2005 Kia Optima Consumer Discussions

Kia Optima Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Just got Optima EX [jjbbtx]

  Written by: rjorge3 on Dec 8, 2011 7:37:50 AM

  Thanks a bunch for your pricing info (and for not including OTD :>)). I was in the same boat as you, my previous cars,2003 MB, 2005 AUDI, 2007 Acura TL, so going to a KIA seem like a crazy idea until I saw the new design and I test drove it; in addition to all the toys it has for the price you pay. I am a value person, or I ... Read More

• Re: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid [m6user]

  Written by: rjorge3 on Nov 27, 2011 8:43:32 PM

  I so agreed with you as well, when I leased my 2005 Audi A4 back then, I posted in the Audi forum I belonged, every single detail (price agreed, money factor, term, etc,) I even went as far as posted the Doc fees, etc. Then, when I purchased my 2007 Acura TL type S, I did the same thing (priced paid, interest rate, Doc fees etc), and I received some nice ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

• Re: Kia Optima 2003 - Timing /MAFS [gbreheny]

  Written by: usedcarowner on May 29, 2011 11:49:35 AM

  I had the same exact problem on my 2005 kia optima. This problem happened a year ago. The car stalled without any noise on the highway. I got the crankshaft sensor and the timing belt replaced. I got the new parts myself and got it installed by a mechanic. So far it has been working good.

2011-12 Optima

• Re: Sonata vs Optima [backy]

  Written by: igozoomzoom on Sep 2, 2010 11:22:09 PM

  A very significant difference between Hyundai and KIA is the size and quality of their networks. I remember visiting a Hyundai dealer in the mid-90s with a friend to test drive an Accent. The building and lot had previously been the "value" used car lot for the adjacent Honda and Oldsmobile dealerships. Prior to that it was the main used car lot and originally it had been the Olds dealership. It ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

• 2005 Kia Optima EX V6 - Door ajar sensor repair

  Written by: astrobike on Aug 28, 2010 11:55:33 PM

• 2005 Kia Optima EX V6 - Door ajar sensor repair

  Written by: astrobike on Aug 28, 2010 11:55:25 PM

  Hi, The driver side door ajar sensor surrounded by a small rubber cap (wrinkled cone shape) on the body frame is not working. So the warning signal on the instrument panel, the indoor lights on the ceiling and the reading lights (when in "Door" position), and the door light are not turned on, when the driver door is open. Would you please let me know the replacement part and how to ... Read More

• Just some experience

  Written by: wfmetalica on Jul 27, 2010 2:57:25 PM

  I recently wrecked my 2005 LX V6 optima with just under 100k on it, but here are some experiences I would like to share. Affter years of continual check engine lights (with seemingly no stimulus) coming on once a quarter and the Kia service department insulting me by telling me I can't put on a gas cap correctly, Midas (no affiliation) told me it was a problem with my canister. After ... Read More

Midsize Sedans 2.0

• Re: 2011 Kia Optima prices [plekto]

  Written by: midas69 on Jun 27, 2010 2:31:30 PM

  Zip code here is Los Angeles. I think that's pretty "normal"(even if the city itself isn't) Numbers here are a little different. The Infiniti comes in at $31,900 and the TL actually goes just over $32K. For me, at least, the Infiniti isn't even a consideration since it's RWD. Obviously being in L.A. you'd have a different perspective on this. I'd have to do more research on the TL to see ... Read More

2011-12 Optima

• Re: from MSN Canada - first drive in Korea [conwelpic]

  Written by: backy on May 16, 2010 8:11:28 PM

  Capacity at Birmingham is 300,000 units. But they haven't ramped it up that high. Yet. With Sonatas now selling at an annual rate of about 220,000, they would not be able to satisfy demand for the Sonata, Optima, and Elantra just with the Birmingham plant. The Hyundai and Kia plants each have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually, so both have room for additional models. Hyundai, which started production in ... Read More

• Re: Re not twins [gregg_vw]

  Written by: backy on Mar 17, 2010 8:13:49 PM

  Actually, one of the problems was I could NOT read your entire message at the time I replied because of the large photo that was posted above it. But I am surprised that Hyundai/Kia developed two different 5-speed ATs for use in the 2009-10 Optima and Sonata I4s, considering they used the same engine. 2005 was the last twin year for the Optima/Sonata I think, with the 2006 Optima using the ... Read More

Kia Optima Real World MPG

• Re: Kia Optima 2007-- MPG, Real World Numbers [bob912]

  Written by: backy on Sep 16, 2009 6:42:32 AM

  ...notice that the 2.4 Kia,Hyundai,and Dodge engine are the same No, they are not. I have done my homework on this, sir. Under the new joint venture, Hyundai will have the lead responsibility for implementing the decisions of the joint venture company for design, development and engineering. http://media.mitsubishi-motors.com/pressrelease/e/corporate/detail156.html The initial design of the engine block was handled by Hyundai. It features siamesed bores, meaning that there is no coolant flow between ... Read More

KIA Dealership Service Experiences

• 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.

Midsize Sedans 2.0

• Re: help me choose a sedan [mickeyrom]

  Written by: aviboy97 on Oct 6, 2008 8:31:06 AM

  "sportiness" is not defined by high speed driving dynamics. The fact is, many us us (hopefully) don't drive our cars like they are a race car. The point is that many of us want out car to respond with virtually no effort for it makes us feel more connected with the road. I, for one, like to get a little excitement out of my drive. Many cars have spongy brakes, floaty ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

• Buying my wrecked Optima

  Written by: 73chevyimpala on Aug 31, 2008 4:48:47 AM

  I like my 2005 Optima so much, I'm ready to buy it again! planning on buying my wrecked Optima for salvage value, which is $1200. Just before I had the wreck, I had a new timing belt and water pump installed. The vehicle has been VERY cheap to maintain, and other than those pesky light bulbs, has not required any attention. The vehilcle has 68008 miles on it, it's the 2.4 ... 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?

Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

• Re: Do people look at you strange when you tell them your Kia is a 2006.5 model [csandste]

  Written by: backy on Jul 7, 2008 8:19:59 PM

  What is weird is that Kia had two Spectra models, each designated 2004. That was really confusing. Journalists and others took to calling the new Spectra "2004.5" just to keep it straight from the old one. Similarly, VW didn't officially call the 2005.5 Golf a 2005.5, but the "New Golf." At least we could keep it straight from the old Golf. Maybe the confusion over the Spectra caused Kia to use ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

• '04 Kia Optima EX V6

  Written by: analyzerlx on Sep 28, 2007 6:26:16 PM

  My Optima has a little over 61,000 miles and I bought the car new late in December, 2004. So far the only problems I have with the car is that the lights for the radio is going out. It started with the 1 and 4 buttons and now it is the whole bottom left hand corner that is out- it's so far not too much of a problem, because there's enough ... Read More

Midsize Sedans 2.0

• Re: Model Year [caaz]

  Written by: backy on Jul 2, 2007 8:01:38 PM

  Sometimes, sometimes not. Some manufacturers, Kia comes to mind, like to play the "halfsies" game, e.g. the all-new 2006.5 Optima (did the same thing when the Spectra was redesigned a few years ago). But it's getting more common to introduce a car very early in the year and slap the next year on it. Toyota has done this multiple times in recent years; Chrysler has done it; probably others I'm not ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

• 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: 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

• Info Needed ASAP: Kia Optima Brake Failures

  Written by: spectraman on Sep 26, 2005 10:43:44 AM

  Bill: You and your neighbor's problem(s) sound serious! Here's the NHTSA website where you and your neighbor can and SHOULD file a complaint: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ Faulty brake systems are nothing for a manufacturer to take lightly. I searched the currently filed complaints for the 2004-2005 Optima, and couldn't find any that matched your description(s) above. Let us know how it goes! -SM

• Info Needed ASAP: Kia Optima Brake Failures

  Written by: billr on Sep 23, 2005 12:01:22 PM

  I need to find any information that I can on Brake Failures on the Kia Optima (04 & 05 Model Years). The Failures are from a DESIGN DEFECT in the Brake Master Cylinder and it appears that Kia is trying to deny this exists while VERY QUIETLY taking care of any problems that occur. One major problem for them is gonna be me. I was driving a 2005 Kia Optima SE ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

• Sure is nice looking, indeed...

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Aug 11, 2005 6:44:55 PM

  go over to the Kia Optima thread here on Edmunds and read the last few posts(posts 444-448 or so)for more coverage of this hot new Kia, the Optima. I didn't know that the one in the picture above and in the Kia Optima thread was the 2007 Kia Optima design. The 2006 Kia Optima will look like the 2005 Kia Optima, then? Just curious. This car looks great and just looks ... Read More

Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

• spectraman...

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Aug 11, 2005 6:22:55 PM

  cool...your Spectra EX has a spoiler. There's a discussion going on on Edmunds right now about spoilers on cars and what do we all feel about their value, etc. I tend to like certain spoilers on certain cars. Kia has added the spoiler on your 2004 1/2 Kia Spectra EX so that it looks like it belongs there. Kia just plain "has it" in the body design department, IMHO. Nobody can ... 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