2008 KIA Optima

Best car I've ever had!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car new in 2008 and now have 93,000 miles on it. The only maintenance items I have had done were rear brakes at 75,000 miles, front brakes at 90,000 miles and new tires. Oh, forgot about the new battery at 46,000 miles (thought that was too soon). I have had the oil changed at 3800 miles on average and changed transmission fluid once. It won't stop being dependable. Love it!

Love my car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

Love my Kia have had it for two years now with no major issues im at 65000 mil... get 20-28mpg, its fun to drive and handles well. I have only had a few problems that were all covered under worriment, there was an issue with the sway bar Waring out and the power locks going out, also have had to replace the radio and visor on the passenger side. all little fixes so over all a grate car that has done me well and i plane to drive to the ground. The one major disappointment that was not covered is the TPMS sensor going out and kia refusing to fix saying i caused it

Do Not Get a Kia

Performance: 1 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

I bought my car brand new in June '08. The main reason I bought an Optima is because all the safety airbags on it. it really did seem to be a safe car on the market at that time. Since then I have seen a main complaint that the airbags DO NOT deploy when there is an impact. That gave me a really big concern. Well, now my car is cutting off with me as I start down the road and I have been told it is because I have used aftermarket oil filters. BULL!!!!! They put Kia oil filter on and guess what? It is still cutting off with me. I came to a T-intersection one day and it desided to cut off. When it did NO BRAKES, No Power Steering and I had to pull out IN FRONT of another vehicle that was coming and just luckily there was noone coming in other lane so that vehicle could go around me. And I guess that I forgot to mention that my 10 yr old SON was in the car with me. I have taken my car down to the Kia shop in Myrtle Beach, SC every Tuesday for the last 2 months and it also stayed there for 1 full week during that time. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE EXCEPT A KIA OIL FILTER PUT ON... I"m considering this car to be a LEMON and I have told Kia that it will be on them if this car kills me and my son until it is fixed or replaced. I have been dealing with Wes and Bob at the Kia Service area in Myrtle beach, SC which has been very nice to me but something has to give. I am fixing to list this car under the Lemon Law with my lawyer. The safety of this car SUCKS!! I need help with this. Someone else higher up the ladder needs to step in on this case. Wes has a case number already out with the Technical staff but something has got to be done. I can not have mine and my son's life in jeoperdy like this. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS. I have dropped it off AGAIN at the Kia Service area this evening (09/03/12) for the ump-teenth time so it can be checked out again tomorrow. I will travel ANOTHER 45 min to check on it tomorrow. My days off from work should NOT be spent at the Kia Service area.

Reliability could get 6 stars

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had this car, as second owner, for three years. It has never been a problem. All I've done is replace the brakes and tires. It's still got less than 35K miles, but so far this is the best around-the-town car I've ever had. It is surprisingly fun to drive, handles great. Downsides: I don't get the mileage I thought it would get - seems like I fill up a little too often. At about 30, I can feel the gear shift. There is absolutely no style to this car - it is super generic. These things don't detract from how good the Optima is.

Stay away from Kia

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

1 BAD EXPERIENCE , I will never buy another , motor locked up with only 46,688 miles , they piece together another new engine because kia was to cheap to send a complete motor it runs for 10,00 miles and the oil light starts coming on at ideal. I ended up letting the dealer buy the car back and bought a Toyota camry, almost forgot car was out of service for 47 days the first time and the next time well its been 3 weeks today and its still not fixed 1/11/12 VERY BAD EXPERIENCE

one thing after another

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

iv had my car for just over a year, i bought it off my dad and he got it new in 08! in the last year i have had nothing but problems with it, first it was struts and sway bar links and bushings, then wheel bearing, and now the newest thing is my headlights like to burn out, replaced the passenger one 4 times now, at $25 a bulb for h11b its getting expensive, had it to the dealership and they want me to spend a bunch of $ to replace the headlamp assembly! iv been reading up on this and it seems it was a real issue in some of the older optimas, 02 especially! oh yeah, when i had it in there to look at headlight they told me the shift module had to be replaced, at $700 i passed, NOT IMPRESSED!!

A fair car for the price

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

We've had our car for 3 1/2 years now, For the last few months our car has really bad road noise like a wheel bearing is going out or somethings wrong with the new tires we just put on the car. tom. we're going to get it checked out a kia dealership maybe they can fix it.

Awesome Optima LX

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had my '08 Kia Optima LX for nearly 3 years, I bought it new when gas went to $4/gal back in '08. I got rid of my Hemi Ram and bought the Kia thinking I'd keep it for a little while and trade up later. It now has 107,000 miles on it and has proven itself an EXTREMELY reliable little car. I've done nothing to it except change the oil and filter religiously every 5k miles, had one brake job done at 75k miles, replaced the battery at about 60k miles, put on a set of new tires at 72k miles (I put on Kumho KH16's since that's what it came with), and flush/fill the radiator every 45k miles. I did almost all the maintenance myself. IT'S THE MOST RELIABLE CAR I'VE EVER OWNED and I love it!

Good with Flaw

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

I've really enjoyed my Kia Optima. However there is a major issue with the car stalling and power cutting out, upon starting the car up and when driving.

My Kia

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have nothing bad to say about my Kia Optima. The only thing I don't like is the headlights. They are pointed too low. It's like 20 ft in front of you is bright, then it drops off to total darkness.

Best new car yet

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I own a '08 optima. Was skeptical at first, but after a shake down Cruise of 500 miles, I was hooked. Got 31 mpg new. Only after market addition was a k&n air filter. Got 50.000 out of the original tires and believe it or not the brakes! Have had no major problems and it only left sit once a dead battery! I remember the earlier models and all the problems associated with them. Night and day! Way to go! Would recommend Kia to anybody looking for an inexpensive durable car. BTW mine has over 75,000 on it.

Great car, so far: SAFE

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I wanted to get a safer, more reliable car for my kids. Got a great deal, and the car still has 3 years/30,000 miles on original warranty, then a lifetime dealership kicks in. Rated safest car I could find, next to Subaru Legacy, which would have cost $10,000 more. Happy so far; I'll check back in 6 months.

Outstanding!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car instead of the Ford Fusion and Chevy Impala. I could see the quality in the car. The lower price sealed the deal. The engine was clean and sounded good. I like the dual auto/manual shifting. I had 2 Toyota Corollas and this is much better. Better comfort than my Crown Victoria. A/C system is stronger than the Crown Vic. The increased MPG from my Chevy S10 will take me one month without fill ups or 512 miles. That's great for a long trip. The 2.4 liter is surprising nice and can handle almost anything. I think this car is a winner for the price. I thank God i live in America where we can chose our best values. Kia Optima definitely is a good car. With 42K it looks like new.

Not bad

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

My first imported car. Very well thought out packaging and overall design. Efficient with great safety features. At 27,000 miles the car feels and looks the same as it did when new. Reliability has been excellent and performance is on par with competition. Cheap to maintain and insure. At a $14,500 out-the-door price in 2008, it is a bargain.

nice little car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I'm 5'11, 265 lbs. This car offers plenty of room and a great many stock features which all work well. I do have some complaints however. The pillars on the front windshield can be difficult to see around and I have removed the headrests because of visibility issues as well. The shift gate is an absolute nuisance when trying to go from "D" to "R". The key fob frequently opens my trunk because of additional keys in my pocket, but that's pretty nit-picky. Stock tires bad - I put "winters" on this year to manage that. All in all, a sound vehicle at a terrific price warranties are questionable only because of the difference between dealerships. Seat adjustment are just ok.

LOVE this car!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We just got this car about 2 weeks ago. And i truly love it. It is so easy to drive. I dont have a bad thing to say. Awesome car for the $$$ Would recommend this to anyone!!

Great car for the price

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned 9 Hyundais (still have 3) but this is my first Kia. I purchased it in August 2009 (it was a year old) with 18900 miles for $9988 (I know the folks at the dealership). Given the warranty, the great fuel economy, and the comfort and features, I have to say I am very pleased. I have owned a Toyota and a Honda before. Those brands may be slightly better quality, but considering the $$ difference, I think there is no question which is the better buy.

Kia EX V-6

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

This Year kia was a pretty good one. But if you are trying to find one of these models used, good luck there very hard to find.The only model I can find used right now is the LX Model with the 4 Cyl. Engine or the EX With the 4 Cyl. Engine.

GREAT CAR!!!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

me and my dad got this car for my mom. i was surprised as to how well a 2.4l 4 cylinder performs... quick on the accelerator, yet responsive on the brakes. not only does it have a lot of gumption under the hood for a 4 cylinder, it looks great, rides smooth, quiet, great sound, comfortable, accessible, and most of all, affordable! i definitely recommend this car to anyone, even if their on a tight budget! i give the Kia Optima a 9.5/10

Premium Car for Undervalued Price!!!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is Amazing! Coming from a Detroit Union raised native (typically purchases GM, Ford & Chrysler vehicles) I decided to take a look at one for the warranty of 10YR/or/100K Miles, whichever comes first. Nice driving give me 30 mpg hwy and the automatic stick shift allows me to have optimal usage in passing slow cars. Plenty of get up and go in the 4 cylinder...technology is incredible as 2009 KIAs may introduce MSFT software in them!!! Drives incredible and has hard hitting stock sound system (from Detroit Rock City). Be sure to go to your dealer and take one for a spin.

What A Great Little Car!!!!!!!!!!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Optima last year when gas was nearing $4/gal. I drive a lot of miles so I sold my 475hp 12mpg Hemi Ram and bought the KIA. I had rented one in the past and was pleasantly surprised so I decided to give it a try. I've had it a year now, and have put over 40,000 miles on it already. There have been NO major problems, in fact I've not been back to the dealership for any reason. I change the oil and rotate the tires religiously but that's it. Would I recommend one to a friend? Hell, yes! Would I buy another one? Absolutely!

Great Value!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Purchased the base Optima, 4 cyl., 5 speed manual. A lot of car for the money, purchased new last month, 6/2009, for $10,995! Sweet deal. Had 10 miles, now have 300, first tank of gas I received on 18 mpg! Mostly in town, getting use to manual transmission again! Previous review complained about passenger doors not operating from driver side. Turn key once to the right to unlock driver door, twice to unlock all doors! Small price to pay for an inexpensive, quality built vehicle!

Our Little Vacation Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Have a new H3, a 6yr old Sunfire, and an 08 Dodge Avenger (son). Needed a new smaller, more economical car for vacations now that both of us are retired. Looked at all of them in the one-year-old under $15000 range. I wanted another Avenger which son loves, but wife not comfortable in the seat. Ended up getting this 2008 Optima as a former Enterprise car. Absolutely LOVE IT. Wanted a four, but settled on a six, but the power is amazing -whiplash acceleration -and the economy on three fill ups has been 34, 34, 38 on combined interstate and city driving. The four could not have done much better. It has all the toys like steering wheel radio controls. Only had it 1 mo. So far VERY PLEASED!

In defense of the Optima

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I recently rented an Optima for a week trip. It was by far the most enjoyable car I have ever driven..I recently dumped my Mercedes AMG last month for numerous ongoing problems. The Optima was responsive, comfortable, quick acceleration and the gas mileage exceeded 30 mpg on the highway. I am planning to buy one in the next 30 days. I understand that one week is not the same as owning, but I was that impressed with the car.

Im glad i own a Kia Optima

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

A general perception with so many appealing ads on TV,people seem to be just convinced with brands like Toyota camry,Honda,Nissan.I have reviewed and test drived all of above but with their brand name,car seems too very expensive.Happened to try a Kia Optima and never had to give it a 2nd thought.With the price,safety features,mileage i rate this very much in par with Toyota honda nissan.Initially when i bought few asked me-Y did u go for a Kia,but whn i took them for a ride they had a different view altogether which made me so proud.classy sharp looks,smooth silent ride,responsive engine. Im glad i own a Gorgeous midnight metallic grey KIA OPTIMA.Mwaaah & a pat well tht goes to my car

Great Buy

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I traded in my jeep grand cheokee when gas was killing my budget from a 100 mile daily work trip. The car runs great a it very comfortable I also have gotten about 460 miles to the 16 gallon tank as oposed to 250 in the jeep. I have two kids a dog and a wife and take frequet trips in the car and its comfortable for all of us. The head room is great due to the fact I am 6-3 . The only down side I have is the gas petal is a little jerky and the aceleration is a little weak.Over all it is the best money I have spent on a car.

Loved my 2001 Optima so much, I upgraded

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought my 2008 EX V6 Optima in June 2008...replaced my 2001 with the same thing because I loved it so much. KIA has the best roadside assistance and warranty. I paid a pretty penny for it ($22K), but left out no features. With my annual mileage averaging 5,000- 6,000, my 10 years will be up before the 100,000 miles on the warranty. And yes, I will keep it that long! People always take a second look at my car when I am driving. It's a sharp- looking vehicle, and it is just as reliable as the Camry and Accord (although NOTHING can beat a Toyota or Honda). I will always by KIA's because both of my Optimas have proven to be reliable. Love our Sedona minivan, too. Foreign is the only way to go.

NEW OPTIMA FIRST 4 DOOR

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Well decided to try a KIA got my optima very base model only option "floormatts" so far I am impressed what you get as a base car,pwr windows, nice stereo w/cd player,pwr locks,a/c I just wish it had cruise control,I do not drive to much as I have a company car but I am in a new city and wanted a reliable car.I am suprised how peppy the car is and how the fit and finish seems above average.I expect this to be a great car excellent warranty I will be taking a 1000 mi trip soon and fully expect it will be a pleasure and very comfortable drive, I only have 195 mi on the car as of now BUT I expect to have the car for a long time to come and will report back. purchase price was 12,500 total

The Right Choice

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my first new car, and I would have to say I made the right choice. This car provides all around safety, convenience, and just the right amount of sport as well. All of this is available at the right price. I believe this car is entirely too underrated. It drives tight, the infinity sound system sounds great, the controls are easy to follow, and it goes. The only problem is that it says Kia. People ask me what I own. All I can say is let me take you for a ride and ill prove that this car is awesome.

Best Car I've owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Before this car I owned a 2007 Ford Focus. I had it for two years and decided I wanted something bigger. I went to the dealership just to price. Test drove the car and bought it on the spot. At first I thought that I had made a bad decision, after I had it for a few weeks I was glad I had bought it. The interior it awesome. Just don't like that lint sticks to the seats all the time. But besides that it is awesome. Was the best buy that I have ever made.

OPTIMA

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

Took it home and took it right back the next morning. It came off the truck with a bad alignment. Pulled to the right. It took about 6-8 days to fix. I asked where is my car? Oh it's at Nissan. What Nissan? yeah, they have the alignment machine. I'm like why don't the kia dealer have the equipment necessary to support the warranty? The salesmen asked me do I know how much that cost like i cared. The car has been great since i got it back. 1800 mi now. Took the family to Bolxi, MS and it did fine. Gas mileage great compared to my 6.0 L silverado. With $3000 cash back i walked out the door for LX model $14,600

Great little car for the downsizer

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned the 2008 Kia Optima for a few weeks now. I understand it may take a while to break in a new car and improve gas mileage. So far I am averaging between 26 and 30 mpg. Highway of course is outstanding. I am overall happy with my purchase. Its somewhat of an adjustment coming down from a Toyota Avalon. However, I am very happy with the balance between luxury and economy in the Kia. The interior and exterior appearance are definitely luxury. The ride and price is definitely economy. So keep that in mind. The experience buying the car was excellent. The best way to work is to put a small deposit on your car, and write up the Purchase and sale, then shop 2-3 dealers. Happy days!

Power to Surprise

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

I agree with Kia's slogan. I was planning to replace my well worn out 91 Honda Accord with another Accord or Camry. I then saw the commercial for the Optima stating a price $3000 less than a Camry or Accord plus a $3000 rebate. This grabbed my attention so I went to see what Kia was all about. And I was surprised. Kia has done a nice job of building a sound car with features only found on higher end cars. I already have 3500 miles on it in two months. My mileage has steadily increased with each fill from 27 mpg to 29.5 for my driving. The car is quiet and shifts smooth (although a bit too frequently). We'll see what I think after 100,000 miles but so far I am impressed.

Great Car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I sold my Corolla and was looking to find a great replacement. Well, enough said. This is a great car. It can carry four people very comfortably. However, economy is a hard pill to swallow. I am averaging 21 mpg and this is taking some getting used to. My corolla averaged 28 mpg. I thought this was a problem with the vehicle but turns out that after reading other reviews this is normal. Overall I am pleased.

WOW, says it for me.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

As with many people my bias toward Kia was negative based on second hand knowledge of prior year models BUT Wow, I am so far amazed. I gave the car a 9/10 on Interior only because I feel the plushness of the cloth seat fabric does not fully live up to the quality level of this car. I am impressed with how this car measures up to my test drives in similar Lexus, Toyota, Volvo, and Mazda vehicles. Sweet! The cabin is solid and quite. Rear seat leg room and comfort beyond expectation. Ride, Steering, and Handling ... ahhhh ... so good. Love the Deep Sea Blue paint. Trunk - Deep & Wide. Standard sound system, pretty darn good, and that's VERY important to me. A/C works very well even in Texas.

Value-vs-Pre-Conceived value

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

With the exceptions of the following. Hard seats, blind spots, cheesy interior door handles, misleading mpg, it is a great little car. Known'n then what I know now, I would have never traded my overly-dependable 1989 olds 98 that delivered a honest 31 mpg & more comfort & mpg than Kia ever thought possible. Bottom line is like the car but I loved my olds!

Amazing Car! Worth every penny!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I've owned Hondas, Camrys, and other trendy cars in the past, but this is by far the best in terms of safety, price, and smooth riding. I love this car! Too bad people think it's a cheap car b/c of the name brand, but it's very reliable, rides smoothly, very safe 5 star-crash safety testing, 6 airbags, double safety bars on doors, etc. This car is by far better than any Honda, Camry, or Nissan in terms of gas mileage, price, warranty and safety. I highly recommend it to anyone buying a new car. You can't beat the warranty. I got free oil changes for 80K miles:)

More for less

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I really thought about buying an Accord or a Camry, you know image is important. Well, I could not get over how much better the Optima was compared to the other image cars. The optima rode better, looked sharp, (I have the appearance pkg) and was thousands less. The sound system is really nice. I have over 8,000 miles on it, getting around 31-32 mpg on highway. I must say that I'm very pleased with this car. Kia's image is the only thing bringing this company down, give them a couple more years and your looking at the next Honda or Toyota. Can't wait to see whats next for them.

So far so good

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I really like this car. Especially when compared to much more pricey models in its class. Drove Altima, Honda, and others, but landed with this car due to price and warranty. Paid 16K for the upgraded model with leather, etc. Very pleased.

Surprised at the Value

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Had been looking around at new cars. Ford A/Z plan eligible. Drove a Fusion and an Optima. Even with A plan pricing Optima beat out Ford with Features, Pricing (rebate + discount), and gas mileage. The 5* crash rating was the clincher. With Rebate + discount, paid $14,500 for a well equipped Optima LX. Would have liked to buy a Toyota but with the discount, warranty, and features feel like I got a steal. Had it for 3 weeks now and rides great. Getting 25 - 27 mpg mixed driving. Love the steering wheel controls for radio. Only regret is buying white which looks great, but it going to be work to keep clean. Recommend Kia to anyone looking at a Honda or Toyota to save some $$.

Nice Ride!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Optima EX V6 this month and it's VERY nice. Leather seats, Infinity audio system w/6 CD, mp3 plugin. Got the electronic stability package and the premium package. Drives and handles much nicer than my Ford Taurus. Surprisingly smooth ride on freeways and in town. Auto air keeps the interior at a constant 72 degrees (adjustable of course). Night driving, dash lights (soft blue) are admirable and well laid out. Easy to see or disregard when concentrating on driving. Average 33 mpg! 27 mpg when using the 5 speed Sportmatic transmission (FUN FUN FUN). It feels like a "Drive by wire" car. Pearl White turns heads. Air bags galore. Safe 5*.

Best 2008 value

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The chrome looks very nice with the black and the tan interior is very nice. Everyone thinks it’s a more expensive car than it really is. I am 6’1”/250 lbs and I am satisfied with this mid size vehicle and all my friends say the same. The trunk is quite large and the only thing I don’t like about the interior is the backseat head rests: they block the view when you’re attempting to switch lanes pretty bad. The gas mileage is a little disappointing. It’s a mid size thus it’s a bit light and drives light and especially in the elements.

Thanks Kia

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is a great car for the price. Kia really stepped up to plate on this one. I own the inline 4 cylinder model, the car is very efficient and its performance is excellent.

A great choice

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

After driving my used 2001 KIA Rio to 120,000 trouble-free miles, it was time to trade it in. The $3000 rebate and some research made the Optima an easy choice. Simply put I really love this car. Performance is excellent, the 5-speed manual is smooth as silk, the engine feels more powerful than the numbers would suggest. Handling is good and the interior is comfortable and quiet (a big change from my old Rio. It was a great little car, but let's face it, it was a go-cart with doors!). You could easily spend a lot more for a car with fewer features. The KIA brand may not have "status" but they do deliver a lot of value for the money.

Recently purchased, Love more each day

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We looked at other cars (Camry, Accord, Sonata) & Kia offered the most for the $ w/roomy interior, good mileage, lots of trunk space & 5 star front, rear & side impact ratings We opted for a fully loaded EX w/appearance pkg, convenience pkg & Electronic Stability Control. This includes leather & heated seats too! We got a great deal especially with the $3K cash back Kia offered So far the car has performed well. It handles very nice on the road. The interior is very quite at cruising speed, though the engine is heard when accelerating but it is not overbearing. Fit & feel are great, acceleration smooth. The interior to us was nicer style than others. Optima gets better more I drive it!

MY Kia

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

When researching all the cars in the same class as my Optima I know I got more bang for my buck over every other car.

Great car for the price !!!!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Plenty of interior space. Dashboard is well laid out and controls within easy reach. I have only owned my Kia for one month but am averaging 30 mpg back and fourth to work. Ride is good but drivers seat needs more lumbar support. On long drives, back gets a little tired. One thing I did have troubles with were the headlights. They left a dark shadow on the drivers side. Had dealer replace headlight and problem was fixed.

So far so good.

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Got this car about 1 month ago. After much research, I decided this car would provide the best value for the dollars invested and so far we have few complaints. My wife is not pleased with the "bumpy" ride, but for me I like to "feel" the road a little. I told her for the price we paid that I could get better shocks that would provide for a smoother ride, but so far we haven't made any modifications. For an out-the-door price of less than $15K (with $3000 in rebates) there wasn't anything new in this size of car that even came close. Been getting about 27 MPG with a 50/50 mix of city and highway driving. So far so good. We are very pleased with the purchase of this vehicle.

Hard to believe

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I wasn't sure about buying a Kia but so far, really happy. Easy for older person to get in and out, the mileage is on real, getting on a average city and highway 38 mostly city I have been a gm person all my life but they wouldn't bring prices down to match Kia and Kia gives you more options inside and out.