2005 Kia Optima Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The Optima trails its Japanese competitors when it comes to performance and interior accommodations, but remains a decent buy for those seeking a stylish, well-equipped family sedan for less than $20,000.
Pros
Low price, pleasant highway ride, refined V6, lots of storage space, excellent warranty.
Cons
Noisy four-cylinder engine, tepid handling, some cheap interior bits, tight rear legroom, ABS isn't available on four-cylinder models.
What's New for 2005
For 2005, the Optima wears clear turn signal lenses up front, the sunroof on the EX gains a one-touch opening feature and the optional leather seats get new stitching.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Warranty problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My Son saved up for over two years and bought a used 2005 Kia Optima with 18K. He brought it to the dealer to get recall work fixed under the warranty. They first told him there was none but they fixed a squeaky door hinge. He went back home, assuming that I had been wrong. I was given a list by a mechanic that had a subscription service that said there were at least 6 Recalls on the 2005 Optima I went back to the dealer and explained to him there where 6 recalls well he grudgly fixed 5 of them. We had 2 come back when the dealer called and the new part was in. So guess what after 1 week they didnt call so I called them They said they gave it to a paying customer.
Favorite Features
Seats COMFORTABLE
Suggested Improvements
Better warranty service
so-so car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Bought this car used when it was 6 months old. The car is gorgeous inside and out. About a year after buying it, we started to have a lot of problems. One problem was the car would get stuck in third gear and not go up or down for days they "fixed" it twice under warranty but when it happened again after the warranty expired, it was a chip that I had to pay for. The coolant hose leaked and I couldn't buy one at a store, only the dealer sells them and it was $300. The airbag light keeps going off even though they fixed it 4 times. I was so upset with this car, however a year ago I got the new chip and did the timing belt, and since then the car has been very good with no problems, $1000, later
Favorite Features
Interior and exterior design are very nice, there are a ton of features that you would never expect on a car for this price, it is very comfortable to sit in and drives great.
Suggested Improvements
The fuel economy is not that great compared to other similar sized 4 cylinders, and unlike many of the other posters here, I'm not completely happy with the reliability. However, I have to say that after spending $1000 on repairs a year ago, the car has been driving perfectly
The Kia that kept on going...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
We have owned this car for four years now, out of it we have had to take it to the shop 3 times in the last year. Thankfully the Bumper to Bumper waranty cover it. So far the struts had to be tightened, the driver side door lock regulator (I had to crawl out of the passenger side for days! LOL!) and I had to have the passenger window motor replaced because it was noisey. All of these have been minor repairs, we are finally nearing 50,000 miles and it has never let us down, stranded or anything to that affect. No one believes how fast this car can actually go, but on a trip to Georiga after we first got it, I got it up to 137 MPH and it handled very well. Better than my 98 Z28.
Favorite Features
Everything! Stereo, A/C System, 27 MPG's at 75 MPH! The list is endless! My next car will be another Kia!
Suggested Improvements
A little more get up and go would be nice...but that's what the V-6 model is for!
True Review of the Kia Optima
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
First 3 years and nearly 60,000 miles the car was flawless. At 59,700 the check engine light came on needed spark plugs, wires, and sensor covered by warranty then all of a sudden the headlights started to blow-out every other month, the chk eng light came on with several major codes not covered by warranty, the exterior held up but the wheel covers peeled and wiper arms started to rust. Drivers door speaker started to make horrible noise. The belts would squeak in cold/damp weather at start-up
Favorite Features
Rear tail lights, Looks of the car, Drove great in snow or any bad weather.
Suggested Improvements
We owned several Hyundai & Kias if purchased new they hold up well for years but as they age basically around 4 years they tend to start having issues. It almost seems the car was built to survive the warranty and thats it.
Poor Choice
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I purchased this car "used" with only 1,000+- miles on it. Within the third year of ownership and out of warranty I have put almost $2,000 into simply keeping it running. I also am forced to replace both headlights about every six weeks. Now I am told the A/C pump is bad and it's going to take another $400-$600 to repair. FORGET IT! Kia Customer Relations will not help, nor will any dealer. NEVER AGAIN will I buy a KIA! Buyer - beware, don't fall victim to a company that won't support it's own vehicle! This car is overrated. Oh yeah, my insurance is much higher because of the inadequate safety of the car, get that!
Favorite Features
None really worth mentioning.
Suggested Improvements
Electrical system is very poor. Too many electrical problems associated with this vehicle. Lights, inside of car and outside (ALL) burn out frequently. Improve on customer support. Many dealerships who are "certified" to repair are no longer in business.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Kia Optima
- 2008 Kia Optima
- 2007 Kia Optima
- 2006 Kia Optima
- 2005 Kia Optima
- 2004 Kia Optima
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