Used 2003 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Optima for sale
5...
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
2003 KIA Optima - a throw away car?
Rupert W. Quaintance, IV, 07/05/2023
2003 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 2003 KIA Optima LX is the flip-phone of cars. This car wasn't supposed to last 7 years, and "Katie" is 20 now. I am trying to restore the car fully. She starts every time. The car loves summer nights and open highway. I've never had a major problem. It's the opposite of a lemon. Oh, and she has this early tiptronic transmission that makes the car way too fun to drive. That's probably why there aren't many left on the road. People loved driving them and they probably loved them a little too hard. The car doesn't complain if I'm not wearing my seatbelt. There is no annoying display illuminating the inside constantly. It doesn't correct my driving for me. There is no backup camera. There are no excessively complicated systems to deal with. This car is from a strange era of optimism and uncertainty about the future of automobiling. This Optima, along with the models before it served as prototypes for what now looks like some kind of Batmobile... Something called a K5, it says. A K5 looks fun, but it sure looks different. The 2003 blends all the functionality of a modern car, with the simplicity of sedans from earlier decades. The people who designed this car did their absolute best to make it affordable and user friendly, and most of all fun. After 20 years, she has a little oil problem that the mechanic says isn't a big deal. We'll see. Katie needs minor body work and some help with the exhaust. Maybe a tune-up, brake pad change, and a spruce up inside. There's an issue with the thermostat, but we can swap that out. I don't care that this car makes me look like a total scrub. Katie doesn't deserve to end up in the dustbin of history. Very few cars from this era are going to be saved. I want this car to be a forrest green, unicorn of a ride 30 years from now. It will be. If I can get my proverbial poop together. No scratch-offs or lotto tickets for me. But, if I did win big, I would just fix Katie. She's such a good ride. -Rupert Wilson Quaintance IV [contact info removed]
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
NICE CAR
KEITH C., 06/23/2003
2003 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd KIA. First was a 2000 Sephia. The dependabily was the reason why I went back for another. I had 138,000 on my 2 1/2 year old Sephia. I liked the style of the Optima 2003. So far I enjoy driving it. I have had a simple problem which the dealer will correct. I am hopeing to get the same reliable transportation with this car. If so, I will buy another KIA in 3 years.
Good Car
monmoses, 02/14/2006
2003 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car has been a reliable car. At 60k, please remember to have your timing belt replaced as I didn't and could have had major expenses, but fortunately no bent valves. Battery out at 65k miles. New tires at 55k miles. That's it and now at 83,000 miles. The power locks on the doors stink big time and the drive window sticks.. Trunk auto popup is gone.
After 1st Three tanks full...
Willa Jabir, 01/10/2003
2003 Kia Optima SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
There is no "Get up and go" here, but for what you pay it is worth it. I've gotten 26-29 mpg. I normally get more than the ratings, but not here. Handling is good. The engine is a bit noisy, but not that bad. The sportmatic transmission is nice for control. A family car for easy driving. All controls are in good locations except the cruise control on/off switch. It is located by the left knee...go figure. The cruise has to be turned on each time the vechile is used again. Each time you turn it on, it is a one time deal. All other controls are in good layout.
The service is the problem not the car
Leann, 08/26/2003
2003 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have made 4 visits to kia service centers and for a simple problem with the belt squeeling. I supose today it will be fixed after the car had to be towed.
5...