Used 2007 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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Also own a Aorento
My wife fell in love with the looks of the ex v6. We drove the Optima, Ford Fusion and Honda Civic. The Optima has more to offer, a better warranty and we have 17,000 miles on our Sorento and it has never been in the shop.
2007 LX I4
I purchased this car after about 9 months of searching. It seems to have everything I need without a lot of extras I don't care about. Interior room is great and the layout works well. Handling is very good, I don't regret not buying a "performance car". People that see it for the first time always have the same reaction, "That's a Kia?" They comment on its good looks and great use of space.
First Optima
This car provides a tight, sport-tuned, yet somewhat opulant ride. It reminds me very much of the Audi A4 V6 for about $18k savings.
Good all around new car
I compared Honda, Toyota, Ford, Saturn, Pontiac and was surprised to find that the Optima beat out the others. The deciding factor was the standard safety features and room. I am 6'4" and found that most of the others wouldn't accommodate my knees. The backseat is great and there is more than enough room all around. I have owned the car only a short while but have been very impressed with the overall common-sense design. The ride is very good. It is a midsize sedan, not a sports car. The standard 2.4 is plenty for me especially with the ability to down/up shift. I did the comparison, crunched the numbers and for the money you just cant beat it.
Happy With Car
I'm very happy with this car. Affordable, fun, reliable. What more can you ask for.
This car rocks!!
I have had this car for about 5 months and have almost 10000 miles on it. I am a big guy and I found the room and comfort to be very surprising. I chose the 4 cyl. over the 6 because I found it to be more sporty and responsive than the 6 which seemed a little laggy to me. The interior styling and the heavy resemblance to the Lexus at well under half the price is a big plus. If this car performs over the long run as I expect I will definetly be a longtime Kia customer.
The good and bad
I own a 2006.5 EX fully loaded Optima with 1400 miles on the odometer.The vehicle meets all my expectations for quality, and comfort except for one glaring problem. When traveling over a rough road, I feel like I'm inside a loud drum. The front end noise is pronounced and, unfortunately, that condition is unacceptable to me. My query to a Kia phone representative was met with an unresponsive answer. I believe a sound deadening application of some sort, would alleviate the condition. Then and only then would I consider the car on a par or even superior to the competition.
Not too sure yet
Overall I have had no problems with my Optima and have gotten many compliments on it. I'm still not sure it's the car for me, but it has performed well. The gas mileage in town isn't very exciting but the car rides so smooth and handles very well. Can't beat the fact it came with some free oil changes and a great warranty either. Overall I'm pleased with the look of the car, inside and out, and the performance of the car. There are several little things that really annoy me however. 10 in reliability because that remains to be seen.
From My Point Of View
I have driven quite a few autos and I love my Optima. The dealer came to pick me up in the 2007 and I fell in love with the car. Then they wheeled out the 2007 with the appearance package. Love at first sight. 17 inch rims and low pro tires. Chrome interior. Blue light dashboard. I have had people coming up to my car and looking at the Kia symbol like whoa?!?! A Kia??? Yes ladies and gentleman- A KIA!! Handles like a dream and the sport-stick performs like a dream. The take off power and acceleration has me moving at a pace that is keeping up with the best. I'm telling you, This car is a real shocker!
Red Kia Optima
2500 miles. Averaging 23 MPG in town. Just got 33 MPG on its first long interstate trip while running in the low to mid 70s. Car is comfortable and quiet. Not a sports car, but, it is very competent with about 5 PSI extra in the tires. Transmission and engine seem to be well matched and smooth. On the interstate, even in full auto mode it does not down shift at every hill. In the manumatic mode you can make it hold 5th even longer to increase mileage. Acceleration will easily keep up with any reasonable traffic without flogging it. Like the chain drive camshafts that do not require replacement belts every 70K. No problems yet car has not even been back to the dealer.
Whoa!
I have previously owned a Kia Spectra. It was nice, but 2 years later, I went back to the dealership, and fell in love with the Optima. Totally surprised with the power for a four cylinder! I can hold up the parking brake, and burn out (I know, not the smartest thing to do but it does it well)! I have every option available, except for the V6, but I don't need the V6 the 4 cyl is plenty. I feel like I am driving a Lexus or Mercedes. The ride is unmatched.
2007 Kia Optima
Fun to drive, comfortable always looking forward to driving my car.
Excellent for the Money
I initially thought Kia was a cheap knock off. Then my sister bought one and I drove it and was impressed. I went to the dealer wanting to buy a Spectra but found that the Optima cost not much more, but had so much more to give. I am very impressed with this vehicle. The quality of it is wonderful, I love the interior design, and the ride and quietness of this vehicle is everything you would expect in a luxury car. I am one who likes the manual trans and found one with the four cylinder. All the reviews I've read give the car poor performance on the highway, but I think it's got more power than it needs on the highway. I would recommend this car to my best friend.
It really grows on you
I have rated this car before (see mickeyrom), but since I have put a few thousand miles on it, it has really grown on me. All the bugs are now out of it and I have finally found a dealer who has a great service dept., so I am glad I bought this car. MPG in city remains poor, but in every other way it has met or exceeded my expectations. Once I figured out how to use the steering column adjustments, I easily and comfortably fit my 6 ft frame into the seat. It actually has more driver space than my 97 Town and Country. I would strongly recommend this brand and this model to friends.
Best value on the market
Amazing car for the price. I wouldn't trade it straight up for any non-hybrid in the medium sized sedan class. Great gas mileage on the road, comfortable and has plenty enough power. Looks nice and I have actually had people come up to me to comment on it's beauty. Really!!!
Boring, but I love it!
I looked at every car out there. I liked the Optima right away. After I first drove it, I knew it was the car I wanted. I am very picky with my cars, and have a couple of styling gripes (why is the roofline so much higher in front than in back!?) but overall it's an unassuming car I don't have to be embarassed to be seen in. Fit and finish are superb. The only thing that feels cheap are the interior door handles. The car is unbelievably quiet, which makes it a pleasure for leisurely driving. Mileage had proven to be amazing for such a large car. On that note, it is VERY roomy and for thousands less than a Civic LX I just feel like I got more car for the money.
Great Value
I am a 40 years old male 6 ft 200 lbs. that drives 55 miles each way to work daily in western NY. Historically a V6 sedan man but the 4 cyl engine is more than adequate especially with the timing chain vs belt. The miles that I put on that the chain saves a $400 preventative maintenance every 2 years (60,000 K). Suspension and ride is good and headlights at night as well. Taller ground clearance 6.3 inches will help in the winter. I have only 1200 miles on it so the MPG is low 27 the first tank and 29 the second. After break in I expect 34-35. With the long warranty, big time incentives and KIA having a few ears under their belt, it is the best valued import if you are buying.
Nice ride so far
Just bought this car new a week ago. Not many miles driven yet but so far the car has met/exceeded expectations. It's quiet in town and on the highway, even at 70/80 mph with only minor wind noise from the outside mirrors, a big improvement over my last car. Transmission is very smooth and the powertrain combination gives excellent performance on hills. Ride is comfortable but the driver seat needs an extra inch or two of seat cushion to give better thigh support for longer trips. I looked at the Civic and Nissan Sentra and Versa but dollar for dollar, the Optima was a no brainer, lot's of bang for the buck. I'll give another rating after I put more miles on the car.
I Love This Car
I drive 52 miles round trip sometimes six or seven times a week. The Optima handles very well in heavy traffic and the shifttronic feature is just the best to pick up speed fast. This car averages 28 miles per gallon and I have not had any car troubles.
Poor Reliability
Car ran perfectly fine for the first 42,000 miles and then everything went downhill. Head gasket blew, then the automatic transmission went crazy on me & blew, cruise control went out, car has died three times on the highway and left me stranded. I babied the heck out of the car. Mobil 1 full synthetic oil every three thousand miles, new transmission fluid, all scheduled maintenance, everything. The car really seemed to be perfect until it hit the 42,000 mile mark I sold the car last month and the new owner has informed me that the car has had numerous insanely costly problems. I warned him before he bought the car but he fell in love with the style and he said he read some great reviews.
Great car for the money.
Only problem I had is the sun visors and a blown subwoofer. Other than that been a really good car!
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Great for a New Driver
Amazing vehicle! Great handling, perfect safety features, amazing gas mileage and super fast! I absolutely love this car!
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Worst mistake i made
I bought 2007 kia optima lx when i got it drove great notice it was leaking oil alot then half the time it wouldn't shift i drove in the slap shift all the time now all it does is belts turn but dont start after putting in new fuel injectors that are 53$ peice new starter 300$ nee alternator 350$ imma have to buy new engine bc kia engines suck they not reliable
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Great car till rod knock at 157k miles
Wonderful car ran great everything worked good on gas at 157k miles engine started to use 1 quart every 1k miles than rod knocked started I'll never buy kia Hyundai products again
Out-Japanesing the Japanese
I thoroughly researched my next car. Have owned Hondas and Toyotas the past 20 years. Purchased a 2006.5 (07) Optima after reading about the redesigned engine, interior, exterior and suspension. Kia has put together a solid product, very ergonomic - everything fits well, easy to use, just plain feels great to drive, similar to the Japanese cars with a few thousand to pocket. It's the culmination of the little things that adds to the confidence in the car - the way the door shuts, outlet in trunk, cabin lighting, hand-holds, etc. Kia makes the leap easy, with transferable 5yr, 60k warranty, roadside assistance, etc.
Can not believe
I bought this car with 40,000 miles on it. Since then I have had to replace the headlights 2 times each, the tail lights 2 times and the starter went. I am reading all the reviews I am scared to see what is coming. I have had to replace the back brakes when all of a sudden they just started grinding the pad ripped off 359.00. The main belt went and had to be replaced.
Honest Opinion
I bought my car in September 2007, I drive about 40 miles to work every day. Since September I have the weather stripping on my windshield come off, I have had a bad tire, and the gear shifter cable undone twice leaving me stuck because my car was stuck in reverse, I have had it towed to the dealership twice within a month. Thank god the warranty covered it but not fun when you rely on your car to get to work.
The Worst Vehicle I have Ever Owned
Well I am on my third automatic transmission. The first replacement was under warranty but the latest one cost me 2500 bucks. What happened to the "Best Warranty in America"? Totally bogus. This car has horrible build quality. Mechanically this car has by far been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Starters go out and leave you stranded, unable to start the car. Even with synthetic oil changed every 3,000 miles my engine had to be replaced at 65,000 miles. My neighbor has the exact same car as me and he's had even worse luck mechanically with the car so I should consider myself lucky I guess.
Watch out for this one - SERIOUSLY
We purchased our Kia Optima LX with only 11 miles on it. Not very much longer we started having trouble with the trunk coming open either driving down the road or sitting still, then we started having trouble with hesitation between 40 & 50 mph. It just seem like it was one thing after another along with the cruise control coming on by itself & air-bag wasn't working, lifter rattling, burning smell after the engine was shut off. Took it to the dealer many, many times & they said that they couldn't duplicate the problem so there was noting wrong with it. Kia said that they would not replace anything on the car, but they replaced the BCM without asking us & it still didn't help.
Great Car!
Were such a great buy we bought two! The equipment for the price was unbelievable! Nice, solid fun to drive car. Have had both for a little over 2 years. Never had any mechanical problems with either one. MPG is the only downfall I found. Mine only averaged 18 mpg. The other one is better averaging 25. Probably my fault and the way I drive. Fixed that problem though. Traded mine in for a 2010 Kia Forte. So far so good. 27.6 mpg with the first fill up. But a totally different car. Resale price isn't that good so if you are looking to keep a great car for a long time the Optima is a good bet. As long as Kia is making good quality cars I will probably stay loyal!
Value plus
I'm very happy with my purchase. All the features I wanted for thousands less than the 'big guys'. First mileage test at 1500 miles I got 36.6 mpg on the highway.