Kia Optima

Best car for the money and size, hands down.

By Froston (CA) on Tuesday, January 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,100

Pros: "Great price, solid build quality, fun to drive"

Cons: "None!"

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

"Got this car 10 months ago, and I have not even the slightest bit of buyers regret. In fact, this car continues to amaze me and amaze other people as well. Despite it being a Kia, is is amazingly solid, with great quality and attention to detail. It is luxorious, powerful, and easy to drive. The visibility is great, although the rear window is small. It has a great turning radius for easy parking, the turbo engine is mind blowing in it's delivery. I have has no problems whatsoever, and the interior is as solid as it was new. No scratches or wear on the seats or dash. Amazing fuel economy as well, i get 32mpg highway without eco mode or cruise control. Also, the car handles amazingly for a 3500 pound fwd midsize sedan. Make no mistake, for a midsize fwd car, it is above and beyond in terms of handling. Better than stock tires accentuate this much more. It is also very spacious, back seat room is superb and the trunk is very spacious. The doors close with a solid thump, and the car is very straight forward in terms of ergonomics- everything is placed right and Kia gave all the little things that make operation very convenient, such as 6 cup holders. Do not hold any assumptions about this car- it is great in every aspect for th money. The great plus is that it looks beautiful. I get compliments almost every day, and I would not change anything to the exterior or interior. Just an amazing vehicle, no matter what trim or options you get."

18 people out of 18 found this review helpful

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Lot of car for the $$$$$

By Ken (TX) on Monday, November 07, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,200

Pros: "People think I am driving a Lexus. Fun 4 cyclinder"

Cons: "Trunk arms get in the way of boxes or packages."

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

"I think it is so cool that when I start to come up to the car the interior lights come on automatically. I did not realize this until I went shopping and when I came out of the store it was dark and was about two feet from the door when the interior lights illuminated. I have the EX so not sure if the LX does that. The heated steering wheel works wonderful maybe too good I had to turn off it was really getting hot. The cooled seats are okay thought they would cool better but my roommate has a Lincoln MKT with cooled front and back seats and they don't feel any different and that thing was $53000 but he got it for $46,000. So you can get two of the EX's decked out for that. It has a cooled glove box...the MKT doesn't and it doesn't have the heated steering. And the Optima rides much better. The MKT rides a little rough. Wonderful Car. And it isn't all plastic inside. Love almost everything about the car. Even has a nice carpeted Optima Mat in the trunk. Oh, Kia needs to get rid of the ARMS that keep the trunk lid up and go to the hydrulaic (sp) arms, that way the boxes or packages don't get in the way. That is the only neg. thing I can think of right now."

14 people out of 14 found this review helpful

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This is a Honda Accord killer!

By Bigdave (NC) on Saturday, December 31, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,900

Pros: "The total package is amazing for the price."

Cons: "Haven't found any yet."

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

"I traded in my 2008 Honda Accord on a 2012 Optima EX loaded. In comparison to the Honda 4cly., the Optima has a much stronger engine, gets better mileage, looks sexier, rides quieter, has more features, better warranty, and is a much better value. I usually keep my vehicles for 8 years or more, but when I saw this car I just had to have it. It appears to me that the build quality is on par or better than my old Honda. If you are a brand snob and in the market for a new car, force yourself to take a good look at the Optima and make your own comparisons. Don't make the mistake of basing your buying decision merely on the nameplate. With 1900 miles on the odometer I have averaged 31.8 mpg driving 2/3 highway and 1/3 city driving. That is better than I had even hoped to get with this car."

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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