Used 2002 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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The Car that will surprise you
Just a note to those thinking of buying this car. I owned my KIA Optima for 4 years. I recently was rear ended by a full size truck traveling 40+ miles per hour, totaling my KIA. I was amazed at how it reacted. The rear completely crumpled leaving the passenger compartment intact. Even the police officer was shocked at how well it handled and that I was able to walk away. This car has been the safest, lowest cost of ownership, and most fun sedan I have owned. I never had any problems with my car, I put on 96,000 miles on it, and tearfully will have to say goodbye to it. I recommend this car to anyone looking. I am going to purchase the new KIA Optima this week. Enjoy!
Dangerous car
As soon as I bought this car I started having electrical problems with the car. I would lose all lights, steering, brakes, and air bags for the vehicle. Kia was no help in finding the problem with my vehicle and I totaled the car in July 2005. The only good thing that saved my life was the seat belt installed in the car. There was a burning smell that came from the car and the dealership had a hard time duplicating the problem. They changed many items on my car but they were not sure they had fixed the problem and in some cases were scared to drive the vehicle themselves. Please report your car to the NHTSA if you have this problem so it can be fixed
NO regrets
I bought this car used in '03. It had 27,000 miles on it and was a rental. Before the Kia I had a Mitsubishi Galant. I traded in @ 120,000 miles and 2 transmissions. The KIA is a very well made car, seats are very comfortable, very solid feeling for a mid-size and economical car. Have had no major issues and have 143,000 miles on it now. Even though I did not get the 100,000 mi warranty because I bought it used, no regrets. Would buy another. Think they are well made and a great value. Wish it had a sunroof though!
Great Car
The Optima is a great car! I've had only minors problems (driver's side window does not open) but overall this car is very durable. Its V6 is powerful on the highway and can get you past other vehicles pretty quickly. It has a sporty feel to it and the steering is precise. The cabin is very spacious, making it comfortable on long road trips. Overall, you can't go wrong with this vehicle. The Kia Optima is a very solid car!
Awesome car
had this car for over a year now, love the milage can go forever it seems with the gas light on. the only major problems i've had is the car lurches when i'm breaking sometimes and a sensor went out, had the sensor fixed but haven't had the breaks checked yet. plenty of room in front and back, i'm 6'3 so that says something. don't care for the stock radio, doesn't bring in AM channels well, could get Milwaukee stations in, in MI with my Focus, can't with the Kia
2002 Optima
The car was very reasonably priced. I have had problems with the keyless entry. It was eventually repaired. It took the dealer 3 tries to fix it ... the manual provided by KIA was in error and referenced the wrong part number. The dealer was good and provided a loaner while they figured out the problem. I had attempted to replace a front turn signal ... it is not something easily done by a consumer. The transmission has always slipped ... it has been brought in on multiple occasions and they flash the onboard computer. The problem has never been completely resolved.
Awesome!
My aunt purchased this car new, and i have always wanted it. I got it and love it. My car has 154,000 miles on it with many more to come. NEVER has left me stranded, the only thing ever replaced is 02 Sensor which is normal to go out after 100,000 on any make or model car.
It gets the job done
I bought this car in 2008 from a private party. It had 120,000 miles on it. I have put about 60,000 miles on it in 2 and a half years. In that time, I have had to replace the power steering pressure hose (upper) and power steering return hose (lower). I have had to replace the starter. I am not complaining as the car has over 180,000 miles on it now. It is still solid. The engine does not smoke. The AC still blows cold air. The biggest problem I forsee is that the transmission shifts erratically. It seems to slip a little in between gears. I am a backyard mechanic. If you work on your own KIA, go to kiatechinfo_dot_com, put in your car VIN and you can view repair manuals online.
Watch the Warranty
My wife and I bought 2 new Kias after hearing about the great warranty. Our 2002 Optima now in the shop while we gather up the $1800 needed to repair clutch and flywheel for a warranted car! I know flywheel's are covered. As for the clutch, it's a wearable item, but who ever heard of a clutch burning out after 30K miles? With the worst driver, 30K miles for a clutch is totally unacceptable. Said burned clutch caused the failure of other parts (pressure plate, flywheel) No way I could have foreseen the clutch going in 2 years. Other things: door moulding fell off. Check engine light on and off, driver side window fixed twice. Tires are already wearing.
Kia Optima 2002 second car
Very reliable and dependable car. Great warranty, and most bang for the buck. Would highly recommend purchasing.
What a deal!
I got a GREAT deal on a new loaded 2002. Couldn't beat the price, the warrranty, and the dealer is like a small hometown dealer(everyone there remembers your name over a month later). The small problem(lot damage to the bumper paint) was taken care of pronto. My daughter is buying one at the end of the month. I did alot of checking before I decided and I've only found one person who was really unhappy with his KIA and he admits there is such a thing as a LEMON. Time will tell...........
SAFE CAR!
I can't speak much of my Kia Optima, I only owned it for less than a month. I will however be more likely to buy another though. I was involved in a severe front end collision. A large pick-up truck ran a stop sign on a country road giving me no time to even brake. I escaped the accident with only severe whiplash and back problems. The doctors said that it could have been so much worse. This is one safe car and I would recommend it to anyone. The whole front end of the car was gone and the roof buckled under the impact, however no part of the interior was altered or harmed me.
Outstanding car for the money
Bought this as a leftover 2002 model and have been absolutely delighted with the purchase. The car is comfortable, quiet, tight and just plain impressive for the money. This is the 3rd Kia I've owned and I'm still very pleased with value for the money.
BEST LUXURY CAR FOR THE MONEY!
I bought my Optima used,with 20000 on it, fully loaded for 13 grand plus tax. considered buying new, but the resale value isnt there.YET!The cars leather interior is rich.This car has plenty of goodies.Rides and looks like a 30+ grand car.It is quiet and comfy.Rides smooth but if you like power and refinement go with the v6 it's worth the extra grand.I never thought I would ever own a Kia. Never say never.I really enjoy driving this car.GO Kia!
I am so in love with this car!
I have never been happier with a car in my life. It rides beautifully and meets my every demand. Before checking out the Optima I had originally resigned myself to a lesser model of a car (different make) with fewer options at this price. On a whim I decided to test drive it and knew right then it was the car I had to have. It's much more car than I ever expected to own and the price is unbelievable for what you get. Can't beat that warranty! I recommend this car to everyone who will listen!
You got to buy this car
The best overall value you can find.
T.G.'s KIA
I was looking for an affordable, reliable car that was larger than my Corolla and a bit more stylish,too. I found it in this Kia Optima. The only problem I've had in over 2 years was a broken driver's door latch. This was covered under Kia's warranty and fixed for free. No other complaints. Would definitely buy another Kia.
Great Sedan
The Kia Optima is a well built sedan. Economical and fun to drive. The model I drive is an SEV6. I did not get the optional ABS but the car handles braking very well and handles very well overall.
'02 Kia Optima
Overall, I really like this car. It has good power and handles well. Comfort and design are good. I only wish the gas mileage was better, but I guess that is the price you pay for the power. Big trunk. Changing headlight bulbs is a pain, and my power mirrors went out.
I'll get another
I was recently in a car accident with my 7 month old car. The car held up very well, the air bags responded and the dash did not shift in or under. The car has not been rated as far as I know for front/side test ratings, but I would give it 5 stars. I was fortunate enough to live through it.
seeking college students
At first when my uncle pointed out the car to me I was like ugh Kia? Not good cars. One thing that I love about this car is the warranty. 100,000 mile warranty! If you are a college student or on the run with a medium price range choose the Kia Optima. I have had no major problems and all Kia asks me when I have minor problems is the mileage. I work with service writers at different car lots and it just doesn't move that simply. Car could be a little less shakier at 90 m.p.h. (if you go that fast)I give Kia Optima a A-.
Better than any car in it's class
My Optima is just awesome. My wife and I love it. It has great power(actually it will fly). Blows away the Accord cost less than a loaded Civic. You have to give this car a chance if your in the market for a great car for a great price. Rides like a cadilac. Kia did a good jod on the styling also. I would definatly buy another one of these cars. Watch out Honda & Toyota!! Kia is on it's way
Good for the money
I traded it from a 6 month old Spectra. The Optima is twice the car. The SE also brings many comfortible features. The 2.4 is addiquatly acceptable (for 138 horses). Stopping is pretty good as well.
My review
Coming from a 1990 Ford Ranger, the Optima is definitely a step up. The mileage is very good for the long trips that I have to take.
A Great Car
This car was bought just yesterday. I think that it is a wonderful car. I do not care about what Kia/Hyundai's past reliability were. I just know that this is a great car.
2002 Kia
Spoiler as trade for dealer miles, dealer recommended a good detail shop to tint the windows making the car look exceptionally sharp. I just spent a year in Korea where they use these cars as taxis (they drive the heck out of them) and every one I rode in was just as smooth as mine (engine, too). Only problem I have had was the bushing in the steering column where it transfers through the floorpan dried out causing the steering to groan as if low on power steering fluid. One trip to dealer identified and fixed problem by lubricating the joint. Overall excellent buy for the money and compared to other autos in same class.
You get what you pay for
I have had this car for one year with no problems yet. It is very responsive on the highway and in the city. I love the sport shift. A very comfortable and quiet car. The only problem I see with it is the resell value. The darn thing has virtually no resale value. Only time will tell on reliability. After one year and 45000 miles it is a pleasure to own.
So Far So Good!
Hey guys, I've had my Kia Optima for 1 yr and 2mths now. So far so good. I'm actually a few thousand miles over my next maint visit which I shoul schedule. I'm a Network Engineer and sometimes I'm required to drive great distances daily to reslove problems. But so far in my opinion it was a great buy. The only draw back is power but I purchased a 4 cyl so what can I expect. but it's held up great for me so far. In short other cars are faster but where's their warranty? What good is a fast car if it only last a couple of years. I'll keep my Optima and the 10 yr warranty. Best of Luck.
Awesome Car
I just recently traded in my 2000 Kia Sportage and I was not too happy with it and wasnt sure if I was going to go back to a Kia or try for something else. I test drove the hyndi elantra and there were just too many options on the Optmia I coudnt pass it up. I am so glad I gave Kia another chance. My girlfriend and I love it. Best family car for the money out there. I could not believe I got that much car for peanuts. I would advise anyone to purchase one.
Excellent value
Bought as a second car for wife, excellent value for money, Toyota reliability, only issues to be critical are certain interior material are level with price point. Others -- fit, finish, durability etc. are far above expected results. Definitely a contender for a repeat purchase. Great car!
02 OPTIMA LX
I BOUGHT A FORMER RENTAL OPTIMA FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP.SINCE DECEMBER OF 03 TO PRESENT I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE KIA IN 5 TIMES FOR SMALL STUFF. WINDOW REGULATOR,KNOCK SENSOR,RECALL ON EMMISSIONS,SPEAKERS NOT WORKING,AND A DOOR LOCK SWITCH. OTHER THAN THAT THE CAR IS VERY NICE TO DRIVE,COMFORTABLE.
pay less, get less
I have owned this car for 3 years now, and cant wait for the moment I can get out of it! I spend about $1k in repairs a year on this car, and I'm not talking about routine maintenance. Speaking of that, it doesn't like to go more than 3k miles without an oil change. It needs to be babied. Its a comfortable car and a Nice look, but unreliable. Interior components falling apart/peeling/breaking. Wears tires out like no ones business, but thats due to the factory recall of a rusting sub frame! Hard to find someone that knows how to work on it too... Parts are never available and needs to be ordered. All in all, if you want a cheap car, go Hyundai, my brothers car has lasted way longer than mine
my optima
I absolutely love my car. It is by far the favorite of all the vehicles I have owned. I would buy another if I were in need of a car. I have an optima, my sister has a spectra, mt other sis has a optima, and my best friend has a rio. I recommended them all to the kia dealer. We are all extremely satisfied with our cars.
Not going back to Hondas
Awesome, awesome, awesome! Can't be any happier. Everything is perfect.
I love my Kia
As a horse owner, this car has hauled 300 lbs. of feed in the trunk and performed beautifully down our dirt road. I have had only a few minor porblems which the dealer repaired under warranty very graciously. This is a hot little car; fun to drive and still haul the great-grand baby safely with the child lock doors. I am amazed at how fast and responsive the car is.
What a car
I have had the Optima for almost a month and am daily impressed by it. The styling and sticker first caught my eye. The ride and performance keep me impressed. Even the 4-cyl LX has plenty of power and it rides like a luxury car. The CD stereo has great sound. The interior is spacious. And there are an endless list of features. I cannot believe I got this much car for so little.
We love it
Bought new. Been to the dealer twice for warranty work, once for power window motors and once on emission recall. It's a 10 in our book. Only down side is that it does not hold its resale value well. But other than that is one sweet ride.
Great Car
I bought the base Optima just as a cheap commuting car. After $4,000 for a trade in that was worth $400, I bought a 5 speed LX for $12,500 and monthly payments of about $200. Not bad for a brand new car with a great warranty. However, since I bought it in Oct. 2002, I've been in two accidents. One was a hit and run and the other involved a guy slamming into me from behind and pushing me into another car. The Optima held up surprisingly well. The guy who hit me's Intrepid was undrivable while the only damage to my car was a dent in the back bumper! It has also been a pleasure to drive - when it's not in the body shop!
How could I say no?
I wanted something comfortable, reliable, and inexpensive to own. With a $17k budget my options were several off-lease vehicles that I admire (audis, bmws, etc) but they all had 50k + miles on the odometer. Sure, they'll go another 100k - but not cheaply. In the new car segment there were lots of 4-cyl compacts with sparse interiors. The Optima SE V6 came loaded with every option. Combine the demo discount plus the rebate and it came into my price range. Amazing! Sure, it's not one of those German beauties that I drool for, but sometimes reality intervenes. V6 power, comfort, and should anything go wrong - an unmatchable warrantee, plus free road-side assistance.
Steering Issues
I have had my Optima for juts over 6 months now. In those few months, I have loved my car. It drives great, and I have no complaints for the price. The only problem I have is that I have had it in the shop twice in 6 mos. for a bad steering component on the right front wheel. The dealership keeps insisting that it's not a flaw in the vehicle, but the body shop seems to think otherwise. Customer Service doesn't seem to be high on their priority list.
great car
Have had this car for almost 2 years and only put new front brake pads on. Fun to drive, fast and great mileage. I am so happy I did not buy a Camry or Accord for almost double the price. This car is solid and does not feel like it will blow off the road like the Camry and Accord.
nick's view
My wife has me drive everywhere we go. Even though it is her car! I am not able to take out on my own. We like to take drives around the area we live in, Northern California. With the v6, it gives me the power I need to pass all the vehicles going up hill with no problem. With the safety features, the way it handles --. it is what sold me on it. I have a son who is 10, and I want him safe.
OUTSTANDING VERY IMPRESSIVE
BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY FIANCE AND SHE ABSOLUTELY LOVES IT. I LOOKED @ ACCORDS, CIVICS, ALTIMAS, CAMRYS, AND A FEW OTHERS. HANDS DOWN THE OPTIMA WON IN EVERY ASPECT. IT COSTS THE SAME AS A 2-3 YEAR OLD HIGHER MILE VEHICLES, AND YOU DON'T GET THE GREAT WARRANTY KIA HAS. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND KIA TO ANYONE!!!
Too good to be true
I chose the Optima over about 20 other models I looked at. The value is incredible. I paid 20 percent less than a comparable Japanese car and 10% less than American. I liked the car when we bought it. I like it more after 10,000 miles - I can't say that about many cars I've bought. I am extremely impressed with this car. Other than it's sibling the Sonata, nothing else comes close.
Optima
The only problem we had with our Optima was a passenger side window that would get stuck if you closed the door with the window open. After the second trip to the dealership this problem was solved. We also had concerns with the was the transmission shifts. We were told that since the car was a demo, that the electronic transmission never had a chance to "learn" the drivers' preferences. I would like a little more pick-up but other than that the car has been a great buy. I wish we had waited one more year to buy though. The 2003 has the Infinity stereo, a garage door opener, and auto dim rear view mirror, all standard.
Honda Killer
This car cost less than a new Accord LX and has way more options. We are very happy with our choice to buy a KIA. The build quality is better than Honda and generally so is everything else. KIA, if it keeps it up will be the next Honda. Great pricing and tons of options on a solid car. In my opinion the car is under valued on todays market. But that should change. Just look at what people are saying about it. I would buy another Optima any day!
You get what you pay for
I have had this car for one year with no problems yet. It is very responsive on the highway and in the city. I love the sport shift. A very comfortable and quiet car. The only problem I see with it is the resell value. The darn thing has virtually no resale value. Only time will tell on reliability. After one year and 45000 miles it is a pleasure to own.
Terrific Car!!!
I wanted a large safe car for my girlfriend and after much research and many test drives we decided on the Optima. Let me tell you, the amount of car you get for your money is flat out unbelieveable! A loaded mid size car for the price of a stripped compact. It drives like a luxury sedan costing thousands more....quiet, smooth and it handles great. The 4 cyl 5 speed has plenty of power. Can you tell I really like this car? If Kia does'nt raise their prices I'll definetly be buying another one for myself next yr!
Great Car
I bought this car for the value and warrenty, I m impressed more each day. I drive about 45,000 miles a year and have almost 5,000 miles on the Kia. This has proven to be be a great buy.
you get what you paid for
yeah, the car is inexpensive. obviously much cheaper than a comparable camry or accord. but you get what you pay for. the engine is louder than the accord and camry. tranny is slow to respond in sportronic mode but okay in full automatic. seats are good enough for the price. the styling is good though. if you trust the koreans, why not?