Used 2001 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
Used Optima for sale
Not bad for a 14 year old Korean Sedan
Gary Merchant, 09/01/2015
updated 09/03/2016
2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Purchased a Kia Optima LX 4 cylinder/automatic sedan for my son in college. He drives it... I pay for things. At 156,000 miles the car runs great. Starts quickly regardless of temperature, A/C still blows cold and all power features still work including windows. The only thing I've had to do is put brakes on it and one motor mount. When a motor mount breaks, you'll definitely know it!!! Sitting outside year round in the Midwest including snow and salt on the roads, the car has zero rust on it. Paint has chipped off around the door handles, but the clear coat remains. Could be because the car is washed weekly, but the car is surprisingly comfortable, particularly for something so old. The car features side impact airbags and that is rare in all but high end luxury cars of that vintage. I suspect a lot of people carping about their Optima's bought them used and are the kinds of people who don't believe in maintenance. Change the oil and fluids at the recommended intervals and you should have good results. If you buy ANY car with the notion that it's a throwaway vehicle, then expect to do just that... throw it away. UPDATE: As of September 2016, the Optima is still performing fine.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
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Kia CAN be reliable
Iowa, 07/24/2006
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I love my 2001 Optima. I've had it for only a month, and it has 95,000 miles on it. It drives like a Buick, though, and is as reliable as a Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai. I had to have a new timing belt put in it ($500), but that was just a maintenance thing since it looks as though the previous owner had never done it. It's so much fun to drive, though, and all of my neighbors, friends, and family salivate over it saying it looks brand new. I couldn't find a better deal for $5,000 with all the options!
Never Ever again
Upsidedown, 03/22/2004
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The car is roomy, great gas mileage with the five speed, and the base 4 cyl is not bad at all. However I have had nothing but problems with this car. Everything from the center console falling apart to the infamous power window problems. Premature clutch failure, electrical dash problems, engine problems and on and on. Yes there is a bumper to bumper warranty, but it does not pay for car rental if you have to leave the vehicle in the shop (which you certainly will). When you factor in the horrendous resale and/or trade-in value I would say that this is one of the worst automobile purchases you could ever make
2001 Kia
Megan, 04/08/2006
2001 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Kia Optima is one of the worst cars that I have ever had. The dealership failed to inform me that if the car transfers owners then the warranty will only be good for 50,000 miles. My car was at 55,000 miles when my timing belt went out on it and blew the whole motor.
Better choices await...
kcvelo, 01/12/2011
2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bottom line: This is a very cheap, no frills car. If you are looking for something that will get you around and no more...this is the car for you. If you are looking for a car that holds it's resale value...this is NOT it. Currently worth more as a tax credit on donation -or- totaled than trade-in value. I bought this car in 2003 and have put approximately 45,000 miles on it, mostly highway. At 75,000 total miles it looks and drives like it has 150,000 miles.
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.
What a Disappointment
Angela, 06/21/2005
2001 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
At only 62000 miles this car already needed a new timing belt and transmission. Also had to have the auto window repaired. Way too much work needed on a car of this year and mileage. Kia Customer Support very rude.
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.
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.