2011 KIA Optima

Engine blew out :(

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 4

Engine died mid-may 2016. I was driving down a 40 mph, relatively busy, street when I tried accelerating (after light turned green I was able to speed up to about 35, then let go of accelerator before attempting to accelerate again) and noticed my car wouldn't react/accelerate. Immediately panicked and pulled into a parking lot before I stopped up traffic. Battery was fine, but engine was not running. Turned car off and tried starting it back up.. no luck. None of my friends who came to help me out could get it started. Awful experience, needless to say. I go to college 1.5 hrs away from my family.. mom had to drive to come get me (after having to uber my way around town for a week) to go home to get a new car, because you need one to get around my city. Ended up leasing a new car with toyota, which was a big learning process for me. Now I'm having to pay this lease and car shop expenses. My parents got the optima for me in high school to last me throughout the my high school senior year, college, and so on.. until I obviously graduate and can afford whatever car I'd like to purchase on my own. I'm graduating this December 2016 and now I'm stuck with a 3 year lease with a car I was most willing to pay to drive for 3 years (this happened mid-May 2016). I ADORED my optima. I still boast about the car and how much I loved it. I was, still am, devastated about my optima that I had for 5 years. THE BEST THING ABOUT IT ALL... kia sends out letters to 2011 optima owners just a little over a month after I signed my lease saying they were extending warranties to WELL more than the mileage I even had on my car (62,000). My poor car was only auctioned off for $2000. Buying a new engine was beyond what we were willing to pay. Yet because kia sent this letter JUST after my optima died on me, I was left in the dust. Long story, sorry, Im still bitter lol. I don't think this will stop me from ever purchasing another kia in the future, because I really did love my optima and it fit my driving needs so perfectly. But I know, better than ever, especially after learning the ins and outs of leasing cars, how important it is to do insane amounts of research on the product. Just beware, don't purchase this model unless you are certain the engine has been or can be replaced before it's yours. No one wants to get stranded and screwed into spending money they shouldn't be having to spend..

Great Car, even better Value

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 26

The Optima EX with the Premium Package has many of the 'bells and whistles' of a luxury car without the price. Great MPG too,..up to 33 MPG on the Highway when taking long trips.

5 YEARS VERY LOW MILEAGE

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating:

This was supposed to be my last second car. In five years I have put only 17,800 miles on it. In the future I will probably put about the same mileage on this car. I am very satisfied with this car, I have had zero problems with it. Now to my concerns. Kia did not send me a letter of recall about the brake light switch. Sloppy communications. Kia did send me a letter recently stating this cars engine could fail due to bearing problems. In the letter Kia stated they will extend the warranty on the engine. Therefore I researched this problem and a great number of people have had very bad experiences when their engine blew up on the highway. Then Kia gave them the run around about their maintenance records and did a lot of denying of claims. That really affects me since I change my own oil and filters. I am sure Kia is not going to believe a word I say concerning what I have done. Warranty worthless in my case. I have concluded I will have to keep this car and drive it until something happens. Of course there is a possibility I will not have a problem. I gave...MY...car 5 stars based on my experience. Kia would not get even one star based on their performance.

2011 Optima Blows Hole in Engine

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1 Safety Rating: 1 Technology Rating: 1 Value Rating: 1

Hi Friends, I don't normally post but I felt that this family issue needed to be broadcasted. Our daughter turned 17 on May 14, about a month earlier my wife and I, along with our daughter bought her 1st car, a beautiful 2011 Kia Optima EX. We knew that it had high mileage and was beyond the Kia warranty. 2 weeks after we brought it home the engine blew a rod and there was a 3" hole in the engine block, the repair solution was a new engine. We have exhausted all avenues for assistance from the Honda dealer we bought if from to NJ Consumer Lemon Law. The only option would have been an aftermarket extended warranty which we didn't have. Now the point of this post is to advise anyone interested, that Kia has a U.S. Consumer Affairs department that reviewed our case for over a month and would not lend assistance to replace the engine. They told me that they are advocates for the consumer and there to help. They were clear that this car was not covered with a warranty and if they offered any assistance it would be "Good Will". In the end they stuck to their warranty statement and would not offer any good will. I have owned may brands of cars and some I have driven for over 200K miles. I would tell anyone who may ask that they should not buy Kia, this is a company that wouldn't offer assistance for a 4 year old car. We had the car repaired locally in NJ by a Kia Service Dept. $5000.00 for a remanufactured engine.

kia bad motors

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1 Safety Rating: 1 Technology Rating: 1 Value Rating: 1

I bought a 2011 optima it has 32000 miles on it the motor went out at 80000 miles so kia puts a used motor in it 28th 62000 miles on it that motor went out at 82000 miles now kia tells me that it's my problem that the car is fine and they can't help me or tell me why the motor went out on top of that my car has been down from June 2015 can't find a motor with less than 132000 miles on it or the parts to rebuild it but kia told me they had the parts but when the mechanic couldn't get the parts what do you I wouldn't take a new car from kia even if I didn't have any payments I would wall first very in happy ... Denise Cantrell sc

EX fully loaded is an awesome car

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

Currently reviewing the 2011 Optima EX with 66,000 miles. I wouldn't like the car nearly as much with the LX package or even without the tech or premium packages, but when loaded with those options, this is a great ride and tremendous value! Drives great, plenty of power when needed, and great highway gas mileage. I usually only get 24-25mpg when city driving, but easily get over 30mpg on any kind of road trip. I've had no issues mechanically. Love the upgrades that are available on this car and it looks/feels like a car twice its price. Plenty of room in the backseat for adults and also children in car seats.

50k+ and zero issues Lease end with 75k miles

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

Car has shown no wear on leather seats or elsewhere. No squeeks. No issues. My Lexus LS430 had more problems at this mileage and mention this because at 1/2 the price makes Kia Optima a compelling used car buy. Addition: Returned vehicle at 75K miles and still running and looking great. Needed full break work to continue but not unexpected at this mileage. Kia covered small issues beyond warranty period with no hassles and a smile. Service experience by Kia at various dealers matched only by Lexus dealers. I would recommend this car as a used vehicle as it seems to be able to hold up with miles and time.

112,000+ miles and still going strong!

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

I really love this car. The seating could be a little more comfortable, but my seat has pretty much conformed to me after all these miles. 6 speed manual is a lot of fun, I'm a big fan of standard transmissions. Passing on back roads is a breeze, plenty of power, that 200hp 4 cyl provides good power to weight ratio....just pop it down into 3rd step on it, and it goes...fast. I've hit what seems to be a rev limiter on occasion, and a top speed limiter in 6th because it ran out of steam at about 118 with what should have been plenty of room showing on the tach. Totally reliable. Tires, oil changes, trans. oil change. That's it. Brakes, plugs, serp. belt, radiator flush in spring.

2011 kia

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

Last week I bought a 2011 kia optima stick shift with 26,000 miles on it. It looked brand new and even smelled brand new. It is very spacious and luxurious on the inside and very classy, yet sporty on the outside. I have been disappointed in the gas mileage, I have been averaging about 26, 27 in city and on highway. The front seat is a slight uncomfortable because i cannot adjust the angle of the front seat. There is a blind spot on the right back passenger side. It seems a little jerky when going into first and second shift, but when the engine is running it is very quiet. It's a much bigger car than i realized at the purchase.

great car to own

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

i have a 2011 optima bought it brand new , car runs excellent it has a little over 47k miles on and i enjoy driving on a daily basis ,the mpg is outstanding , i took it from Albany upstate ny to long island and back upstate on a single tank of gas i was surprised . the inside is done very well , i think the front seats are kinda uncomfortable, but the space is great for all passengers , best thing i love about it is it looks so sharp , after a good clean i get compliments often on it appearance. definitely a good buy .

Bad to the bone.

Performance: 1 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

My 2011 Kia hybrid is now just a bad memory. The hybrid system is nothing short of dangerous. Push the pedal and it would not go. Lots of fun when pulling into traffic. Jerked,hesitate and just awful to drive. Did I mention unsafe. Also seats as hard as bleachers at the ball park. Just horrible. No padding at all. Last---no resale. The Kia dealer would not even take it in on trade. They can't even get rid of it. They offer the lowest auction price. Dirt bottom. So stay away from these vehicles. You will regret the purchase. Don't believe the bull of---we now have the update fit. Not true---just as bad. These cars are a accident waiting to happen. Just Remember--DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.

Poor road mileage

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

We have had this car for two years and took it on the first road trip in January, 2013. We drove 6500 miles to Florida and back to the west coast. The average road mileage for the entire highway portion of the trip was 25.7mpg. We checked each tank and the mileage ranged from 24.3 to 27.4. However, the mileage shown on the car computer showed between four and five miles per gallon better that the actual calculations. The car is rated at 34 mpg, so this was very disappointing. The factory will do nothing about it, even though they have given compensation to other Kia model owners. The dealer we purchased it from will not even acknowledge my complaint letter.

The Optima ROCKS!

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

My Optima is 1 year old - 22,000 miles - mostly interstate/highway.I'm still in love with this car! I'm confused by other posts about the poor gas mileage?I just took a trip from Boulder CO through the mountains (Hwy 285) down to northern NM and got an average of 32.5 MPG and just under 600 miles to the tank. Coming back, I got 550 miles to the tank or 29 mpg (had to climb more coming back).In town I'm getting 24.5-27 MPG.Until I took the plunge and bought a KIA I was a Toyota gal (Camry and Corolla owner and I loved them)...I will never go back to Toyota...they are totally boring to the core.The 2011 Kia is a quality car. It might not be a BMW or Audi but it's the closest I'm going to get!

Great Car Very Poor Mileage

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

I bought this car because I thought it was beautiful and still do. I t comes with great features for the money and is very distinctive. The one big problem I have is the mileage. I get about 17-19 in the city and about 26 on the highway. The estimate they advertise is 24 City 35 Highway. What is particularly disturbing is the response/lack of response from either the dealer or KIA customer service. The dealer did a fuel economy test on the car and came up with combined city/hwy of 22.5 mpg a far cry from the advertised mpg. I am totally frustrated with KIA. I previously owned an accord EXL and will probably go back to them next time I buy.

3rd update

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 now had my EX-Turbo for 13 months. Just hit 8,000 miles. I still love the car as much as I did the day I got it. Not had a single problem with the car. I have no complaints with the fuel economy at all. Yes, the Nexen tires are noisy, but once those are changed the car is extremely quiet. Makes our Accord sound like a wind tunnel. I would buy this car all over again. No regrets.

Real Pleasure to Drive

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

Former Lincoln owner, this car is fun and comfortable! Fantastic value.

don't drive it as you would drive Prius

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

My other (or previous) cars: Ford Taurus V6 Chrysler PT-CRUISER I4 Cadillac DHS V8 I have owned and been driving Optima Hybrid (OH) for a month, filling up the tank twice. MPG: first tank 34.5MPG second tank 35.5MPG (99% city: the car computer indicates the average speed 22.2MPH) At the beginning, I tried to drive the optima the way I would drive a Prius - slow acceleration, no sudden stops, obsessively use EV mode (or try to use). But that does not help you with MPG. (more talks continued in "Suggested improvements")

engine light--Vapor leak!!

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

We bought a brand fresh out of the factory 2011 Optima, which had to be returned to the dealership after 500miles for the engine light. The service department said that the car had a faulty gas cap and make sure that we DO NOT top off at the gas pump. 200miles after the engine light was reset it came back on again. This car has been into the dealership 5times for the engine light, each time the service dept says it is a vapor leak!! If a car has been returned 5times for the same issue, apparently there is a real problem and just turning off the engine light DOES NOT fix the problem.

Love my KIA Optima!!

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

It is a great looking car. I get tons of compliments!!! People are always stopping me in parking lots and telling me how nice of a car it is. I love to drive it. However, the other day it would not start. Turns out it had a problem with the brake switch. KIA had it fixed and back to me the same day. Also about 3 months of owning the car, I noticed that the radio screen was scrambled. KIA replaced it under warranty. I would still recommend it!

MPG not even close

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

Normal driving you'll be lucky to get 19mpg. Thought with a range of 24-34 it would fall some place in between. Otherwise it is a fun car. With all the bells and whistles it is comparable to a car that costs $20k more.

Nothing but problems

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

I was so excited when I puchased my Kia Optima last June. However, that quickly changed. Two weeks after purchase, the turbo blew out while we were on vaction. It took forever to be fixed because parts on a new car were not readily avaiable. Once we got it back, the Turbo blew out AGAIN in less than a month. Not to mention that the alignment has been out since I bought the car. The Turbo hasn't blown out since the 2nd failure, but the alignment continues to be out, even after multiple attempts to fix it. I'm tired of fighting the steering wheel to stay on the road. The car looks slick, and has cool features, but I can't keep this one. Looking for another car.

7 months / 14,000 miles

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

Have had my Optima EX turbo/loaded for 7 mo. now and have driven over 14,000 miles. Still like this care very much, I live in NE Ohio and it drives great in the snow. Had to drive through a snow storm in Indiana on my way home from Chicago and it handled great on the highway. Love the heated seats and steering wheel, great on those cold mornings. Defrost works fast & well, as does the rear defrost/mirror heaters. Handling & performance are excellent, very sure footed. Transmission is great also. Love the nav/blue tooth/voice activation etc. Every thing is really easy to use. My only complaint would be the stiff seat but heard they fixed in 2012 models. Overall great car!

It is cool, not expensive and.....it is a hybrid!!!!!!!!

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

I am a Hybrid guy (previously owned a Prius, then a Camry, the a Fusion and finally an Insight (I average 28000 miles per year). I bought my Optima Hybrid three weeks ago and I already drove 2,765 miles. Guys with this car you can have all of the above: the Camry comfort, the Fusion solidity, the Insight low price, and if you drive your Optima Hybrid by placing an egg between you foot and the accelerator, you can get 32/38/43 miles per gallon - trust me, I get that all the time.

How could I

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 never thought I would leave the US market but when kia came out with the new design on the optima I said I want that car.So far I have no regrets on buying my 2011 optima even though I have the LX with automatic and conv.package upgrades I love this car.With my bad driving habits I still get 30mpg.The 2.4 liter has plenty of power for me.The ride is nice and fairly quiet.I like the new design inside and out

Excellent Value

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

My Optima EX 2011 was purchased in Indy about 4 mo ago. My original dream was a 4 yr old Lexus ES350, but after a lot of looking, comparing and driving all of the alternatives, I finally decided on the Optima for its value, long warranty, options and comfort. For what I would have paid for an upscale used car, I got a ton of great options. Mine is loaded; love the panoramic roof, heated and cooled seats, Nav, and engine. The Infinity stereo is awesome. Fit and finish is excellent. I like it much better than my siblings Fusion and Taurus. The rear-seat entry is way better than the Fords, and trunk space is more than sufficient. Ride is very good, engine quiet and road noise is acceptable.

Gas Mileage only 21 mpg!!

Performance: 1 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

When looking for a new car my wife and I were first looking at gas mileage. We like the Optima EX's panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and other aestitics. However, we were disappointed that the gas mileage was between 19-23 mpg, and we commute 40 miles RT. We do not travel fast and mostly drive freeway! After 1000 miles the dealer said it takes longer to break it in "6,000 miles". At just over 6,000 miles we scheduled a full service complaint: they found nothing and directed us to the "KIA Consumer Affairs Dept.". We have NEVER been treated so rude! "Angel" said, "Sorry! Too bad! Don't pay attention to EPA estimated MPG!!" We are stuck with a lemon! The WORSE customer service. Lawsuit!

Great car for anyone with realistic expectations

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

I'm always interested to see how people react to things. Some people drive this car and see it for what it is: a great value and a really good car. And then there are those to say that it's not a good car because they have driven, owned, or dreampt of better. You'll see plenty of those reviews here and other places. The reality is that this car is great for the money, offers a huge range of features, has a warranty that should allay any fears about the uknown, and, finally, it looks hot. It's not a perfect car, true. The wide c-pillar creates a blind spot, the engine isn't V6 smooth, and it's true that the seats aren't the best. But nits aside, this is a seriously good car.

Awesome Value

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 always thought Japan had a corner on midsize sedans until I drove Optima. I have to say it is the best value for the money. Although the 4 cyl is not as smooth as my Lexus 6, it is just as powerful. The car feels tight and fun to drive. I test drove a bunch of new models, but this one is a winner. P.S. I am in Chicago area and classic Kia in Waukegan is the best. Great dealership IMHO.

Good Job KIA!

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

Wow! Cannot believe the new Optimas comfort level, performance, and reliability. We traded our 04' Sedona in for this new 11' optima and am REALLY impressed with what an overall good reliable family sedan this is! Have taken 2 pretty long road trips so far in this and have put on nearly 10,000miles since purchased in December of '10. Has plenty of room for the kids in the back. Has no problem acceleration to speed while merging on to the highway, while being packed with a whole trunk of suitcases and 2 teenage kids in the back!

Great Start...a few nitpicks

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

Wow, Kia hit a home-run with the new Optima. Researched and then drove all the competitors in both 4 and 6 cylinder high end versions, and the Optima hands down was superior. had to wait almost 3 months to get mine, I had really just wanted an EX with the premium package...love those cooled seats in the hot El Paso sun, but have not regretted the SX. Have not experienced the pull to the left, and the car is as quiet as my former Accord EX-L on the road. A few quality issues with the sunglass holder and mood lighting not functioning on the passenger door and I do get have the rattle from the sunroof. getting an average of 24-28 in mixed driving in part due to elevation Would buy again!

8000 Mile Review

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 hit 8000 miles last week and still love this car. I came from a Lexus IS250 to the Optima turbo SX model and prefer driving this over the Lexus. It has more power and is more fun to drive. I get about 18-23 mpg in the city and 30-35 mpg highway. This is a mid $30K for a mid $20K price tag.

A nitpicker's review of the few bad things...

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

6mths 6k miles, SX getting 27mpg avg. Outside noises flood the cabin! Try driving this car on hwy in moderate rain & you will know what I'm talking about. The wheel wells have like a pourous industrial felt instead of a plastic liner, look at them before you buy. Drive though smoke/skunk/exhaust and pay the price as smells flood in. Sunroof bug/wind shield rattles (while closed) when you hit bumps. Ride rougher than expected & seats are somewhat uncomfortable. Side view mirrors hold water and fog easily. Windshield has a fogging problem I think is related to the cabin not being sealed well. Gas lock release works poorly. Backs of legs touch car getting out. Great car overall though.

best value

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

Looks like a car costing thousands more. fit, feel and ride are outstanding. performance is exceptional. Optima has exceeded what I had even hoped for. KIA has a winner..

3rd updatre

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 not got 4,000 miles on my EX-Turbo. I still love this care as much as the day i bought it. Not a single issue with the car. The turbo engine is fantastic. Fit and finish is great and this car is the favorite of all the cars i've ever owned. The only thing i would change is having just 1. (which may change)

unbelievably good value

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

I bought this car in early July and drove from Chicago to Colorado and back in August so I already have almost 5000 miles on this car. I love almost everything about this car so my complaints are really nit picky. The city gas mileage isn't great (15-20) but we got almost 33 mpg on the trip to Colorado where we averaged over 70 mph. In Eco mode the transmission seems to downshift abruptly when you are decelerate. The routing on the GPS and the POI library isn't great so I am continuing to use my TomTom GPS unit. Other than that I am thrilled with the car. The workmanship is top notch, it's extremely roomy and comfortable, the panoramic sunroof makes it feel even more spacious.

The best dollar value

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

I bought my Optima two weeks ago. So far an excellent decision. The engine is impressive and in the city gives 25+ MPG. What is fun is the technology package: this car is equipped with features that you only find in a top notch brand. It is probably true that it is a little more noisy than a BMW or a Mercedes... But it is half the price!. I think this is a great option. Must see before buying a new car

Very Happy with my 2011 Kia Optima

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

We have had our Optima for 5 months and are pleased with it. The MPG is excellent. We took a trip from Illinois through Pennsylvania and then down to Myrtle Beach and back to IL. We averaged just over 35 MPG for highway driving. This is corrected as the computer reads a little higher than we actually receive. We typically were driving 65 - 75 MPH. I am 6'4" tall and I fit very comfortably driving. I can even stretch my legs straight out if I need to stretch them. The trunk is large. I play golf so one of my expectations is that I can get 4 sets of golf clubs in the trunk. With this vehicle it is not a problem.

good value, but not refined....

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

Did the online shopping at Edmunds before I bought this for my son. I've been driving it the last 5 months as well. The power train is not smooth. Shifting is awkward after a few months. Very loud in hwy, wish we had longer test drive on hwy before we bought it. I think they were very aggressive when they stated their gas mileage. I'm getting 3 miles below in Georgia driving. And my son stated it pull to the left as others have experienced.

Love my 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

I initially bought a 2010 optima in November of last year. I was happy with it until a month later I saw the 2011 Kia Optima. I fell in love with the vehicle and what really caught my eye is the fact it came in a manual 6 speed. I recently gave in and went back to the same dealership I bought the 2010 to see if I could get a 2011. Thankfully everything worked out and I was able to get it not paying that much more.

Owe KIA an apology

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

First looked at a KIA in June, thought no way spending xx dollars for a KIA. I mean its a KIA. Plus I have a fully loaded Durango that I loved.Well picked up my 2011 SX Pearl White w/ tech & Prem package last Saturday. Should have done it a lot sooner. First day out took it on a 200+ mile drive, highway avg 34.8 mpg. All week city traffic avg 24. 4 mpg. What a ride. No pulling to the left, interior is plenty quite, steering is tight but so was my Saab. When my 24 yr daughter saw it she said let's trade in her Pontiac Solstice and get her a Optima, so it must be a sharp looking car. Is it a perfect car no but its close enough. I learnt never to compare what I had to what I have.

So far, so good

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

I've had this car for 6 weeks now and have put 1600 miles on it. The build quality seems to be pretty good although there is a squeak coming from the passenger door. The turbo is a lot of fun to drive, but doesn't make the vehicle a sports car. The vehicle makes the weirdest sound when accelerating but I guess that is normal (sounds as it if has an electric engine or something). Visibility out the back window is limited but you get used to it after a while. I love the exterior design of the car. The interior is good but it could be better. I wish I had gotten the Infinity stereo-the standard is loud but that's about it. As for MPG, the computer estimates 2 MPG higher than the actual number.

FROM A NIGHTMARE TO AN OPTIMA

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 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

I had a Land Rover Discovery that was a constant pain that wouldnt go away. Now I have an OPTIMA and I couldnt be happier. I test drove the Accord, Camry, Focus, Cruze, and others... OPTIMA is hands down the best out of any of these. Tons of features are included in even the base model. I got the extended 100K bumper to bumper warranty just for added piece of mind and I still paid under $25K out the door. Already have 2000 miles and I am averaging 29 mpg!! Less than the stated mpg but much better than the 11mpg I was getting on the Rover. Im probably getting the KIA Sportage when our minivan finally gives up.

Blown Away

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 was looking at Lexus, Acura, Accord EX recently and drove by a KIA Dealership. I remember a friend had purchased a KIA years ago and put over 300,000 miles on it with virtually no problems. I was blown away at the Optima. It is elegant, refined, stylish and reasonably priced. After the test drive, I called my credit union and drove it home immediately. The next day when I went to sign the paperwork for my loan at the Credit Union, there two more new Optimas in the parking lot. The loan officers came out to look at them and were all oooohing and aahhhing. I LOVE my Optima

The most for the least

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

Traded in my 03 Rio last week... says a buddy, "you went from a KIA to an Infinity??" No, this IS a KIA! This car meets and beats my expectations. The power of a six cylinder with the efficiency of four, this thing is a beast on the road, whether trying to pass or just have fun. I have the SX turbo with luxury package. Corners are incredible, and the ride is MUCH smoother than i expected based on other comments (what, were you driving through feathers before??), and i still cant believe the power behind it (274HP?!). The interior is incredibly elegant, with attention on the driver, and the panoramic roof, wow. Bumper to bumper, this car will have you feeling much richer than you actually are

Awesome!

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

Man, when I first saw this vehicle on a Kia dealership lot, I was immediately taken. The Optima SX is, by far, the coolest vehicle in it's class. Looks, styling, performance and value all rolled up into one fine automobile. Way to go Kia, you have my undivided attention, so much that a week after I first saw the Optima SX, I purchased one.

Best Midsize Car for 2011 Update #3

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

Left Pull Issue 90% eliminated by getting new tires. I was very hesistent about going this route as Kia would not offer to do this for me. I've read the discussions on Kia forums and people who changed tires had success. Luckily I was one of them. I went with Yokahama Avid Envigors about $100 each and the fun factor has returned to this car 100 fold. These new tires handle much better, are better in the rain and provide good road feel with a much better pronounced on-center feel. Otherwise, my Optima is performing well. With the sweltering heat my mileage has been between 27 and 29mpg commuting to work and back.

Great Car 2011 EX Turbo fully loaded

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

This truly is a very nice car. Is it perfect no but unless you want to spend $80,000 plus. This car is a great value, have the premium package with nav etc. Have had for over a month with 3,455 miles. Took two trips with it one 2 hours one 6 hours and it drives great on the highway. I got 34.8 mpg. The front drivers seat is a little stiff and could use more padding and the ride is a little firm but you get use to it. A bit to much plastic inside but over all it looks rather up scale. Getting about 22 mpg in the city. Dispite what I have read it's very quite and I don't hear the road noise from the tires. The engine runs smooth, shifts smooth and it can move with the turbo.

Went with the KIA hybrid

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

Bought the car and immediately drove to Las Vegas from Phoenix in July. The air conditioned seats were very much appreciated. Gas mileage turned out to be precisely as advertised. Around town mileage is between 35 and 38. Have owned a Prius before and the tranny in the KIA is not CVT, so it handles the power differently. I personally dislike the CVT, so this change is good IMHO. The ride is excellent on the highway and good in town. I chose this car over the Fusion and the Sonata. The Sonatas I drove pulled to the right. The Fusion drove okay, but the ergonomics for the AC controls were downright idiotic and the exterior looks like a streamlined YUGO.

Greatest car on market!

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

What can I say? I love my Optima LX 6AT. It blows away any other Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Chevy or Ford off the road. I looked and drove them all before buying. Looks slick while it's doing it. Quality abounds from interior, exterior to engine performance and MPG economy. All the other car makers...watch out. This is going to catch on in a big way. Nobody can believe it is a KIA. I'm getting 32-33 MPG on a twisty, turning, up and down road. Electronic stability control is the best.

Best Midsize Car for 2011 Update #2

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

Left pull issue has not been resolved but Kia corporate is working the issue from all angles, though with no fix so far. Took a 2000 mile trip last week from Missiouri to Florida. Car is a very good travel car for long distances. Gas mileage was not as good as expected but then again my average speed with A/C on was between 80 and 85 mph. Gas mileage in these conditions hovered between 27 and 29 mpg. This is inline with just about every other midsize car I've had as rental cars. A/C does make a difference and speed over 75mph makes a big difference. Otherwise the car is super quiet and had no rattles.

Bought a 2011 SX fully equiped

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

Bought 2011 SX graphite color and everysingle day people are asking what is that "the new audi? the new infiniti? the new saab?". I love it! great pick up, quiet (not as loud as people exaggerate but I have the luxury wheels) i owned a 2002 nissan Altima and that was loud to me. There is zero complaints aside from the engin start in the mornings (I live in LA) its a bit loud but quiets after 10 seconds. I absolutly had to add the K5 leds in the front and man does it make a difference! Im still in awe over the car and I drove it 1600 miles already. I would have never bought a Kia in my life but after testing the C300 and audi A4 this had a lot more for the money. I did rebadge though for K5.

Gas Mileage SUCKS!

Performance: 4 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: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased the EX Premium package and love the panoramic dual sunroof, heated steering wheel, colled and heated seats and the rest. The car does sound like a go-kart (as others have posted) and I am very upset with the 21 mpg (mostly hwy) gas mileage after 2000 miles. Dealer said I need to break it in more, yet I do not read that in the owner's manual and wish that was disclosed to me before my purchase! Reading reviews it seems this low gas mileage is a common issue, and hopefully KIA or EPA will do something about it! False advertising and a lemon!

Optimum Optima

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

Traded a G8 GXP, for this car. I thought I loved that car, And would miss it, but this one is a whole new experience (even without 415 hp). Features, cost, fit and finish, options, this baby is loaded, very nicely styled, and still has 274hp, and gets 37 hwy mpg....and it's a KIA!

A phenomenal value!

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

We purchased our Optima about 5 months ago, and in that time have only put about 900 miles on it so its difficult to comment on reliability. But - that aside, wow do you get a lot of car for the money! Ours came practically loaded (minus the panoramic sunroof, navigation, heated/cooled seats) - for around $22,000. The interior is modeled after Audi, and seems like something you'd find in a much more expensive car. The beautiful French stitching really catches the eye, and the exterior styling definitely turns heads! Kia has definitely come a long, long way in the past 10 years and I would encourage anybody who is in the market for a mid-size sedan to strongly consider the Optima.

Bang for the Buck

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

I have owned my SX for app. 3 weeks. Zero Complaints so far. Gas mileage in regular mode is in the neighbor hood of 26 MPG mixed driving. If I am gentle in ECO mode I have gotten 29mpg under the same conditions. Acceleration to 60 is good , acceleration above 60 is very impressive, it might even scare you alittle. Overall quality seems very good. I have the basic stereo and the sound is crystal, I can only imagine the upgraded version. The only negative so far is when I start it first thing I hear a faint rattle in the exhaust.

7,000 mile update

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

Just finished a Highway trip of 350 miles each way thru hilly country. Average MPG of 37.8!!! Seats remained comfortable, ride was quiet. I have owned a new car every other year for at least 20 years and have NEVER gotten as many compliments for any other car. The other day a gas station attendent ran out to ask questions. Not a single rattle or any maintenance to-date. You really should look at this car as it cannot be touched at this price!

Likin' it

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

Had my Optima SX Turbo for about 6 weeks now and I'm likin' it so far. I didn't buy it to be a luxury car substitute so I'm mindful to not compare it one. It looks great, the power is there and I really enjoy driving it. If I did have one gripe, it would be the tires. I think alot of the issues (left pull and road noise) that are posted in the previous reviews may be tire related. I'll find out in about 35,000 miles when I change mine out.

My SX experience

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 love this car. Handles great and has excellent power whether using ECO mode or regular mode. I am getting 30mpg overall combined city and hwy with about 50/50 of each. This car has the interior room of a much bigger car. I have extra long legs and I still fit in this car great, and there is room for someone to sit behind me with my seat all the way back the way I need it. This isn't true for many cars. The truck is also bigger than other large cars I have driven/owned. I love that people can't figure out what kind of car this is at first glance. That will probably change as more show up on the road, but for now I feel I am driving an exclusive luxury automobile, that runs on regular!

Very Impressed

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 saw this car on the road and decided to go in and check it out. I was very impressed. It had more features, power, practicality, and features than other cars I was considering for about $5,000 less. 2 years ago I would never have considered a Kia, but this car is legitimate. After a few hundred miles I am still appreciating its refinement and drive. Try to shelve your bias and just test drive the thing, I think you will be pleasantly surprised....

Nice...But

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

We purchased this vehicle new...loaded. Looks great but right off not excited about gas mileage. 25 mixed driving and it's on eco. Hopefully you don't wear nice clothes to work because if you do and it's raining you're gonna ruin your slacks or nylons on the frame as you try and step out. It's so far out to the left that you need to look like a carricature to exit without getting a wet and mud stripe on your pants. Also, road noise is deafening and makes my Acura sound like a church at 2am. The brake pedal has an annoying thump every time you take your foot off the pedal which if you let it, will drive you crazy. The road trip we leave on this wed. could send me back to Lexus.

Left Pull - Update after talking to Kia

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

So apparently after placing a complaint to Kia I was informed that there is nothing that they can do with regards to the left pull issue. My customer service Rep Randy informed me that "this is the way the car was built" and that there is nothing they could do. So my question was "So you are telling me that the car was built to change lanes by itself creating a danger to me and my family?" Needless to say I really didn't get an answer. IWas considering getting a Kia Sorrento for my wife. I will NEVER buy another Kia product again and am kicking myself for taking a chance on this brand. I was also told to investigate the lemon law. Now that is customer service for you! Kia is laughable.

2nd review of my EX Turbo

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 not put a little over 800 miles on my 2011 Turbo EX. Not a single problem. My Optima tracks 100% Straight on the freeway with NO left pull at all. I've read of others having the left pull issue and i agree that you should test drive the car on the freeway first. Though I would say that of ANY car. This problem isn't an uncommon issue with electric steering(generally sofware related). Honda and VW have had the same issue. Our 2003 accord has started the left pull again. I still love my Optima 1,000,000 times more than i did the Accord Ex-L V6 i test drove. I'm also going on week 3 without a trip to the gas station. Really love that.

Awesome design and Fun to Drive

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

I am absolutely in love with this car. The design is very sporty and draws a lot of attention and compliments. Great interior design and layout. Wood accents are sweet and not overly done. Performance is great. No torque off the bottom, but one she hits 4k she rips. Only thing I don't like is the NEXEN CP671 tires. Gas milage has been consitent at 28mpg after 3 tanks of mixed driving.

Best Midsize Car for 2011 Update #1

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

So I too have noticed the left pull issue after a few days of driving. This is a known problem by Kia with no good fix for it YET. This problem is not found on all Optimas but only a select few. Please test drive your car on the highway at speeds more than 65mph. My left pull is pronounced but not ridiculous. I did call Kia Custoomer Service and they are very helpful. If you open a case file with them on this issue they will guide you and the dealers through a preliminary fix until Kia engineers figure out a better fix. Gas mileage has been 28 mpg on all 4 tank fill ups in mixed mostly highway driving. Overall still love the car. NAV traffic is great!

BEWARE of the left pull!!

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

Purchased brand new 2011 Kia Optima from Nationwide Kia in Timonium MD. Car was defective off the lot with a marked left pull that requires constant pressure on the wheel to keep the car from flying off the road. DO NOT believe the dealer if they say they can fix the car. This is a known defect with many Optima's and their kissing cousin Sonata's. I was told there is "nothing else we can do and your car still pulls to the left" from their "service" tech. I have lemon with 800 miles on it - great.

Value, Features, and Style - Oh My!

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

Unlike others I have been getting good mileage - 22 in town, 33 interstate. Engine is adequate and I always have the power I need. Engine noise is loud outside of car, but unlike others I have had no problems with noise levels inside the car. I purchased for $23K with leather, heated and cooled seats, dual sunroof, and 60K warranty. No Japanese, American, or German car comes close to matching the overall value - If you are looking for a family sedan price and compare. Only weaknesses is it rides low so front frame scrapes when backing out of driveway, etc. View outside constrained by thick C-pillars. But rides very nice and has more truck and interior space than large cars.

2011 Optima EX w/ Premium Package

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 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

So far, I'm really enjoying my new Optima. It looks great and the features are awesome. It has enough power for any driving that I do and so far is returning about 27 mpg in mixed driving even though it's not fully broken in yet. It really loved being driven steadily between 45 and 55mph. The trip computer says it's getting about 39mpg at those speeds, although I hear it's a little optimistic.

Here we go again

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

I am rewriting the review of my 2011 Optima EX because my original review and many other driver's reviews have disappeared. I have owned the car for 5 months now and I can say that it is a very good value. The interior and exterior styling are very modern and eye-catching. The quality of the materials is above average and the car has many standard features such as Bluetooth, leather-trimmed interior and a 6-speed automatic transmission. However there is bad with the good. The seats are hard and acceleration is unimpressive. AND boy is this car noisy on the freeway. Tire roar/wind noise is so LOUD that it is impossible to carry on a conversation with out practically yelling.

2011 Optima SX Turbo

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

Had it for a month & love it. Handles surprisingly well for a front driver. A little slow off the line (unless you power brake it) but after 10 ft it is really quick. Trans drops down a gear or two very easily. 50 to 70 pass happens right now. Very smooth ride even with the stiffer suspension. Every one who drives it ends up going 80+ thinking they are going 60.

Gas Guzzler

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

I drove the 2011 Kia Optima LX on an 16 hour highway trip and was expecting to get north of 34 MPG. To my disappointment I only got 30 MPG average. I wonder how the hell they come up with the MPG numbers they post on the window sticker?

You can't find me cause I'm out riding in my new 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

So much value and fun. The car is beyond quick. Sporty ride and I have no issues with the steering. I'm 6' 5" and I don't have the seat all the way back. The interior is gorgeous and comfortable. All the gadgets are useful and fun. I get all sorts of comments on the look and style. Can't recommend enough.

24/35 MPG? ...Yeah right!

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Purchase my Kia Optima EX 9 weeks ago. In this day of $4-5 gallons of gas, I bypassed the turbo engine with the idea that it would just make me want to drive faster burning more fuel. With the posted MPG on the sticker of 24/35, I was expecting somewhere around 27-28 combined. What I'm getting after 9 fill ups is more like 19 MPG - which is a big disappointment. So now I have a car with no power and no great fuel savings either. The 186 HP engine is a slug - feels like the pistons are going to come through the hood, and the car sounds like a go-kart. Otherwise, a pretty decent car for the money. If you're considering it, go turbo - if only to get you out of danger while merging onto highways

Automatic Transmission Failure at 3600 Miles

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

On 4/11/11, we were driving to work and had gone four miles from our house, when we thought we had hit a deer. The car made a very loud sound and lurched violently, at highway speed, frightening us both. The lurching was so violent that it may well have caused other damage. We were extremely fortunate not to have crashed. We then found that the car would not shift gears. The automatic transmission had gone out of our 2011 Kia Optima EX. We bought the Kia new on 1/8/11. The car had 3600 miles on it at the time of the catastrophic failure. This was our first Kia purchase (and last, I might add), and we are very disappointed. Needless to say, we were shocked by this dangerous occurrenc

Best Midsize Car for 2011

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

Ok, so I've owned several dozen cars over the last twenty years....I trade once a year or so. I've had 3 Kias and 2 Hyundais and they have all been terrific cars. This Optima, though, is the cream of the crop. I traded a Lexus ES 350 which the Optima compares to very favorably, especially for the money. There is a difference between bying the EX/SX and the LX in respect to road noise. This one is quieter than my Lexus. I have the nav which is awesome and the interior of the car is just plain great. Gas seems to hover around 27 mpg mixed. Bottom line: quiet like a Camry, but feels like an Accord...which by the way is super noisy at HWY speed. More to come in a few months...

Very happy!!!

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 test drove the 2011 Honda Accord EX-L V6 same day and the only reason i gave this car a second look is because of the exterior and the 2.0 turbo engine. As soon as i saw the fit and finish of the interior i was sold. I took the car for the test drive and i was in love. The accord was very nice too, but i didn't fall in love with it like this. The 2.0 turbo is fantastic. Has more horse power than the 5.2L V8 i used to drive. I couldn't be more pleased with this car. Only options i didn't get was Nav. and Moon roof. Put 100 miles on the car today and getting 21 in the city and 33 on freeway. With all the hills in WV i'm more than please. Will update more as time goes on.

2011 Kia Optima

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

I have driven the new Kia Optima for about 10 days now and it is a very nice car with many good features however it has excessive road noise - Kia pls fix this issue ASAP and you have a excellent car that can compete with the best in it's class.

Road noise and stiff steering, low clearance

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

I bought a 2011 Kia EX loaded, nice car until i drove on expwy. Way too much road noise and stiff steering made my wrist feel fatigue and low clearance of car. At night, headlight beams are too low and not bright and signs cant be read clearly because of low clearance. Since im a retiree, i wanted something i could keep for a few years. I could not keep it long due to ride quality which is more important to me than features. Plus other problems i mentioned made me trade for an Audi q5. What a difference, you get what you pay for. Made mistake and lost some cash but to be happy is more important to me than money. KIA resale value is not good if i keep it over 5yrs

My First NEW CAR!!!! EX with Premium Package.

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

March 17, 2011 I bought myself a new car. I have to tell you that Kia has done an excellent job remodling this car, and of course the design and thanked to Audi ex designer. Anyways other than that interior is nice as well as exterior. This car gave me the best bang for my buck. While driving people look at my car I notice and they look back a second time which I love so much because than people are like that is a KIA yes it is and lovin' it!!!!

Optimal Optima Follow-up

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

This is a follow-up review to my 12/12/10 review. Just drove the Optima to California from Arizona in March 2011. I was astounded by the road roar the car makes at 70 MPH on the freeway. The noise is so loud it is impossible to make a cell phone call and the radio had to be turned way up to drown out some of the noise. I feel that the low rent Nexus tires are to blame. Many, many good features on the car, just extreme road and wind noise on the highway. Before buying one take it on the freeway for a while at 70 MPH and evaluate the ROAD NOISE.

Quite the stunner, but only time will tell.

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

The 2011 Optima is basically a "European" version of the Sonata and a very nice looking sport-luxury sedan (thanks to Peter Schreyer, formerly of Audi). To me, this larger car looks like a marriage between a Lexus, a Saab, and a Maserati. It's a head-turner (as I certainly noticed on the way home from the dealership). The interior seems to borrow ideas from Volvo , Saab, and Audi (obviously). The only part, to me, that shows some of the KIA legacy is the dash/door trim choice and the seat fabric. Though, Not terrible, these items could be better than they are. Overall, I am very pleased by the design, number of standard features, performance, and comfort of this vehicle. Rating: A-

Surprising

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 have had the SX Turbo for a week now and love it. It's a great ride and the power you get with its 4-cylinder engine will surprise you.

Great Value

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

I bought this car as a second vehicle to drive to work. I commute 600 miles one way. I bought it because of what I perceived as a great value. It has been just that. The gas mileage is coming up a couple of miles short but still very good at 33 miles per gallon on the freeway. I drives excellent and is very comfortable to ride in for the 8.5 hour trip.

Need moe refinement

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

Performance -- most good, but power and transmission appears to be out of sync. Comfort -- the noise level is higher than camry and accord. Value -- though it has more features, it still could be priced more competitive. Fun to Drive -- as mentioned before. the engine and transmission appears to be out of sync. Engine power does not translate to overall performance. Some what loud noise from engine. Interior Design -- Overall good Exterior Design -- This is subjective. Overall it looks good, my only concern is the profile doesn't look that attractive. Build Quality -- Appears good, however, it's a Kia. time will tell. Reliablity -- Again, it's a Kia. It's know for minor issues.

A Class Leader

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

I've had several Audis and VWs. I was immediately taken by the Optima's styling, inside and out. It was only later that I learned it was designed by a former Audi chief designer. The Optima is a European styled version of the Hyundai Sonata, with which it shares many parts. The formula is similar to Acura's TSX, which is sold in Europe as the Honda Accord. Fit and finish are very good to excellent. Styled like an Audi, but built like an Accord. Much nicer inside than a Camry. The 200hp 4-cylinder is more than enough for a 3300lb car. Despite head-turning lines, this is not an Autobahn cruiser -- it's a conventional midsize sedan, albeit a very pleasant one to spend time in.

Best 4 Banger for the Buck

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 have to agree with the reviews so far, this is far and away the best in class. Great looks, good performance with an interior that has more standard features than some cars have features. I purchased the EX with Premium Package and I couldn't be happier. Everything about this vehicle is smooth, the steering, acceleration and braking are all refined as well as the interior features are well thought out and intuitive. The engine has ample power and if I get anywhere near the EPA estimated gas mileage I will be even happier. Kia has come a long way with this vehicle from an also-ran to a leader. Well done!

My first new 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

I've driven a succession of Maximas, Infinitis and a couple other decent 4 doors, all bought used with moderate miles. This time I went for new for similar money, to see the difference. I must say, a G37 or Maxima is a lot more car than this--but look at the sticker of a new one. I find in most situations the lower power of the 4 is more than enough to get the job done, even if not as thrilling as a 3.7 liter Nissan 6. It sure is a thrill at both the gas pump and the insurance counter. I get 10 more mpg with this car than I did with my last. It has a great warranty while my previous car had no warranty. Cost of ownership: far lower!

My first Car (i.e. non 4x4 gas guzzler)

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 went to look at the Sorrento SUV and saw this unique looking beauty sitting next to it on the showroom floor with a $10K less price tag. I walked around the car and sat in every seat multiple times ... I couldn't talk myself out of liking this car! I get asked by neighbors, people at the gas station and people in parking lots, "What is that? "It looks like a BMW, Audi, etc... no way it's a KIA" "It's a KIA?" "Looks nice!" Needless to say I enjoy my 30min each way commute a lot better now. Sometimes I can't even tell I am driving a 4-cyl! Oh and let's just say my business partner asked for us to take it to our lunch meeting (he drives a 7-series BMW)...

This didn't cost $35k!?

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

Any other make and model would have... Leather seats, french stitching, heated AND cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, memory drivers seats that moves back to let you out and "tucks" you in when the car starts (my dad commented only his Cadillac CTS had done that for him), panoramic sunroof, styling that rivals a Lexus IS 250...for $23,500!? But I'll go on. It takes speed bumps like running fingers over velvet, yet is sporty and fun to drive. It has a 4-banger that drives that a zippy V6, and with the shiftronic, I easily pass those cars I need to. At 35 MPG highway, 24 city? No premium gas? Seriously!? This car has it all at the best value I've seen.

The kids love it! Nuf said.

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

Totally impressed with everything about our new Optima. Heated leather seats, front and rear, keeps everyone toasty...it's been a cold snowy winter. Roomy interior, extreme leg room in the back for 3 kids ages 10, 13 and 17. Has all the bells and whistles you need, and more. Great looking, sporty, opted for a silver EX with Premium package right off the showroom floor. It didn't have the UVO nav-ent. system, but you should consider it. So far we are very happy with our purchase and would highly recommend this vehicle. Over 3 weekends, we test drove or saw all the competition and the Optima was the classiest ride, and best bang for the buck.

What fun!

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

We've had it 2 weeks, 800 miles. Great car, especially considers all the features vs. cost. In shopping, this was the first we tried. Then drove Accord and Fusion. Optima easily surpassed those. We're were going to look at Mazda6, Altima and Camry too, but we liked the Optima so much we decided to curtail shopping.

Kia Optima EX 2011

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

First noticed car at Boston Auto Show was able to test drive one there. Really enjoyed it and decided that this was the car to go with, had been looking at a couple of others but this car seems to have a lot of value for the money.

A dream to drive... love my 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 Dark Cherry EX with the Premium package. It is taking me a while to get used to the length --I feel like I'm in a full size car. The car receives a lot of attention! Comments like, "What kind of sports car is this? Lexus IS, ES or Jag? Peter S. and the KIA design team dialed up the heat and produced the best looking sedan on the road. Hands down.

Test drive review

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 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

I have been test driving the 2011 Sonata and Optima. Optima looks like an Infiniti or Audi and offers features the Sonata doesn't like hill start assist and dual exhaust on all trims. I am leaning towards the Optima and I really want to buy a manual trans, but Kia decided, in a truly bizarre move, to not allow you to get cruise control with the manual trans. Otherwise the car is excellent. Very good acceleration and you can't hear the valve train noise like you can on the Sonata which is nice. Also seems like the suspension is more upscale than the Sonata. No options allowed or a turbo with a manual trans?? Change the packaging and they would steal sales from BMW/Audi and others...

Champaign for beer price

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

Just got a new EX with Premium Pkg in Bronze Metal color. My first Kia after 6 Hyundai's ranging from Elantra to Sonata to Genesis 3.8. Has nearly every option the Genesis had and some it didn't like heated steering wheel and Panoramic Sunroof all wrapped in gorgeous Euro sheet metal for $12K less than a base Genny. Sure the cache' is not Genesis but I'm smiling all the way to the bank and the pump and giving nothing up in comfort and styling. When the turbo comes to market there will be nothing left to ask for!

Love this Car

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

I purchased the EX with premium package. Can't believe everything this car offers for the money I paid. Just went over a 1000 miles and love everything so far. Read the car reviews complaing about the comfort of the seats but I have no complaints so far. True the leather seating is not as plush as some may prefer but it is not uncomfortable. I am 6ft 4in and weigh 275 and this car is very roomy. Car drives great and handling is crisp and precise. Wish the turbo would have come out a month sooner but this car has enough power for daily commuting.

Optimum Optima

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

Just picked up my new 2011 Kia Optima EX. It is Snow White Pearl with grey leather interior. After driving the car for a few days I can say that it is great value for the money with better than average performance. The six speed automatic shifts smoothly and quickly. The 200 HP four cylinder engine has performance that is adequate for all but the most speed obsessed driver. The car has an amazing amount of front leg room. My 6' 4" frame has room to spare and that is highly unusual in any car regardless of price. The fit and finish as well as the quality of the materials is top notch . Great car so far, but I still can't figure out the mood lighting in the armrests.