Used 2001 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
Used Optima for sale
Z's KIA
zabas, 08/07/2002
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have about 13000 miles on the car. had a slight shimmy at 65 mph, but the dealer had the wheels balanced and that solved the problem. Otherwise I haven't haad a problem. The wife loves to drive the car and is very happy with it.
Optima = Affordable Luxury
clintondee, 06/17/2004
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Our 2004 Optima Ex 4 cylinder model is an absolute rare find. For less than $14,000 we have a loaded stylish and well made car for our family. After loading in the kids there is still plent of room for me and the wife to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride. The engine and tranny are responsive and smooth and the suspension is great for highway travel as well as handling City bumps. With the long 10 year powertrain warranty and side impact airbags my family will be safe for many years in our Kia. Its also important to compare this car to others in the price range. Before you buy a smaller car for more money make sure you test drive a Kia Optima.
Kia is a deathtrap.
Rebecca McCoy, 06/13/2004
2001 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned my optima for 1 1/2 years and ultimately hate it. I am trying to get kia to take it back as a lemon, but of course they don't want to. there have been 5 recalls to date on this model, and one of those recalls almost caused the loss of life to myself and my 5 year old son on the freeway, as the vehicle failed to operated(ie:the crankshaft positioning sensor recall). i am currently experiencing the second failure of this particular recall. I would have been better off to spend the extra money to buy a honda or toyota. Even though this car has the warrenty, you will use it often. If you love your family, buy a different car.
Trade offs
DJS, 09/09/2004
2001 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
For the most part I am satisfied with my Optima. I love the acceleration and the smooth ride, but just wish it was built to last. From the moment I got it, I had an issue with the paint peeling off one of my door handles, serious paint chip issue with the side view mirrors,and then some fun with power door locks opting not to wrk. All said you cant beat the price, but you do get what you pay for. I have satisfied for the most part, but if I knew then what I know now, I might have thought longer and harder about my purchase.
Nice car for the Money
markus, 07/17/2002
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We were skeptical about buying a Korean made car, but we have been pleasantly surprised. The car seems well built and solid. It is very comfortable and fun to drive. It has all the features of the more expensive Toyotas and Hondas. You cant beat the warranty and the road side assistance. It takes the risk out of buying a Korean car. I think the Optimas are going to hold up very well and put KIA on the map. You know KIA has to build good cars if they are going to be competitive in the U.S. We are very happy with our Optima.
Squeeky brakes
C Johnson, 11/12/2002
2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a used 2001 optima about 6 months ago. The brakes won't stop squeeking, even after new brake pads. The seats are not very comfortable. The starter feels like it is going out. The door lock keeps jamming. Poor gas mileage. Stiff suspension.
horrid, horrid, horrid car
cleo, 05/11/2010
2001 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
nothing but problems from the get go, quite expensive, 3rd set of brakes, alternator, batteries, electrical problems, expensive replacement parts, never ever ever ever ever buy a kia, only car i ever had that came close was a renault
Minor incov. make BIG PROBLEMS
pJ, 02/23/2003
2001 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had to take in my car several times for electrical issues, moldings etc. Also received letter from Kia a year later stating the vehicle did not have a 70 hp engine as intially advertised when the vehicle was bought. The letter stated it had a 65 hp engine. Has depreciated and can not compare to similar models in its class do to HP and other factors. Engine ok...slow on start for V6. Will not buy again.
NEVER AGAIN
Julie, 08/21/2008
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
OK, It looks good, HOWEVER, I have only had this car since 86,000 miles (Now 102,000) and have replaced the alternator twice, all four power windows, have had fuel problems, and check engine light comes on and off sporadically. I hate this car and will never buy a Kia again.
nastar3's review.
nastar3, 07/17/2003
2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had in the shop for two defects in two years. Other than that it has been a dream.