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Used 2003 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
65 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Very Impressed

shorerider, 02/16/2004
2003 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I think this is a great car for anyone who was, like me, wanting to get into a Honda Accord. The handling is superb, it rides like a luxury car, but for a lot less. Plus, it comes with great creature features. It's defnintely a comporable car to the big boys!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love this car!

MSAGRO, 03/23/2004
2003 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I own a 2003 Kia Optima LX V6. I have had the car for 2 weeks and just love it! A helpful hint on the 2003 Optima owners: That grill! Ugh, looks like shark teeth in Finding Nemo. What I did was go to a Kia dealership and get a 2004 grill. It's the same fit as the 2003, just 6 screws later and you have a car that is radically changed. The part was only $87 and made it look like a newer car. I highly recommend it.

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5 out of 5 stars

great car-and i have owned alot

niklminus4, 04/17/2004
2003 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i have owned a subaru outback 1999- 2001,than, nissan ultima,than mazda tribute.i travel alot,live in the mountains-need a good all around,dependable vehicle.the kia is the best.gas mileage great.rides smooth-i have the 4 cylinder,5 speed.rides like a champ.

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5 out of 5 stars

This Kia Will Turn Heads!

optimumclass, 03/08/2003
2003 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the Optima two months ago, and absolutely love it! Previously I owned a Mercedes-Benz 300SD, and the Optima turns just as many heads, and is very fun to drive!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The more I know it the better I like it

Richard Gross, 12/18/2004
2003 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The more I drive this car the better I like it. Peppy, handles great, and the Selectronic shifter is great in the mountains. Good gas milage, good looks, and nice interior (leather package). Will it be reliable in the long haul? Only time will tell, but with the great warranty I am not worried.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

bought for too much...but love it

SoberStarlet, 03/23/2005
2003 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Although I fell hook line and sinker for a full priced 2003 Kia Optima (just weeks before it would become "last years model"), I am truly loving it. Classy, and fun to drive (with optional sport shifter) I couldn't have picked a better car to be my first "new car" to buy. Next time though...I think I will bring my father to the dealership with me, so that I get a fair price. :) I recommend this car to anyone...it's a great car to hand down to your kids (which is what we plan to do) and know that they are safe.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Good car, could be improved

Bob A, 05/27/2006
2003 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I didn't like the horn, the mushy suspension, the fuel economy, and it could have had more power. V-6 is average and the 4 cylinder is inadequate. I also think it tries to be good at being both a luxurious car, and a sporty car, and ends up not being good at either. Buyers should get a choice which car they want. Dealer support is horrible. I took my car back at 12k, with a squealing belt and got a song and dance about the belt being a "wear & tear" part. I thought at 12k, there shouldn't be any wear, and bumper to bumper should include the belts. For a $10 belt, that dealer lost a customer.

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4 out of 5 stars

Efficient, Zippy with a few Quirks

Cathy, 10/27/2007
2003 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall a great car. Fuel efficient, outstanding pickup, comfortable, love the Speedtronic shift to manual on steep roads, nice sound system. Downside: paint around exterior mirrors vanished after 3 years, had to get them repainted. There are also a few electrical quirks. Radio sometimes goes on/off over bumps, The radio antenna wouldn't retract when shutting off car, instead it would go up/down in a confused fashion until I started the car and turned off radio first. Mysteriously resolved itself. Had problem with passenger interior door lock misaligning and trapping passenger inside-got it fixed 3 times, but was warranteed No mechanical problems in 4 yrs, just new battery & tires.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Worth It!

Babs, 04/09/2003
2003 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great car! I have put over 5000 miles in less than 3 months and not one problem. I switched from a Maxima with all the options and this is just a good if not better with the warranty! I got the sunroof and leather and infinity stereo. You have to get that, better than the Bose in the Maxima. Pearl color is just like the lexus pearl! Nobody ever guesses this is a KIA! You can't beat the warranty! I bought the 4 cyl., worth it with gas today!

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5 out of 5 stars

why pay more

Bob Hoskins, 01/18/2003
2003 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

why pay the outragious prices of new forign luxury cars? when you can spend less and own more. and have a much longer warranty.make sence, did to me thats why i also bought the optima se. it is the best deal i ever received.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2002 Kia Optima Excels

S. White, 05/26/2003
2003 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Although I have not had this 2002 Kia Optima LX-V6 very long, it has impressed me with its quality build, comfort and performance. I highly recommend the V6 engine over the 4 cylinder. Much smoother and better performance with the automatic. The car is roomy and I am a large man who is over 6 feet tall.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my Kia

harris, 05/27/2003
2003 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Wonderfull Car, would buy again, great dealer, great price, KIAS are great

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4.25 out of 5 stars

What a Suprise!!

l24k2g, 06/02/2003
2003 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I went to KIA just to take a look Because I travel 25000 miles a year and I needed a car with warrenty. I was supprised the engine is spunky for a small engine, the interior is practical and the Price is right not to mention the warrenty. I love my KIA! Only time will tell how much..

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5 out of 5 stars

good looks great value

tony927, 05/22/2003
2003 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

as a previous lincoln and cadillac owner, I was amazed at the creature comforts and quality of ride.

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2 out of 5 stars

Worst car ever

Juan Arocho, 06/19/2017
2003 Kia Optima SE V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this car a year ago from a dealership, worst car I have ever had. The frame, control arm, and axles was rotted until it was very thin. I put over 500 dollars of engine, tranny, and tires. I would recommend it in the winter only and junk it.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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