my only complaint, and i've heard if from others, is the drivers seat. it's not very comfortable on long drives. it just didn't "fit" right."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Impressed with this made in Korea car

By KiaConvert (CA) on Sunday, September 16, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great price, fun, safe, reliable, comfortable,"

Cons: "None i can think of."

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

"I bought my KIA 2009 optima from Hertz. Been driving it for almost two years and there is no problem with it. Its a very reliable car. Done all my servicing and checks every six months and there is nothing to repair. Just change filters and oil. I did had a change of car battery recently but I believe that is due to the life span of the battery. Otherwise its a great value for money car with all the safety features and the ergonomics of the more expensive car interior (USB port, MP3, satellite radio, seat compartments, lots of storage interior and the trunk is huge!) Engine and suspension is great (smooth even on the worst uneven USA highways). My next car is going to be a KIA."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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One of the best cars I have ever owned!

By Preacherswife (TN) on Wednesday, August 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "good to drive, reliable"

Cons: "issue with the back shocks"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought this car used in 2010 after my previous car "died" engine wise. I was in a huge hurry to get a car and bought this one on a whim. I wasn't super happy in the beginning because it wasn't really what I was looking for but it grew on me. I paid too much for it simply because I didn't research and look around enough but it ended up being an excellent car. At the time I was driving an hour one way to work 3-5 days a week and the gas mileage was good. It has the look and feel of a much more expensive car without the price tag to go with it. I would recommend this car to a commuter anytime!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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In five years, not one let down and great warrenty

By content (TX) on Sunday, July 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great looks, great pick up speed ,great traction ."

Cons: "Road noise when windows open . paint on added part"

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

"A great car for the value. 60,000 mile bumper to bumper and 100,000 drive train ,has some road noise . had two small recall repairs that took about 30 min. to fix, good service. I will be buying another Kia soon. In five years my car has never let me down.Great traction control on rainy days. Kia Optima is the car to own."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Nice car for a reasonable price

By Lee (FL) on Thursday, March 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fuel Efficient, Comfortable, and Trouble Free"

Cons: "Hard to get in and out of for tall guys"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've had my 2009 Optima LX for nearly 3 years and I've never had any problems with it; not even any minor issues. It's been a great car and reliable; not to mention that it's good on gas."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 240 reviews