2003 Kia Optima Review
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2003 Kia Optima appraisal values can range from $454 - $1,797.
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Edmunds' Expert Review
- Excellent warranty, pleasant highway ride, lots of bang for your family sedan buck.
- Noisy four-cylinder engine, some cheap interior bits, ABS isn't available on four-cylinder models.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Kia Optima.
Most helpful consumer reviews
tpp16,10/16/2010
SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
My Kia was my first car after turning 16. I liked he car a lot and it was very practical as a first car. The thing I will remember most is that this car saved my life. I totaled it through a light pole and into the trees at about 70 mph. I made out without a scratch because of the incredible safety of this car. I had heard that Kia's has low crash test ratings but this car proved them wrong by saving my life.
Ace Shot,05/08/2009
LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Bought this car with 26,000 miles and 11 months left on the factory 5 year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty! It had only minor issues (power window switch and power locks) and the dealer made the repairs for free, under warranty. Fun to drive it with its "sportmatic" transmission. I like putting it in manual shift mode from time to time to pass slower cars, or to perform better on hills. I used to think it was a gas guzzler, until I changed my driving habits: If I don't stomp on the gas in the city, and on the highway I speed up slowly and drive 80 mph or less, I get very good gas mileage. Performs very well and looks very nice. I got a lot of bang for my buck with this car.
lowlow,07/28/2010
SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I love my car. In the 7 years I have had it there has only been a few issues. The alternator went, but that was covered. Same with the switch for my power seat. My biggest issue is with the locks! Had it fixed when the car was 5 yrs old. covered. But now the same issue. When I go to open the door (passenger) all the doors will lock. Now the door will not open at all. The dealer want $360. Guess my passengers will have to crawl through the window for now. Over all I have spent $500 in 7 years other than brakes and tires. Still have the original battery even.
bozpop,05/30/2009
LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
At 190000 miles has been a great reliable car. Standard maintenance and very regular oil changes. Today will buy 4th set of tires. Get 25-26 MPG mainly freeway driving.