2002 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

nick's view

Written by: nick on 12/26/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

My wife has me drive everywhere we go. Even though it is her car! I am not able to take out on my own. We like to take drives around the area we live in, Northern California. With the v6, it gives me the power I need to pass all the vehicles going up hill with no problem. With the safety features, the way it handles --. it is what sold me on it. I have a son who is 10, and I want him safe.

Favorite Features

The v6 is powerful enough. The cassette and cd radio combo.

Suggested Improvements

The driver seat needs to be a little softer, and quieten the road noise from the undercarriage.

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Excellent value

Written by: Owner on 12/25/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought as a second car for wife, excellent value for money, Toyota reliability, only issues to be critical are certain interior material are level with price point. Others -- fit, finish, durability etc. are far above expected results. Definitely a contender for a repeat purchase. Great car!

Favorite Features

Overall quality is very good. Value for price, especially used. Great power.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel mileage a bit rough, average around 17 mpg in mostly local mixed driving. Better on the road, but it's a heavy car. Still acceptable.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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'02 Kia Optima

Written by: Chris Gallant on 12/02/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Overall, I really like this car. It has good power and handles well. Comfort and design are good. I only wish the gas mileage was better, but I guess that is the price you pay for the power. Big trunk. Changing headlight bulbs is a pain, and my power mirrors went out.

Favorite Features

Power and roomy trunk with fold-down rear seats.

Suggested Improvements

Make headlight bulbs easier to install.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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T.G.'s KIA

Written by: T G on 09/21/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I was looking for an affordable, reliable car that was larger than my Corolla and a bit more stylish,too. I found it in this Kia Optima. The only problem I've had in over 2 years was a broken driver's door latch. This was covered under Kia's warranty and fixed for free. No other complaints. Would definitely buy another Kia.

Favorite Features

Roomy, comfortable, reliable. I like placement of stereo, cup holders, even sunglasses holder. Good quality car.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel door release button on driver's door always gets knocked by driver's knee and opens unintentionally. Should be placed elsewhere.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Dangerous car

Written by: walkstick on 08/13/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

As soon as I bought this car I started having electrical problems with the car. I would lose all lights, steering, brakes, and air bags for the vehicle. Kia was no help in finding the problem with my vehicle and I totaled the car in July 2005. The only good thing that saved my life was the seat belt installed in the car. There was a burning smell that came from the car and the dealership had a hard time duplicating the problem. They changed many items on my car but they were not sure they had fixed the problem and in some cases were scared to drive the vehicle themselves. Please report your car to the NHTSA if you have this problem so it can be fixed

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Kia is not reporting these problems to the NHTSA, so please do it yourself before you get hurt in your vehicle.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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We love it

Written by: Bill on 07/19/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought new. Been to the dealer twice for warranty work, once for power window motors and once on emission recall. It's a 10 in our book. Only down side is that it does not hold its resale value well. But other than that is one sweet ride.

Favorite Features

The warranty and service

Suggested Improvements

Adjustable seat on passenger side.

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IT IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY

Written by: tina burke on 05/26/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

this car is has been a major problem and a hassle with repairs. first the timing belt then the sensors within the car. when a car is mostly a computer and the sensors aren't working and most repair shops know nothing about kias ...you are out of luck and money. better to pay a little more for a more dependable car

Favorite Features

the exterior is quite nice and the ride is comfortable when the car will run

Suggested Improvements

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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SAFE CAR!

Written by: Joshua on 02/08/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I can't speak much of my Kia Optima, I only owned it for less than a month. I will however be more likely to buy another though. I was involved in a severe front end collision. A large pick-up truck ran a stop sign on a country road giving me no time to even brake. I escaped the accident with only severe whiplash and back problems. The doctors said that it could have been so much worse. This is one safe car and I would recommend it to anyone. The whole front end of the car was gone and the roof buckled under the impact, however no part of the interior was altered or harmed me.

Favorite Features

Side-airbags, front airbags, safety system, V-6 engine, CD player and speakers.

Suggested Improvements

More comfortable cloth seats, sunroof on LX, Manual with V-6, fog-lights, and a more transferable warranty would make me feel more comfortable about buying used.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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great car

Written by: 1874 on 01/13/2005

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Have had this car for almost 2 years and only put new front brake pads on. Fun to drive, fast and great mileage. I am so happy I did not buy a Camry or Accord for almost double the price. This car is solid and does not feel like it will blow off the road like the Camry and Accord.

Favorite Features

Engine, trunk space, alloy wheels, gas mileage, roomy back seat

Suggested Improvements

Windows are slow to close, rubber around doors is coming off already but who cares!

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I love my Kia

Written by: misspat on 11/11/2004

Vehicle

2002 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

As a horse owner, this car has hauled 300 lbs. of feed in the trunk and performed beautifully down our dirt road. I have had only a few minor porblems which the dealer repaired under warranty very graciously. This is a hot little car; fun to drive and still haul the great-grand baby safely with the child lock doors. I am amazed at how fast and responsive the car is.

Favorite Features

Leather seats;the get-up and gone.

Suggested Improvements

Need 2 large drink holders in front console.

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