2001 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Kia CAN be reliable

Written by: Iowa on 07/23/2006

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love my 2001 Optima. I've had it for only a month, and it has 95,000 miles on it. It drives like a Buick, though, and is as reliable as a Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai. I had to have a new timing belt put in it ($500), but that was just a maintenance thing since it looks as though the previous owner had never done it. It's so much fun to drive, though, and all of my neighbors, friends, and family salivate over it saying it looks brand new. I couldn't find a better deal for $5,000 with all the options!

Favorite Features

Power leather seats, 4-wheel ABS, metallic paint, acceleration, sound system, FOG LAMPS, cup holders built into car (instead of the cheap, crappy ones on American cars), wood paneling, heated mirrors. Just about everything but the lighting situation!

Suggested Improvements

I will agree with everyone else... who thought of putting the dome light in the front of the car? Even though there's a sunroof, they could have put several lights above each window on the sides. And, there is no trunk light. Instead, they like to put excess lights on the exterior of the vehicle.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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2001 Kia

Written by: Megan on 04/08/2006

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My Kia Optima is one of the worst cars that I have ever had. The dealership failed to inform me that if the car transfers owners then the warranty will only be good for 50,000 miles. My car was at 55,000 miles when my timing belt went out on it and blew the whole motor.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Take off and drive.

Written by: b. m. maddox on 09/01/2005

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

When I first drove the car I was surprised of the pick up it had. I live on top of a mountain which has many curves. This car handled like my other sports car but rode much better. We go on trips many times a year and we need trunk space and the Optima has more than we need. All I can say is the Optima is fun to drive.

Favorite Features

Body style and ride. Good gas mileage .

Suggested Improvements

Make cup holder larger and more open, make cup holder cover retract out of the way.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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What a Disappointment

Written by: Angela on 06/21/2005

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

At only 62000 miles this car already needed a new timing belt and transmission. Also had to have the auto window repaired. Way too much work needed on a car of this year and mileage. Kia Customer Support very rude.

Favorite Features

Nice looking car.

Suggested Improvements

Buy a Honda or Toyota.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Trade offs

Written by: DJS on 09/09/2004

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

For the most part I am satisfied with my Optima. I love the acceleration and the smooth ride, but just wish it was built to last. From the moment I got it, I had an issue with the paint peeling off one of my door handles, serious paint chip issue with the side view mirrors,and then some fun with power door locks opting not to wrk. All said you cant beat the price, but you do get what you pay for. I have satisfied for the most part, but if I knew then what I know now, I might have thought longer and harder about my purchase.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seating, and strong acceleration

Suggested Improvements

Better quality in construction, and finishes

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Optima = Affordable Luxury

Written by: clintondee on 06/17/2004

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Our 2004 Optima Ex 4 cylinder model is an absolute rare find. For less than $14,000 we have a loaded stylish and well made car for our family. After loading in the kids there is still plent of room for me and the wife to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride. The engine and tranny are responsive and smooth and the suspension is great for highway travel as well as handling City bumps. With the long 10 year powertrain warranty and side impact airbags my family will be safe for many years in our Kia. Its also important to compare this car to others in the price range. Before you buy a smaller car for more money make sure you test drive a Kia Optima.

Favorite Features

Infinity sound system, Sunroof that slides and tilts, 10 year warranty, woodgrain dash and upscale chrome handles inside and out, Road alloy rims, 4 airbags, great seats, digital tempeature controls, triptronic porshe designed transmission, leather wrapped steering wheel and more

Suggested Improvements

offer traction control

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Kia is a deathtrap.

Written by: Rebecca McCoy on 06/13/2004

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have owned my optima for 1 1/2 years and ultimately hate it. I am trying to get kia to take it back as a lemon, but of course they don't want to. there have been 5 recalls to date on this model, and one of those recalls almost caused the loss of life to myself and my 5 year old son on the freeway, as the vehicle failed to operated(ie:the crankshaft positioning sensor recall). i am currently experiencing the second failure of this particular recall. I would have been better off to spend the extra money to buy a honda or toyota. Even though this car has the warrenty, you will use it often. If you love your family, buy a different car.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Take it off the market.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2001 kia optima

Written by: sjmalone on 04/24/2004

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Love the fuel economy, looks sporty, sorta mix between the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, I feel the engine is plenty peppy enough for the city.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Never been happier!

Written by: Meshoo96 on 04/21/2004

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my Kia Optima in 2001. It had 14 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. To date, it has 81,150 miles on it! Other than routine service and recently the alternator letting go, I have no complaints. It handles well, has ABS brakes, and gets excellent gas mileage. I'd have to I drive about 150 miles round trip to work every day.

Favorite Features

Headlights shut off when I shut the car off and open the drivers side door. Also I like the sportmatic transmission.

Suggested Improvements

Have an option of routine service avaiable and when the car is in the dealership for service, loaner cars should be made available.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Never Ever again

Written by: Upsidedown on 03/22/2004

Vehicle

2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The car is roomy, great gas mileage with the five speed, and the base 4 cyl is not bad at all. However I have had nothing but problems with this car. Everything from the center console falling apart to the infamous power window problems. Premature clutch failure, electrical dash problems, engine problems and on and on. Yes there is a bumper to bumper warranty, but it does not pay for car rental if you have to leave the vehicle in the shop (which you certainly will). When you factor in the horrendous resale and/or trade-in value I would say that this is one of the worst automobile purchases you could ever make

Favorite Features

Roomy, great gas milage (5-speed)

Suggested Improvements

Quality, Quality, Quality

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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