Used 2005 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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piece of &%$#......
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
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 !
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 !
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After Head On Crash -- bought 2nd Optima!
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!
12 Years and Still Going Strong
Bought this car in 2005 (12 years ago), primarily for my wife's use. Bought it on the basis of price and warranty with the idea that a manufacturer would not offer a 10yr./100,000 mile drive train warranty on a sub-standard product. Was not disappointed. Twelve years later and no engine or drive train problems. Since I rarely drive, or even ride, in this vehicle I can't say much about handling, comfort, etc. except that my wife hasn't complained. I do, however, deal with the maintenance and repair. We have not had any major repair issues in these 12 years. Just normal maintenance and repairs that are the result of normal wear and tear (tires, brakes, etc.) And after 11 Wisconsin winters the paint is still very good with the exception of two small spots of rust. But the vehicle's electrical system has been an annoyance in that I have had to replace numerous exterior lights (tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and headlights) much more frequently than on any other vehicle that I've ever owned. Also have had a problem with the power drivers seat. The dealership replaced the switch while warranty was still in effect. It again began to malfunction a few months ago. At that time the problem was corrected by cleaning the contacts on the switch. Other than the nuisance problems with the lights and power seat switch, this has been a very reliable, durable vehicle. A very good value.
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Excellent car!
Bought it in 2012, second hand, for $3000. Can't complain. A little low on MPG though... Very luxurious, but after 50k miles starts to have lots of issues.
Great solid car
I have owned this car for 4 yrs now. Bought it used with 20,000 miles on it, now has 130,000+. Only money I have spent on the car is oil changes and tires (still haven't tuned it up), oh yeah and like many others, lots of headlights. Just 3 weeks ago though my speedometer went out. No idea how much that is going to cost me to repair. I have taken the car on many across the country road trips with no problems. Love the car except the annoying headlight issue, what is up with that anyway?
AWSOME
I just recently bought this vehicle and it has been the most fun to drive being a valet by day i drive many high end vehicles and this is so much bang for the buck the V6 is powerful the ride is wonderful ive already put many miles on it and i plan to put alot more on it!!!
Kia Optima
This is without a doubt the best and easiest car I have ever driven. The ride is smooth, the car is easy to maneuver. We love everything about the car. The warranty was great, the dealership was kind and very informative.
I Really Like This Car!
I've had this car for about seven months now, and I'm surprised at how much I like it. It is comfortable, smooth, powerful enough, and incredibly easy to drive. I have owned and driven a good number of luxury cars, but right now, I'm more pleased with my Optima than any of them. We'll see how it goes over the long haul, but I'm still smilin' today! Definitely go with the EX V6 with leather.
Fun & Easy to Drive
I bought my Kia EX brand new in 2005. It's now 2014 and she's still running great & looks wonderful. The leather interior has done extremely well and there has only been one minor switch that was fixed ... other than that she's be completely problem free. Only trading her since we need a larger vehicle; otherwise, I'd keep her for another 9 years! Great purchase! We actually purchase another Optima in 2011 and it's doing great also. The larger vehicle will also be a Kia. Great cars.
Kia Optima ALi
I bought this car 3 years ago and i haven't had any problems. I haven't really been maintaining this car as should but it doesn't bother me at all. very reliable. this car is definitely undervalued. should compete with Honda or Camry.
Dependable Car
I purchased my 2005 Kia Optima from a friend in June 2007 and it had almost 30k miles on it. I was in school and couldn't afford to get the 30k scheduled tune-up (shame on me). I did get regular oil changes and tire rotations. Only once did the car need to go to the shop and the problem was an accelerator sensor that was covered by the warranty. I never broke down in this car during the three years/45k miles I put on it. I believe the gas mileage to be great and the car felt solid. I just recently traded it in with 72k miles on it and bought a 2009 Kia Optima with 12K. I purchased a second Kia because I was so impressed with the reliability.
Silver Bullet
Great car. Just got back from a trip to the coast; handled the road and curves great and averaged 29 miles per gallon. Not bad with all the hills and such. Really enjoy the ride and how quiet it is. Kia is going to give Honda & Toyota a run for their money. Keep it up.
Poor Choice
I purchased this car "used" with only 1,000+- miles on it. Within the third year of ownership and out of warranty I have put almost $2,000 into simply keeping it running. I also am forced to replace both headlights about every six weeks. Now I am told the A/C pump is bad and it's going to take another $400-$600 to repair. FORGET IT! Kia Customer Relations will not help, nor will any dealer. NEVER AGAIN will I buy a KIA! Buyer - beware, don't fall victim to a company that won't support it's own vehicle! This car is overrated. Oh yeah, my insurance is much higher because of the inadequate safety of the car, get that!
Under-estimated Jewel
I've bought 2005 Kia Optima EX V6 from a private person as a used car in August 28, 2010. It's in excellent condition with low mileage (only 53k miles). Frankly, I didn't expect any excellencies from it before driving, but I've been changed totally about Kia and Optima. It's a fantastic sedan I've ever driven. It's Powerful, comfort, quiet, fast, luxurious, roomy, sporty exterior design (better than latest model), etc. I'm really enjoying the driving of this jewel.
Great car for 5999.95
I have car Custom now with str royal blue and silver deep dish rims 1450.00 new paint job mist grey 1900.00 and 2000.00 watt Kentwood CD DVD player the car is lowered with a 2011 Subaru WRX STI turbo wing my car is as 2005 kia optima it's a blessings from the Lord I pay 5995.00 but car is worth 40000.00 now hard work pays off
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Front doors will not open
My Kia's doors started locking and unlocking by themselves while I was driving. I am currently unable to open either one of my front doors and have to climb over the back seat of my car. Research as shown that this is a commen defect of the car. Beware before buying becasue Kia will not fix this issue. It is a serious safety concern. And very costly. I wouldn't recommend buying this if you are looking for a safe car because sooner or later your doors are likely to lock up on you also.
2005 Kia Optima LX
I am 50 years old and this is my very first new car. Our baby chose a college 3 states away, and although our vehicles were fine for home, I was afraid to drive it over the mountains. I chose the Optima initially for the safety features. I love the way it handles mountain curves at high speed. Even with my heavy foot I average 24.8 miles to the gallon in town and an amazing 30 to 35 on those long hauls. Nothing is comfortable after 6.5 hours, but at least there is enough room to shift positions. The only thing I don't like is the way the car squats in a quick brake, but at least it stops! I love my car, and am going to help my daughter choose a Kia.
Best for the money
I love this car i used to own a avalon and i feel like i have stepped up! I love the v6 engine and the sportronic transmission. and most importantly i feel better because of the free 10 year warranty!
I love my Kia
Comfortable, smooth ride. Great deal for the price. Seats are soft and comfortable. Love the easy opening sunroof. I Love the fold down back seats. I love my Kia Optima. This car comes with free car mats!
The Perfect Car
Wonderful car. Nothing but reliable. The only thing that could be better would be gas mileage, but this car is wonderful. Very reliable. Gets good mileage on highway. Absolutely love it. Only real problem is the trunk is super heavy to open. Worse in winter. Sleek beautiful. This car has the exact same interior and exterior as Toyota Avalon and the competing Honda. I don't know why Kia isn't outselling Toyota. You will not regret buying this car.
Best in class
Very pleased with this car. Handles very well but not a sports car. comfortable and very quiet. Great warranty.
Not THAT Impressed...
Just bought my Kia Optima used not new. I'm used to a sports car so handling is very different, seems jerky to me. Much smoother ride (shocks/suspension) than my old Camaro, but doesn't handle corners/turns well. My first impression is "where is all my gas going?" Just appears to guzzle it. There is a hitch with initial start, kinda jerks when moving from a stand still. Interior is very nice, wood grain, stereo, seating etc. My 6'4" bros had plenty of leg room in back seat. I still have trouble finding the turn signal, seems too high on steering column. :) Overall it's a nice car, just a big transition for me coming from a sports car to a 4 door sedan.
Not Worth it
Told it was bought brand new '07, one previous owner for 1-2 yrs. & sat at Used dealership since. My mother bought '13 immediately w/o test driving for $1400; Fuses & electrical problems! RPMs didn't work, many lvls not shown (i.e. battery). lights point to ground, adjs don't help. not even 1-2 days, cuts out w/ oil leaks. had to change freeze plugs. 1-2 month later, overheats; payed $1500 to change thermostat, hoses, sensors, there was actually cracks in radiator & exploded coolant everywhere, cost another $1500. everything requires proprietary tools; can't take off door panel to put windows back on track. spark plugs only thing easy to change! Pass. door doesn't lock/unlock and open.
So far so good...
Ride is comfortable but handling seems a little soft (bumps & curves). Has lots of bells and whistles for the money which is nice. I recommend V6- even though its smallish, car accelerates and passes fine. Interior is nice but can see it's nothing spectacular. Leather is nicer than the cloth but again not the softest I've seen in a middie. Seems good for money though-time will tell. A guy at dealer was buying his second. Said he loved 'em. Cons: Annoying rattle in back right door; Need to get keyless reprog.; Entering and exiting can take practice-it sits a bit too low- especially the back seat. Hit my head first couple times and am 5'8. Cool & kind of noisy around sunroof with shade open.
Kia Optima
We own a 2002 Kia Optima, putting around 10000 miles per year on the vehicle. The ride is good to excellent. The MPG is 18.5 to 21 in the city and 28 to 31 on the highway. This is an excellent automobile for the money. The finish quality was/is excellent. One cannot beat the warranty!!. This 2002 Kia Optima is as good or better than any automobile we have owned and beats hands down the vehicles we have previously owned when it comes to the quality vs price issue. We will not hesitate to purchase another Kia when we need to update our transportation!!!.
Awesome car for the money
I also own a Kia Sorrento and between that SUV and this car I can't believe the comfort, quality and price you pay and I have owned a lot of vehicles and sold them too.
man are we peeps stupid
well let me start by saying i bought this car for my daughter.but 2 months ago my wife got a new car. infinity g 35. test drove mercedes c230 and slk 350, bmw m series. and we owned 2 hondas.This optima is best riding and value car on the market. it just blows me away how people can over look this car.just do a test drive any car the optima will be a better ride .
Excellent Value
We just recently purchased this car. We are pleased to receive so much value for a car priced under $20,000. I am a professional and my colleagues like this car every bit as much as their pricier models.
Our 2005 Kia Optima
My wife and I bought this car because of the 10 yr, 100,000 mile warranty. I really do like this car, it is fun to drive and I surprise a lot of people with the accelleration and power this car has. The only drawback to it so far has been the gas mileage, it only gets about 25 hwy and 20 city, but I still like the car. Kia could have a real jewel with this car if they install and overdrive gear, this car would get 30 to 35 mpg, easy.
Watch out if you have infants...
We bought this car when we had a one year old child, and now we have a two year old and another baby on the way. We are out of luck on using the nicer strollers though because the trunk is very short (as in height). We are unable to fit our single seater Graco stroller in it w/o scratching the top of the stroller handle, and almost all the tandem strollers are too big... We are just unsatisfied with the size of the trunk... Other than that, we don't have any major problems with this car.
best buy for your money
My 2003 Kia Optima 4 cyl has more power than you need, great on hills, 28 mpg hwy, 23 mpg city, car is very quiet, ride is great, great sound system, only bad feature is, must change timing belt at 60k mi. but this is recomended for many other cars to. Just drove car to Fl and back to Roanoke, Va. Service has been great, I would put thiis car up against any car in th USA. I will buy another used Kia. I wish that Kia would build a car that would tow a small travel trailer.
Great Car
So far no problems great car
True Review of the Kia Optima
First 3 years and nearly 60,000 miles the car was flawless. At 59,700 the check engine light came on needed spark plugs, wires, and sensor covered by warranty then all of a sudden the headlights started to blow-out every other month, the chk eng light came on with several major codes not covered by warranty, the exterior held up but the wheel covers peeled and wiper arms started to rust. Drivers door speaker started to make horrible noise. The belts would squeak in cold/damp weather at start-up
great car
this is a good car for the money. it sounds like a new car all the time.
Kia Optima
I never thought I would own a KIA. After looking at the Mazada 3, and 6, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry there was no comparison when you looked at what you got for your dollar. I am very satisfied with my dollar return, crash ratings and most importantly the warranty that was standard. Great car for the value. Look out Honda and Toyota.
Love MY KIA
I purchased my Kia on the 13th of June after i got a letter in the mail from a Kia dealer stating that they were looking for a used 2004 Kia Optimas with less than 40,000 miles on them.I had a 2004 LX 4cyl and thought i could UPGRADE!!!!
Great Car
Not one problem..no returns to dealer
Kia Optima
Pros: Dealership maintenance service is superior; no appointment needed, just roll in and the service rep is more than happy to assist. Fuel mileage good, but could be better for its size. No questions asked on warranty; 10 year/100K coverage areas. Kia, in general, is a very real vehicle seen on the ordinary used car lot! Excellent value package over Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Cons: Insurance rating is higher than a 1999 Durango because of side impact risks to the driver. An occasional transmission slip upon initial startup. Not attracting a large number of mature buyers; considered the beginner's car choice, not a family vehicle.
Love This Car
This is my first Kia, and it won't be my last! I just drove to Georgia, and I couldn't have asked for more from my Optima, I can't wait for my next trip. The gas mileage was awesome, and it handled beautifully.
I love my Kia!
I bought my car used with 84,000 miles on it, it's been a great car, currently we have to replace the blower resistor in the a/c but warranty is covering it. This car has plenty of power and handles very well.
Kia has got me!!
I just purchased a 2005 Kia Optima after trading in my 2004 Kia Optima. I love the V6 power because i had the 4 cylinder previously. This car has got damn near everything i want in a vehicle.
Glad We Got It...
So far, so good. The very first week, we took it on a round trip of 500 miles and it averaged right at 30 mpg. That should increase somewhat as the engine breaks in. We feel we got a good deal on the car. The warranty and extras are what sold me as compared to what the local Toyota dealer was willing to give us. With the price of gas continuing on an upward spiral, we're glad we got the 4-cylinder engine. It's got enough zip for us.
Solid Mid-Size family car
Our 2005 Kia Optmia is a pleasure to drive and a great car for the value. The more you drive it the more you like it. It's proving to be a car for our young family. It gives us a nice highway ride on long trips although the steering is alittle vague.
Great Car for The Money
I am very impressed with the quality of this car. Only have 6K miles on it but NO problems at all. This car has all the bells and whistles and compared to comparable cars, cannot be beat! After lots of research and driving the other brands, this car was hands down the best bang for the buck. Will definitely consider another Kia, especially the Amanti.
The Kia that kept on going...
We have owned this car for four years now, out of it we have had to take it to the shop 3 times in the last year. Thankfully the Bumper to Bumper waranty cover it. So far the struts had to be tightened, the driver side door lock regulator (I had to crawl out of the passenger side for days! LOL!) and I had to have the passenger window motor replaced because it was noisey. All of these have been minor repairs, we are finally nearing 50,000 miles and it has never let us down, stranded or anything to that affect. No one believes how fast this car can actually go, but on a trip to Georiga after we first got it, I got it up to 137 MPH and it handled very well. Better than my 98 Z28.
Lots of car for the bucks
Great looks, quality workmanship, price a deciding factor, average gas mileage, most options included in price.
2004 Kia Optima V6
This car is easy to handle, responds quickly and has excellent heat, air and defrost systems.
Good Car
In the current market of rising gas prices this is a very sound vehicle with good gas mileage. I have gotten an average of 25 MPG city/hwy. There is plenty of necessary pep available with the slide shift transmission for entering freeway traffic. I hate it when my baby is dirty because she looks so pretty when she is clean.