2005 Kia Optima Review
Price Estimate: $864 - $1,435





+38
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low price, pleasant highway ride, refined V6, lots of storage space, excellent warranty.
Cons
- Noisy four-cylinder engine, tepid handling, some cheap interior bits, tight rear legroom, ABS isn't available on four-cylinder models.
What’s new
For 2005, the Optima wears clear turn signal lenses up front, the sunroof on the EX gains a one-touch opening feature and the optional leather seats get new stitching.
Edmunds says
The Optima trails its Japanese competitors when it comes to performance and interior accommodations, but remains a decent buy for those seeking a stylish, well-equipped family sedan for less than $20,000.
For sale nearby
1 listings
- $4,650
- 82,695 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 18 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- Downtown Raleigh Auto Sales (1,063 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Raleigh, NC
2005 KIA Optima EX, Carfax 1 Owner, sunroof, infinity sound, automatic transmission, cruise control, power windows, power locks. Downtown Raleigh auto...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNAGD128355431063
Stock: 431063
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-26-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$150/mo for Optima LX
Optima LX
vs
$144/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Kia Optima Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
piece of &%$#......
2.63 out of 5 starsjoel29m, 10/19/2011
2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
ive been getting work done on this car since the first year we had it! problems: 2 batteries, timing belt, condenser, lights, 3 thermostats, motor mounts, valve cover gasket leaks, oem car stereo, air bag, tension pully, and rear seatbelt. bought it in 2005, and getting rid of asap!!! got into it with the dealer about the warranty, and it only has 89,000 miles and had more ##@# done to … it than my 91 corolla by 80%!!!!
THE SMILING COBRA
2.88 out of 5 starsalantalbot, 02/19/2012
2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought it used from Enterprise Cars in Jan 2007, it had 40K miles on it then.
Had it for almost exactly 5 years. In that span of time, nothing really ever went wrong with it.
It drove great. I did all the required maintenance on it.
Timing belt was done at 75K. After about 4 years, gas mileage started to decline.
Took it in for fuel system cleaning and a few other things.
Suddenly, … with no warning, there was an engine malfunction.
It wasn't even overheating or making noise, but it was permanently damaged. I said goodbye to it was it was taken away to the junkyard, got 600 bucks for it.
I was told by others that altho Kia is kinda cheaply made, that they'll run forever. What a lie.
Worth the money !
4 out of 5 starsKristen, 02/15/2016
2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Car got to 210,000 miles and the timing chain broke . No complaints at all, never had any other problems at ! Headlights needs replacing quick but that's my only complaint & that's a cheap fix . I'm gonna miss mine dearly !
After Head On Crash -- bought 2nd Optima!
4.25 out of 5 starsRachel, 10/18/2005
2005 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my first Kia Optima early 2004 & was in a severe head on collision December of the same year. The other party was going about 60-65mph while I was at a complete stop. I sustained severe injuries to my ankle, & my car was totaled from the impact. I felt so confident w/the outcome of the collision, that I immediately went back to the dealership to negotiate my SECOND Kia Optima. … The car rides smooth, & I get compliments on the "look" of the car with people asking me all the time..."What type of car is that?" When I tell them it's a Kia, they look amazed. When I tell them my story--jaws drop! I WOULD recommend the OPTIMA to anyone looking for a classy, sharp car at reasonable cost!
2005 Optima Highlights
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,195 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $150/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
Key safety features on the Optima include:
- Alarm
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 RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- 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 RestraintPoor
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