Used 2003 Kia Optima
2003 Kia Optima Overview
2003 Kia Optima Pricing
2003 Kia Optima pricing starts at $1,800 for the Optima LX Sedan 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $16,915 when new. The range-topping 2003 Optima SE Sedan 4D starts at $2,150 today, originally priced from $18,590.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$16,915 | $1,800 | |||
$18,590 | $2,150 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2003 Kia Optima models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
Optima Consumer Sentiment
Owners give this generation Kia Optima (2001-2005) a 4.1 out of 5 rating, which is higher than most, and 81% recommend it. These figures are based on 342 consumer reviews, like these:
What Owners are Saying About the 2003 Kia Optima
"Very reliable, got my monies worth."
"I have owned my car since it was new. We currently have 305,000 miles on it and the only thing we had problems with is the wheel barings which had to be replaced. We have had our oil changed regularly but not every 3500 miles and it still runs great. LOVE this car so much that we have been Kia owners ever since and bought another new Kia."
"very good vehicle for a short person"
"vehicle works great for a short person. the back seat neck braces obstruct drivers view. removed mine as no back seat passengers. the only problem I have had is the air bag light coming on and staying on when no problems with the air bag. This only happens when the drivers seat is put in a different position. Have had no problems since I no longer move the driver seat."
"The Best Value Car I Have Ever Owned!"
"I bought my Kia Optima little over 2years ago. In that time my wife and I have driven it 35,000 miles without any drama at all. It is comfortable, quiet, reliable, cheap to run, roomy, and has everything we need in a car. We have already decided to buy another Optima when it comes time to retire this one. I bought it with 50,000 miles as a cheap runaround for my wife. We wanted to stop using our Buick SUV so much, and wanted something cheap to run. Our beloved Buick ended up being sold, and the Kia is our main car now. After four trips to Tennessee - 2000 miles each way - and endless trips to Albuquerque and into Texas and Arizona have convinced us that Kia is the way to go. Best three grand I ever spent!"
Overall 2003 Kia Optima Quality
User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 2003 Kia Optima is above average for its class. Owners rated the 2003 Kia Optima quality a 4.1 out of 5.
2003 Kia Optima Reliability
The 2003 Kia Optima receives an average consumer rating of 4.1 overall and a 4.3 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
Favorite 2003 Optima Features
According to drivers of the 2003 Optima, here are some of its best features:
- Handles well, solidly built
- Great price, very reliable, easy to drive and park
- Comfy, reliable, easy to maintain, cheap to run
- Fun to drive, Accelerates good, handles well
- Dependable, beautiful body style, great warranty
2003 Kia Optima MPG by Trim
2003 Optima LX Sedan 4D - city 19 MPG - hwy 27 MPG
2003 Optima SE Sedan 4D - city 18 MPG - hwy 25 MPG
2003 Optima Safety
NHTSA Safety Rating
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2003 Kia Optima front-side driver crash test rating is 4 out of 5 stars. The front-side passenger crash test rating is 4 out of 5.
2003 Kia Optima Safety Features
- Child Door Locks
- Child Seat Anchors
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
- Rear Side Airbag
- Front Side Airbag
2003 Kia Optima
KBB.com Consumer Reviews
Trending Topics in KBB.com Consumer Reviews
2003 Kia Optima Values and Prices
Style | Trade-In Value | Private Party Value | Fair Purchase Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$650 | $1,525 | $1,800 | |||
$900 | $1,900 | $2,150 |
2003 Kia Optima Depreciation
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2003 Kia Optima Annual Depreciation
Year | Vehicle Depreciation* | Resale Value | Trade-In Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | $56 | $1,701 | $679 | ||
2024 | $23 | $1,678 | $638 | ||
2025 | $21 | $1,657 | $710 | ||
Now | $132 | $1,525 | $650 |
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2-Year Forecasted Depreciation
*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.
2003 Kia Optima Depreciation
Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.
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Specifications
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight | 3301 lbs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
EPA Total Interior | 100.0 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 17.2 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 39.0 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 43.3 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 6.1 inches | ||
Overall Length | 185.8 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 56.9 inches | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 13.6 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 34.1 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 106.3 inches | ||
Width with mirrors | 71.5 inches |
Exterior
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
Fuel Economy
City | 19 mpg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Highway | 27 mpg | ||
Combined | 22 mpg |
Mechanical
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Performance
Horsepower | 138 @ 5500 RPM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Torque | 147 @ 3000 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter |
Warranty
Basic | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 10 years / 100000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / 100000 miles |
Entertainment
Interior
Seating
Technology
2003 Kia Optima Safety
Safety Features & Technology
Crash Test Rating
Compare to Similar Vehicles
![]() Used 2003 Kia Optima | ![]() Used 2009 Chrysler Sebring | ![]() Used 2003 MAZDA Protege | ![]() Used 2007 Ford Five Hundred | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,800 | $1,500 | $1,675 | $1,325 | |
| Consumer Rating | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.6 | |
| Fuel Economy | City 19/Hwy 27/Comb 22 MPG | City 21/Hwy 30/Comb 24 MPG | City 22/Hwy 28/Comb 24 MPG | City 19/Hwy 26/Comb 22 MPG | |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years or 60000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | |
| Horsepower | 138 @ 5500 RPM | 173 @ 6000 RPM | 130 @ 6000 RPM | 203 @ 5750 RPM | |
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
2003 Kia Optima Rankings
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