2009 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Kia rental at 40,000m is not good

Written by: Greg on 11/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I'm sure this car was decent when new. Also, since its a rental im sure it has been driven hard. So this review is based on a hard driven Kia - but a lot of people drive cars they own hard. At 40k miles vibrations everywhere - in the steering wheel, gas pedal, and body panels/structure. Very loud cabin - cannot hear someone on cell phone. Rough engine acceleration - grinding and gruff sounds. Braking is poor. Car is not fun to drive. Soul-less car to the extreme. Cabin is nice, seats ok, visibility is good overall good design. Exterior design is not good. Look elsewhere, there must be better choices - with better gas mileage.

Favorite Features

Cabin interior is good. Easy to read and reach dash. Ipod and power plug- in in armrest. Good visibility.

Suggested Improvements

reduce vibrations thus reduce the high noise level. Braking does not feel solid. Terrible suspension - very rough ride at 40000 miles.

0 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great Car For Commute and Travel

Written by: sbowen36 on 11/08/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The car is midsized and larger than my Toyota Avalon. It shifts quite well with the manual transmission and has more than adequate pickup. The interior is masterfully designed from microfiber and low pile carpet. The seats are comfortable and adjust nicely. I am very pleased overall with my purchase and the price of the vehicle. Only time will tell how it holds up, but with a 10 year warranty I am not losing any sleep. Could've afforded 2 Optima for the price of any other sedan in its class.

Favorite Features

USB port, Ipod port, exterior/interior design, price, stereo, warranty, safety. This car is tops in class for a fraction of the cost.

Suggested Improvements

I wish I had bought 2 and may still buy another for a spare. Don't be chicken to buy Korean for the low price and high value. They really are tops!!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Car

Written by: nick on 11/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Never thought I'd buy a KIA, but thought I'd take a look and was really surprised. If you want a V6, move on, but the 2.4L 4-cylinder is more than competitive with the smooth automatic. (Surprisingly, much better power than Mazda 6i, which I tested just before.) The SX trim level offers sharp handling for a sedan, and it's something different than yet another Accord or Camry with more features for 1000s less. The build quality, noise levels, and ride are all better than expected with no problems so far. The warranty is impressive. This car will certainly convert those KIA haters (like me a year ago), and folks often ask me if that's an Audi I drive, which I'll take as a compliment.

Favorite Features

Tons of features and good handling (SX model) for less $$ than others / the 4- cylinder is as good if not better than competitors. USB connectivity is a fantastic feature. No slip seating! Lots of space. Great safety features. Nice 17 inch rims.

Suggested Improvements

Offer a more powerful V6, add lumbar support and standard blue tooth. Spread the word...a KIA is now a car to brag about.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Watch the car mileage

Written by: airport kia on 10/31/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The Optima is a beautiful car both on the interior and exterior. The new 4 cyl engine stuggles while driving in the city.It get only 15-17 mph city which makes it a clunker. The driver seat is very un comfortable. After driving the new Chevolet Malibu, I realize I bought the wrong car. I can live with this car but would not recomend it to family and friends. The engine is a underperformer. To compare the Optima to the Camary is like rating a race horse versus a donkey. All the features on the car work excellent. The red lighting on the dash get annoying after a while. And what is with the 16 inch wheels?

Favorite Features

Excellent headlights, heater,AC, and interior. Very well design dashboard and rear seats. Excellent exterior design. Radio quality is very pleasing.

Suggested Improvements

Needs new designs for driver seat comfort. Gas mileage is horrible, engine is noisy and strains after stopping. It feels like your driving a four cyl 1990 Plymouth Sundance.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great value!

Written by: Smarty on 10/29/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Outstanding value. This car has the Convenience Package and is loaded. The quality and feel of the leather seats and interior materials are outstanding. I love to drive this car. I think my friends and family are tired of me telling them how much I enjoy my Kia. Comfortable and smooth ride. Loaded with all the convenience features at an outstanding price with a great warranty. Fun to drive with good power when needed. 4 Cyl is great on gas mileage and ECO mode helps you save even more gas. In cold climate heated mirrors and seats are nice to have. I am a new Kia fan.

Favorite Features

Leather, quality and fit of interior materials, automatic climate control, heated mirrors and seats, satellite radio with controls on steering wheel, auto headlights, quality feel of controls, exterior styling. Oh don't forget the warranty! The one thing that made consider Kia in the first place.

Suggested Improvements

This is very nitpicking, but the steering is a little vague on center and there is a bit of a buzzing vibration that comes through the steering wheel. The bins should be lined with soft rubber material to cut down on coins and items rattling.

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Want Mustang Back

Written by: NotHappy on 09/30/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I had a 2007 Mustang for 3 years but after many issues and the warreny being up at that time 11 days. I was thinking of trading..found Kia for another car but ended up buying Kia Optima. The car is very good car over all but the seats are so hard and not comfortable at all. My back hurts after drving the car. I would advise really drving the car for more then a short test drive. I did drive the car 3 times however a really long drive would be better. I try to hurry up and get to where I need to go so I want have to drive the car long. The only plus is the safety/warrenty and the radio is good other then that I wish I never got this car.

Favorite Features

The Sirrus Radio, Sunglass holder.

Suggested Improvements

Need to do a better job on the seats and the headrest.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Very Good Deal!

Written by: Best Kia So Far. on 09/27/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I got this car for $17500 and im very happy with it, i've had it for 5 months and it has yet to break down or need work. I have 8500 miles on it and everything still seems like new! I wish Kia and Hyundai would replace the 2.7 V6, its underpowered (190 hp) and bad on gas for the power (20 city and 26 highway)! They should replace it with a 3.2 V6, more power for same fuel economy! The I-4 is enough its not that sporty but its Kia what do u suspect? I get 32mpg on the highway and 25 in the city, great milege. Kia did a great job with the design! Very modern. It was between the 09 Fusion, 09 G6, or the Optima, Optima won! Its a good deal go out and I strongly suggest you put this on your list.

Favorite Features

- The I-4 with 174 hp is very nice. it has decent power and is very efficent. - Safety Equipment is very good. - Backseat is very nice and big. - I love the Style very modern! - The Brown is nice against all the chrome!

Suggested Improvements

- Not as sporty as my VW Eos - 2.7 V6 is outdated and is like a gas guzzling 4 cylinder!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Sweet Chariot

Written by: bargain hunter on 09/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Nabbed this Midnight Blue MT baby 10 days ago and am in love with it! Researched for months to narrow my search; thought I'd opt for a Honda Fit or a Scion XB as I wanted utility, cargo room and decent mileage. But when I realized this was the only car under $20k with standard stability control, traction control and disc brakes on all wheels I was sold. The 10 year warranty and $2k rebate were icing on the cake. Amazing what comes standard on this 'base' model! Almost bought the smaller Elantra but figured the Optima's extra HP and larger engine with only a 1 to 2 mpg penalty was well worth the minor price difference. Excellent gearing + short throw 5 speed = FUN RIDE!!!

Favorite Features

Excellent acceleration! Side mirror turn signals are over the top! Blown away by all the standard features on this 'base' model. Grateful for all the airbags, traction control, stability control & disc brakes on all wheels. Nice that split folding rear seat is also standard. Serius radio=nice touch.

Suggested Improvements

Seating ergonomics could be improved. Lumbar adjustment and adjustable thigh support would help. The cloth (microfiber?) upholstery allows for no sliding; readjusting your position requires effort. Guess I'll splurge for leather seats next time! Do the math-$1,000s less than Camry or Accord!

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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kia optima

Written by: rar on 09/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I never thought I would buy a kia product but I am glad I did. I hit a home run, when I purchased my Kia Optima. This vehicle is much better than the Accord or Camery. I have owned both other vehicles and there is no comparison. The warranty and safety is 3 times better. I only paid $13,9000 (new) and I jump on the deal. This has got to be the best deal I have ever made on a vehicle. Last I would say this vehicle is so under-rated.

Favorite Features

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Suggested Improvements

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5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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I love my new Kia

Written by: lweems on 09/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased my new Kia in August and even as a former Toyota Camry Driver, I absolutely love it! The price was right and I am constantly turning heads in my new black Kia. I feel like I have one up on the Camry and Honda drivers. The drive is nice, the car is roomy, great on mileage and highly rated for safety. This was the best purchase I could have made.

Favorite Features

The styling The mileage The handling

Suggested Improvements

The stereo system could be better

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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