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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Kia Optima

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

Overview

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2011 Kia Optima Review

By KBB.com 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

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

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.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2011 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 158 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.6/10

My Won't Let Me

By My Wife's Car (KY) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Kids and Wife Love it"

Cons: "Should have ordered the sun roof"

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

"I got to drive the car on the test drive, now my wife has hidden my keys.... We get looks and likes all the time, great pick up and smooth ride, price was good too. Going to steal her keys while she is sleeping just to get a chance to drive it."

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Love my SX turbo

By ryan2714 (PA) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,500

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: "fun to drive, 8 speaker audio, turbo"

Cons: "bluetooth tech, inaccurate MPG info"

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

"I've had this car for about 4 months now and I love the car. Expensive for a Kia but not expensive for what you get. Car is fully loaded bluetooth, nav, 8 speaker audio, turbo, leather, on and on the stuff that packed in there. I don't regret my purchase at all and would buy again. The only thing I don't like about this car is the fact that the nav system takes UVO and HD radio out of the car and leaves a very basic and very limited tech/bluetooth functionality. No memory, artist, song, etc info streaming via bluetooth. Another thing is the USB port doesn't charge my iPhone 5, your retricted to the Kia iPod dongle accessory to enable it to charge. No way to scroll through playlists on iPhone/iPod. I'm a tech person so these are my views on the short comings of the car, for most people this stuff isn't imperative or important."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I love this car!!!!

By shockwave_13 (CA) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

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: "Quick and powerful"

Cons: "Middle seat in back is not comfortable."

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

"I bought this car based on Kia's old history of being disposable. I became quite impressed with its handling, quick get up and go, and amazing highway mileage. I have had this car for 8 months and 22,000 miles. I drive 160 miles a day as a commute and it has never let me down. The The power seat is amazing even my wife likes driving it. Will buy the next generation when it comes out!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great car - wish I had purchased instead of leased

By Kia Lease (SC) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "just overall great car"

Cons: "not much"

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

"I love this car. I've had it about 15 months now. I have the turbo with everything except navigation. iPhone covers that for me and on the car since there is bluetooth. It looks great and complete stangers approach me about it. I have the spicy red and love the color. I'm heavy on the gas, but still get 32-34 mpg on the highway and about 25 in the city. I'm actually trying to decide whether to buy out the lease (wonders of wonders even without a down for the lease the buy-out is less than current market value. I had a Cadillac STS a few years back with the same features. I like this car so much better. Maybe its the $25,000 less on the pricetag."

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I Love My Optima

By BeansRER (TN) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,800

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: "Feels like I am driving a Luxury Sedan. Styling"

Cons: "Do Not Buy Pre-paid Maintenance Program!"

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

"I am 67yo and this is beyond a doubt the best car I have ever owned. For a 4 cyl the GDI (gas direct inject) sure gives it the pickup. Sitting the driver's seat, it feels and acts like I am driving a luxery sedan. 22,800 miles and absolutely no problems with it. However, I strongly advise that a buyer not purchase the pre-paid maintenance program. If you move, not all dealers honor them without a hastle, and Hyundia/Kia will not stand behind them. You are on your own. May not buy this brand again because of the money I wasted on it."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Love the car would not do anything different

By DJ (ND) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 700

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Lot of features, excellent styling, affordable"

Cons: "None worth walking away from it for"

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

"I have been putting off buying a new car for some time and like to research. I finally decided to take the plunge after looking at about 12 different cars. My dad bought a 2011 ex turbo a couple of years ago and loves it never a problem and nothing but looks of envy from people trying to figure out what it was and surprise when learning it was a Kia. I bought a 2013 ex with premium package and absolutely love it. While I have driven his turbo on numerous occasions I have found that the 2.4 ltr has more than enough power for most people myself included, as a matter of fact there have been a couple of times when I punched it on the interstate to pass a semi and looked down only to realize I was pushing 100 and believe me you could not tell unless you looked at the speedometer because the car itself is smooth and quiet. The features on the car are nice and easy to use I have the UVO system and find it to be handy especially when driving in heavy traffic. If there was any feedback that I would give it would be that with UVO you do not get navigation and in order to access and store music onto the hard drive you must put it into a special format. Believe me this is not a reason to not get this car because in one word it is "awesome""

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 158 reviews