2003 Kia Optima Review
2003 Kia Optima Review





+80
Used Optima for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent warranty, pleasant highway ride, lots of bang for your family sedan buck.
Cons
- Noisy four-cylinder engine, some cheap interior bits, ABS isn't available on four-cylinder models.
What’s new
The Optima gets several revisions for its third year on the market. Most obvious is its new front-end styling, which replaces the Optima's reserved countenance with a more upscale European look -- double light clusters call to mind the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Other changes include new wheel designs, and inside, a new center stack, new door panels and fresh seat fabric. A manual transmission will no longer be available on the four-cylinder SE model; all automatic four-cylinder models will offer Sportmatic manual-shift capability. The LX model now comes with cruise control and a CD player (at the expense of the cassette deck). The SE will include automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink and Infinity speakers; a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel is now part of the Leather Package. Lastly, engine horsepower ratings have been lowered following parent-company Hyundai's announcement that it had misstated outputs (the Optima is a corporate twin of the Sonata), but the engines themselves are unchanged.
Edmunds says
The Optima may trail Japanese competitors when it comes to overall polish, but those seeking a well-equipped sedan will find this Kia appealing.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$168/mo for Optima LX
Optima LX
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Kia Optima.
5 star(64%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
65 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Life saver
tpp16, 10/16/2010
2003 Kia Optima 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.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great Used 2003 Optima
Ace Shot, 05/08/2009
2003 Kia Optima 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.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great car - couple small issues
lowlow, 07/28/2010
2003 Kia Optima 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.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great Ride
bozpop, 05/30/2009
2003 Kia Optima 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.
2003 Optima Highlights
LX
Base MSRP | $15,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $168/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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