2001 Kia Optima Review
2001 Kia Optima Review
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Used Optima for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$198/mo for Optima LX
Optima LX
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Ante up! If you want to join the big dogs in the midsize sedan market, you'd better come to the table with a good product. Korean automaker Kia hopes to get a place at the table with the Optima, its all-new five-passenger sedan. The midsize sedan market is no place for bluffers or beginners, though -- the sharks will have you for dinner. Already seated at the table are Toyota, which chips in the super-popular Camry; Honda offers its bulletproof Accord; Nissan bets with the competent Altima; Ford plays with the value-packed Taurus; and Chrysler recently tossed the surprisingly good, redesigned Sebring into the pot.
Kia is betting heavily with the Optima. When the front-wheel-drive sedan was introduced late in 2000, the automaker was already touting it as its flagship vehicle. That's some pressure to put on a greenhorn in the big city for the first time. Though unproven, the Optima looks pretty good at the first cut. The base four-cylinder LX model starts at $15,749 (with destination charge) and includes front and side airbags; air conditioning; power windows, door locks and mirrors; a first aid kit; and variable intermittent wipers. The SE trim adds alloy wheels with 205/60R15 Michelins, heated exterior mirrors, a power antenna, foglamps, moonroof, remote keyless entry and alarm, cruise control, a 120-watt audio system with CD, wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an eight-way power driver seat. That's a pretty potent wad of features with which to bet.
The standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual transmission pumps out a credible 149 horsepower and boasts fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 28 highway (20/27 with the four-speed automatic). The optional 2.5-liter DOHC V6 engine delivers 170 horsepower, but feels a bit anemic compared to its competitors in this segment. The V6 model is offered only with an automatic transmission, but it does come with a Porsche-designed Tiptronic manu-shifter to allow up- and downshifts without a clutch. Its fuel economy is 19 mpg city and 25 highway. V6 models are also equipped with rear disc brakes instead of the standard drums. Antilock brakes and leather upholstery are optional for both trims. All Optimas are fitted with four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear antiroll bars, and rack-and-pinion steering with power assist, which combine to provide a responsive, supple and comfortable ride.
Company officials readily admit that the Optima isn't going to steal the Camry's or Accord's sales records, but its solid build quality, exceptional fit-and-finish, excellent standard suspension system and jackpot of features should appeal to many buyers, especially considering the Optima's miserly price. We expect Kia to win a few hands in the midsize sedan game and have no trouble meeting its 25,000-unit sales goal for the Optima's first year of availability. Whether it can play well enough to be considered a shark remains to be seen.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Kia Optima.
5 star(38%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(2%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Not bad for a 14 year old Korean Sedan
Gary Merchant, 09/01/2015
2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Purchased a Kia Optima LX 4 cylinder/automatic sedan for my son in college. He drives it... I pay for things. At 156,000 miles the car runs great. Starts quickly regardless of temperature, A/C still blows cold and all power features still work including windows. The only thing I've had to do is put brakes on it and one motor mount. When a motor mount breaks, you'll definitely know it!!! … Sitting outside year round in the Midwest including snow and salt on the roads, the car has zero rust on it. Paint has chipped off around the door handles, but the clear coat remains. Could be because the car is washed weekly, but the car is surprisingly comfortable, particularly for something so old. The car features side impact airbags and that is rare in all but high end luxury cars of that vintage. I suspect a lot of people carping about their Optima's bought them used and are the kinds of people who don't believe in maintenance. Change the oil and fluids at the recommended intervals and you should have good results. If you buy ANY car with the notion that it's a throwaway vehicle, then expect to do just that... throw it away. UPDATE: As of September 2016, the Optima is still performing fine.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Kia CAN be reliable
Iowa, 07/24/2006
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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!
2.75 out of 5 stars
Never Ever again
Upsidedown, 03/22/2004
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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
3.13 out of 5 stars
2001 Kia
Megan, 04/08/2006
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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.
2001 Optima Highlights
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,299 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Optima include:
- Alarm
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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