2001 Kia Optima Consumer Discussions

Kia Optima Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• arizona willie...

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Aug 16, 2011 11:03:23 PM

  exactly. I've only driven it maybe 60 miles so far but it seems to be really really nice. I've always bought domestic cars and would never consider foreign ... but since most of the so-called domestics are made in Mexico or Canada and so many parts are made in Japan or someplace it's hard to consider them domestic anymore. So although I liked the Lincoln MKZ and was thinking about the ... Read More

2011-12 Optima

• Re: New Optima sub-site from Kia [m6user]

  Written by: dash5 on Sep 20, 2010 11:50:18 AM

  I'm pretty spoiled too and I own a 2001 VW Jetta. If cars in service 3 years are having trouble then what can you do? I've decided that unless I hear bad things in reviews or dont like it in person after a solid test drive, I'm not going to let the 1st year thing factor in very much. If there is another car out there I like nearly as much ... Read More

• Re: Sonata vs Optima [gregg_vw]

  Written by: backy on Sep 2, 2010 7:39:58 PM

  I think Kia is still behind Hyundai in public perception, in the USA at least, but cars like the new Optima, Sportage, and Forte will go a long way towards changing that perception. I like what I see of the Optima, but personally my fav Kia right now is the new Forte hatch--it brings to my mind the 2001-6 Elantra GT hatch, but even better looking (and better driving I am ... Read More

KIA Dealership Service Experiences

• Re: 2001 Kia Optima transmission problems [marhar60]

  Written by: milkman101 on Jun 19, 2010 10:23:45 PM

  DId you ever figure out what the problem was? I also have a 2001 Optima. Its at 111k. I am also starting to have tranny problems. Once and a while I will be driving and there will be a sudden jerk from the tranny grabbing. Then I lose power at the pedal. Now if I turn the car off then back on again everything is fine. Is this a computer problem, ... Read More

• Re: 2001 Kia Optima transmission problems [mickeyrom]

  Written by: marhar60 on Mar 10, 2009 1:46:11 PM

  OMG-thanks for the feedback. I have invested about $3500 in the car including the $3000 I gave my neighbor for it last summer. I work just 10 miles from home and didn't want a car payment. I had done some research and saw that people were having problems with timing belts at 60k miles so I asked him to replace the timing belt (and water pump - I think -even though ... Read More

• Re: 2001 Kia Optima transmission problems [marhar60]

  Written by: mickeyrom on Mar 10, 2009 11:19:49 AM

  You're welcome :) IMO it depends how much you got in the car,and how much it will cost to fix it.I would take it to a KIA dealer first,you can try contacting KIA for the nearest location.Then you can always go to a tranny shop.Where I live,there is one shop that does transmissions.I think they charge around 1.5 K for a rebuild.

• Re: 2001 Kia Optima transmission problems [mickeyrom]

  Written by: marhar60 on Mar 10, 2009 8:29:18 AM

  Well, at least now I know-thanks for the reply. The big decision now is whether it's worth the money to fix it -- assuming I can find a reputable service dept. Any thoughts on (a) best place to take it and (b) is it even worth it? Fredericksburg is a long way to go but worth it if I can drive the car another couple of years.

• Re: 2001 Kia Optima transmission problems [marhar60]

  Written by: mickeyrom on Mar 9, 2009 2:34:21 PM

  Don't confuse a 2001 KIA with the ones built after 2006.There is a quantum difference in quality,although in 2004 and 2005 the Optima got decent reviews,not so the ones older than that.Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

• 2001 Kia Optima transmission problems

  Written by: marhar60 on Mar 9, 2009 2:22:58 PM

  I purchased my Kia last summer. It had 58,000 miles. I have replaced the battery and timing belt - now the transmission is giving problems. Service station repair guy I really trust says he can't get into it but I should take it to dealer. I live in Alexandria, VA. Sometimes it's okay but then I accelerate and not much happens. Any thoughts or recommendations before I take it in would ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

• New to Optima

  Written by: dkh1967 on Oct 18, 2008 11:15:07 PM

  Bought a 2007 with 14k on the odometer a couple of weeks ago from CarMax. My 2001 Ford Focus hit 99k and started falling apart at all ends. Read many articles on the net before I decided to buy this car. Tried out Camry and Accord but they were out of my price range. I guess it's true that those two hold strong resale value. What I read on the Optima... ... Read More

Midsize Sedans 2.0

• Re: Some compliments to the KIA Optima [elroy5]

  Written by: backy on Aug 23, 2008 10:37:34 AM

  FYI the 2006 Optima is a totally different car than the current-gen Optima, which debuted in mid-2006 as a 2006.5 model. The 2006 was a 1999-2005 Sonata with styling and interior differences. So the comparison to the 2001 Camry is about right, since they come from the same era. Have you driven or even looked closely at the current Optima?

• Re: Some compliments to the KIA Optima [jeffyscott]

  Written by: elroy5 on Aug 23, 2008 9:13:29 AM

  My sister has an 06 Optima, and she said it's comparable to her previous 2001 Camry. She says it doesn't measure up to to the last two generations of Camry or Accord. Basically, according to her, it's two generations behind the class leaders. She said the seats were not padded well (cloth), so I sat in the driver's seat, and it felt like the seats in my 92 Sentra (not enough ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

• The thing is is that things like

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Jan 18, 2008 6:07:07 AM

  ESC and ABS are nice safety additions, but, are they totally and really necessary? I am not sold that they are. What's wrong with careful and steady and intelligent driving? The Hyundai Sonata was being put down by several people early on(the newly re-designed Sonata built in Alabama I'm talking about here)for having a front seat that bent down too much at the front, resulting in an uncomfortable sitting position. The ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

• Re: 2001 Kia Won't Start [mickeyrom]

  Written by: csandste on Dec 21, 2007 8:46:37 PM

  Mickeyrom-- I think this is the older engine which did have a timing belt (4 cylinder), not the one we have. I think it's closely related to the engine on my 01 Elantra and the bill quoted was roughly equal to what I paid for the 60K. I can't for the life of me remember if that engine was interference or not but not changing the timing belt on schedule will ... Read More

• Re: 2001 Kia Won't Start [bblackman]

  Written by: gatorfan80 on Dec 20, 2007 10:37:47 PM

  The suggestions at Kia Consumers are completely bogus. I'm being told that because my car died the other day a 2003 Kia Optima that I've never had problems out of they won't garauntee the warranty b/c I didn't have the timing belt replaced at 60,000 miles. When I asked the local dealer what they charge to have that replaced they said $852.00 b/c they can't just replace the timing belt they ... Read More

• Re: 2001 Kia Won't Start [haefr]

  Written by: kar4x4 on Feb 9, 2007 5:23:51 PM

  What happened with getting your engine replaced? I am going through something similar with my 01 Optima. I bought the car in Sept 2005 with 38000 on it. I only have receipts from the time I have owned the car. They are telling me I have to have all the records from when I didn't own the car. I don't know what to do... I do know they are telling me ... Read More

• Re: Spark Plugs on Optima 2001 [ray_h1]

  Written by: buddyglee on Jun 2, 2006 3:05:09 PM

  Thank you. Good to know about the water pump. Living in the desert it is always a good Idea to replace if you are there anyways. I will check on the idler. i don't know if the Sephia has the v6, it was just the only KIA book in the shop. I passed on it though. I have spent the last couple of months (Off and On) under the hood of ... Read More

• Re: Spark Plugs on Optima 2001 [buddyglee]

  Written by: ray_h1 on Jun 2, 2006 2:44:55 PM

  I bought the 2003 Sonata shop manual shortly after buying my car - I figure, rightly or wrongly, that I can recoup most if not all it's $60.00+ purchase price off eBay when I trade in a couple of more years. You'll need a new gasket to seal the junction between the purge tank runner end and the intake manifold to which it's bolted. I wasn't aware the KIA Sephia had ... Read More

• Spark Plugs on Optima 2001

  Written by: buddyglee on Jun 1, 2006 3:32:56 PM

  I am guessing by the looks of things that I will need to remove the intake manifold in order to replace 3 of the spark plugs and wires? Do I need a new gasket for this, Is there an easier way short of paying the dealer? 2001 Kia Optima V6

• Re: 2001 Kia Won't Start [loupjr]

  Written by: jtz on Feb 17, 2006 8:17:36 PM

  I own an 04' Optima and nothing is wrong with it so far; however, the car started shaking in summer of 2005. Everytime I take it to my dealer to check up on it, they can't seem to find the problem. They suggested that I used plus gas and I was told by two different people that it was the spark plug and that is still not the solution. Does anyone ... Read More

• Re: 2001 Kia Won't Start [ka6uup]

  Written by: loupjr on Feb 4, 2006 11:29:43 AM

  I presume you've already solved your problem. We own two Optimas...a 2002 V6 and a 2003 4-cylinder. Interesting that within a month (about September of last year) we had that same problem on BOTH vehicles. The '02 had about 50k miles and the '03 had about 18k. In both cases it was a bad battery. The REAL problem is that you can't find an after-market battery for this vehicle...you must go ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

• $1000 for 3 years extension warranty, is it worth?

  Written by: flash_lee on Jan 14, 2006 8:09:57 PM

  I have a Kia Optima 2001 with 60000 mile used, my Kia dealer sell me the extension warranty, $1000 for 3 years (everything covered), right now, my car runs very well and verything is fine, is it worth to pay such amount for the next the 3 years? thanks.

Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

• Re: 2001 Kia Won't Start [ka6uup]

  Written by: bblackman on Jan 3, 2006 5:30:32 PM

  Chuck, I also have a 2001 Optima. I was driving along one day and my car just died in the middle of the road. Turns out it was the crankshaft position sensor(?). I have had nothing but trouble with my KIA from the time I bought it. The car has been towed 9 times. A few months after I purchased the car, my rear tires were as bald as Mr. Clean's ... Read More

• 2001 Kia Won't Start

  Written by: ka6uup on Dec 18, 2005 5:28:10 PM

  I have a 2001 Optima. Yesterday it suddenly died while driving. It cranks fine, lights work etc but will not start. All fuses are ok Is this a common problem? Any suggestions TIA Chuck

• kia optima TSB's

  Written by: jimhood82 on Oct 2, 2005 10:53:33 PM

  The site does not take into account the 2001 kia optima 2.4L 4cyl engines with automatic transmittions. I do not know if this limits the TSB Search or not, but the search is incorrect. Rather it does not have all the Optima TSB's. I know of 4 that are missing, and need to know of others that may be missing. 1. window runchannels.(something about them warping I belive) 2. Window Power ... Read More

• suped up optima

  Written by: zimer on Apr 24, 2005 10:26:06 PM

  Hello everyone, I just found this forum and I am sooo happy. Well, let me tell you my situation. I have a 2001 Kia Optima with 9000 miles on it. nope thats not a type O, Here is how. About 3 weeks ago, I was driving on the express way when all of a sudden something poped and my car just died. When I went to start it, the belt would ... Read More

• New Kia Optima owner....Used but love it.

  Written by: reebie on Apr 5, 2005 5:08:08 PM

  Hello everyone. I have just been reading the posts about the 2001 Kia Optima SE V6. I just bought one used, 32,000 miles on it. In very good condition. I had never really paid attention to the Kia's before so I had no preconceived notions. It has all the bells and whistles that I like in it, and the car looks great. It's not the pearl white, just regular white....and I ... Read More

• 2001 Optima SE at 89,000

  Written by: ekubec on Nov 17, 2003 11:54:58 AM

  Hello everyone. Here is my KIA story. I bought a 2001 Optima KIA SE with 89K on it at a public auction in Commerce City Colorado. The intention was to buy it, sell it, and make some money. I won the auction for $4000, which was more than I needed to pay for a used KIA. I drove it about 30 miles, wondering if the timing belt had ever been changed. ... Read More

• Don, welcome to the Kia family!

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Oct 29, 2003 8:58:00 AM

  I am on my 2nd Kia(a 2001 Kia Sportage 4x4)and love it! The reason you're getting your Optima so cheap is because Kia's have poor resale value. You are getting a good deal, though, so take advantage of it. I have had very good fortune with both of my Kia's and I have a feeling you'll like your Optima, too. Post back with your experiences with it, OK?

• The reliability ratings are a hit with Toyota and Honda

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Aug 9, 2003 12:18:59 PM

  and other high-price makers as far as their image goes but my view is that I want a car to look a certain way. The Korean cars are great looking and yes, get a tad worse gas mileage. You'll fare better in a crash with a Sedona than in a Sienna though. The new '03 Optima is nice looking with the separated front turn signal lamps this year instead of the ... Read More

• OPTIMA A SMART CHOICE TO BUY

  Written by: sedanman2 on Apr 16, 2003 5:04:16 PM

  obviously i would recommend buying a new optima! saw new ones on the lot in new jersey. i own a 2001 se v6 leather abs and the car is great. people still look at it, guess they think its some kind of sonata leganza mercedes230 crossbreed!!economically it is definitly a smart choice. check out the prices on similarly equipped accords camrys and altimas (that everyone on the block has)and your jaw ... Read More

• Any reason not to buy a Kia?

  Written by: malibu_jack on Apr 6, 2003 6:41:40 AM

  hi there... can anyone think of reasons not to buy this car? My wife and I are currently leasing a 2001 Nisan Sentra. We still have warranty left on the car (currently sitting at 50K), however when we try to address items which should be covered under the bumper to bumper warranty, quite often we are charged $24 for each item that the dealer claims is NOT a warranty item (and ... Read More

• Tapping Noise

  Written by: infinite_way on Mar 17, 2003 11:59:29 AM

  Thanks very much Ingtongue18 I was so worried. When this vehicle first came out I read everything that was available , because I knew I would be taken a great risk in its purchase. You hit the nail right on its head with your explanation. The tapping noise is only present after my vehicle has stayed stationary over a very cold night. Today all is well with 22950 miles on my ... Read More

• Tapping noise

  Written by: infinite_way on Mar 13, 2003 9:23:59 PM

  I first read this problem for the new sorento, but I have had the same problem on my 2001 kia optima LX manual transmission for the last two months. Has anyone experienced a tap noise from their engine? I only really hear this sound when my vehicle has sat over night on a cold day and the next morning when i attempt to start it i hear this sound. If I ... Read More

• sedanman2-your neighbors Camry also won't generate the

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Apr 13, 2002 8:42:45 AM

  interest your Optima will because it doesn't look as good as your Optima does. I test drove a black 2001 Optima with the V6 and automatic tranny. Smooth and efficient ride and what a beauty! Kia has the looks down right with this car. The back is a bit plain but the front is very attractive. I bought a Sportage and love it but Optima is always an interest for the ... Read More

• I agree Ingtonge18-the post #232 on Kia's Optima

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Feb 25, 2002 9:47:37 PM

  is bogus. I did test drive an Optima. It was a 2001 Optima with automatic transmission and V6 engine. The car was effortless to drive. The ride was quiet and steering was smooth and easy. The engine accelerated smoothly and quickly and although the stretch of road I drove didn't have many bumps I was sure not afraid to run the Optima over any for fear of uncomfortableness. Kia has done ... Read More

• Serpentki-do you still own your 2001 Kia Optima?

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Feb 16, 2002 12:29:41 PM

  The one with the I-4 cyl. and 5-speed tranny? You were pretty happy with it and I haven't seen you post for a long time. How are you doing? I also haven't seen majorthomecho, hung0820 or bluewinds post for a while.

• Congrats on your Optima!

  Written by: claywaterfill on Nov 2, 2001 6:56:28 AM

  Glad to hear you love your new car. There is no reason to believe the Optima wouldn't be good considering it is based on Sonata. What did you give for it where you live? I know that Mall of Georgia Kia hear in metro Atlanta advertises the 2001 Optima LX for $13,990--which I don't think is too shabby! I have driven a 4 cylinder Optima and it does have surprisingly good ... Read More

• Love my Optima!

  Written by: Sprottn on Nov 1, 2001 3:21:44 PM

  While I feel the DEALERSHIP ripped me off on a few items, I LOVE the car! We bought the 2001 4 cyl automatic (nice silver). Steers well and rides much smoother than our 98 Sephia. The car shifts well in traffic and the little 4 cyl automatic engine has more power than I expected. The fuel mileage isnt much different from my Sephia but I like having a bigger gas tank. ... Read More

• 2002 Optima?

  Written by: claywaterfill on Oct 31, 2001 1:27:35 PM

  Has anyone heard anything about the 2002 Optima? All I see on kia.com is 2001 stuff. I'm interested to see if there were any changes since they changed the 2002 Sonata. New engines maybe? I'm looking to replace my 1995 Sephia this spring and I was going to go with the new Sonata. If Kia is doing anything exciting to the Optima, I may go that way. I have really had ... Read More

• dealer cannot fix moonroof

  Written by: sedanman2 on Sep 22, 2001 2:37:40 PM

  hello all,have 2001 optima se v6 black loaded.some time in early august moonroof wouldnt work and dome light wouldnt shut off.so had to make appt ,and week later dealer fixed dome light and said they had to order parts for roof,motor and relay,week and half later parts arrive,have to make appt!2 weeks later bring car in to install parts for roof , and it still doesnt work,they say they cant figure ... Read More

• Looking at buying a Brand NEW 2001 Kia Optima LX

  Written by: nycjokester on Jul 25, 2001 11:06:09 AM

  I am currently looking at buying a brand new 2001 Kia Optima LX. I am just looking for other opinions from people about the car that I am seriously considering purchasing. My dealer is in NY and believe it or not, i have had a hard time finding a dealer that comes close to matching my current offer. It is a 4Dr, Automatic transmission, Passive alarm installed, AM/FM Stereo Cassette/CD player, ... Read More

• Hello to sepentki! Do you still drive an Optima?

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Jun 16, 2001 10:00:09 AM

  Hey, serpentki! You used to come here and praise your 2001 Kia Optima. Is it still sitting in your driveway? It is......I'd like to hear an update on how your Optima is performing now. Still digging it?

• Road & Track Article

  Written by: giowa on Jun 8, 2001 6:13:48 PM

  Check out the July 2001 issue of Road & Track. Has a strange one-page first drive review of "the all-new Kia Optima". Odd that there is no mention, no whatsoever, of its Hyundai Sonata roots. Article doesn't mention Hyundai or the Sonata. Does talk about the Porsche-licensed Tiptronic manumatic shifter. And says "Kia says that a largerer-displacement V-6 is on the way for the 2002 model year."

• Whatever.

  Written by: harryalb2 on May 30, 2001 4:10:41 PM

  I'll ignore what ever that was in 110. Funny, people see certain brands as untouchable in quality and others as junk. My experience with my cars and friends/familys cars have never been perfect. 1998 Ford Mustang GT/power seat shorted out and a recall 1998 Ford Crown Vic/two recalls and traded in for bad transmission dealer couldn't fix 2001 Lexus GS300/Tires replaced with large bulges in the side, roofline trim coming off, ... Read More

• 2.7-liter V6 Optima "SE-L" for 2002

  Written by: hbrow00 on Feb 10, 2001 12:05:00 PM

  From a story in Autoweek about the Chicago auto show: A sporting variation of Kia's recently introduced four-door Optima sedan, the SE-L concept gets a 2.7-liter, dohc 181-hp V6, a modified version of the 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine in production Optimas. (The base Optima offers a 2.4-liter 149-horsepower four-cylinder.) The larger-displacement V6 is destined for production in 2002-model-year Optimas. Sportier transmission shift points, suspension and tires also appear on SE-L. Source: http://www.competitionpress.com/specials/2001_chicago/chicagowrap.mv ... Read More

• I actually bought one.

  Written by: stormwing on Jan 29, 2001 6:47:02 PM

  Hey everyone. If anyone is interested, I just bought a 2001 Kia Optima SE V6. This car is the Steel Blue, I went for the leather interior and the sticker came in at $21,474. My promotion included a vehicle allowance, so I went out and drove 16 cars including the Altima, 626, Protege', Golf (I know, different class, but in my range), Impala, Focus, and the list goes on and on... ... Read More

• Any Optima Brochures Out?

  Written by: giowa on Oct 5, 2000 12:46:52 AM

  Stopped by my local Hyundai dealer recently and picked up 2001 brochures for both XG300 and Sonata. Does anyone know if the Kia Optima brochures are out? Has anyone seen any firm pricing data? Anyone seen one on road or at a dealer's lot? Thinking they won't be out until Dec or Jan but you never know.