2001 Kia Optima Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The Optima may trail its Japanese competitors when it comes to overall polish, but those seeking a well-equipped "out-of-the-box" sedan will find this Kia appealing.
Pros
Competitive price, solid build quality, loaded with standard features.
Cons
Unproven newcomer in a tough market, V6 engine feels a bit anemic.
What's New for 2001
Kia joins the high-stakes poker game that is the midsize sedan market with the all-new Optima. Available in four- and six-cylinder models and two trim levels, the Optima offers a loaded deck of standard features, including air conditioning, side airbags, four-wheel independent suspension and power windows, locks and mirrors.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Rusted/Rotted Out Frame w/ 65975 miles.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My experience with my '01 optima has not been pleasant. I have had to have both front windows repaired several times and they still don't work properly. My door locks don't work right, I have had to put money into this car hand over fist and now to find out that according to my inspection station (certified kia dealer) that this car is junk because it has a rotted out frame. I will never buy another kia again. I have had nothing but problems with this car since I bought it brand spanking new.
Favorite Features
My radio, even though the speakers don't work properly.
Suggested Improvements
They need to improve the quality of the frame. They also need to back up their cars by taking care of their customers when a customer calls them with issues. I called directly to Kia for answers and he tried making me feel like I didn't know what I was talking about.
NEVER AGAIN
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
OK, It looks good, HOWEVER, I have only had this car since 86,000 miles (Now 102,000) and have replaced the alternator twice, all four power windows, have had fuel problems, and check engine light comes on and off sporadically. I hate this car and will never buy a Kia again.
Favorite Features
the look
Suggested Improvements
Everything
2001 Kia Optima SE V6
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
The worst part about buying from a used car lot: you don't know what you're going to get. I did just that. Bought it w/94K later finding out the previous owner did not do ANY maintenance to this car. Little "fixes" add up very quickly. Kia service dept. knows what they're talking about. My regular mechanic still can't figure out a nasty chugging/"hiccup" the car does in reverse and idling which has been going on about 6 months now. They cleaned out the idle system, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Looks like I'll have to take it back to Kia to have it checked out. Also has a passenger side-impact airbag problem - $1600 to fix. I'll just go without the airbags... it's not worth it.
Favorite Features
V6 engine, tiptronic auto-manual, attractive design that receives much attention, woodgrain interior, price. Overall, nice, inexpensive vehicle.
Suggested Improvements
Thicker paint, resale value, motors on windows don't seem strong. There might as well not be any dome light, because it's ridiculous how much space it covers. ABS should be standard! Seals need some re-engineering - it fogs up every summer morning - the only way to defog it is to use the heat.
Not worth the money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car brand new off the showroom floor. Immediately we had some small issues but nothing major. After owning it for about 3 years and having more warranty problems, my car spent 6 months in the shop. So many things were replaced it's hard to remember. There were transmission problems, computer problems, speaker/radio problems, window and lock problems, and engine problems to name a few. Due to the horrible depreciation on the car, we were only just now able to get rid of it without going into neg. equity. My advice, stay away, there's a reason for the warranty.
Favorite Features
It was roomy and had nice trunk space.
Suggested Improvements
Everything mechanical.
Can't complain
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have owned my Optima for a little over 10 months. There have been a few more little problems than expected, but I just can't part with it! I ran a risk buying it used and paid for it. Maintenance things such as brakes, tune-up, belts, filters, electrical etc. were never replaced. I am currently experiencing a problem with the passenger side-curtain airbag. $1400 replacement probably due to the car possibly having been in an accident at one point. I love this car to death, though. Looks and drives like a true luxury vehicle. I am a college student and it was an amazingly affordable vehicle that attracts a lot of attention at school. 102,700 miles and still running like new!
Favorite Features
Leather seats, woodgrain trim, auto-tiptronic transmission, V6 engine, side-curtain airbags, remote start/keyless entry, smooth ride, sunroof/moonroof combo, foot room, smooth ride, comfort, 5 headrests, flip-down cupholder/armrest in back. Fog lamps are a savior!
Suggested Improvements
Just minor, picky details: Thin paint, not good on a black car. Also, Kia needs to realize this is considered a LUXURY vehicle... ABS should come standard! Fuel economy could be better, too. Heated leather should have been optional.
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