Used 2008 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Optima for sale
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.
Our Little Vacation Car
Hummer Guy, 06/21/2009
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have a new H3, a 6yr old Sunfire, and an 08 Dodge Avenger (son). Needed a new smaller, more economical car for vacations now that both of us are retired. Looked at all of them in the one-year-old under $15000 range. I wanted another Avenger which son loves, but wife not comfortable in the seat. Ended up getting this 2008 Optima as a former Enterprise car. Absolutely LOVE IT. Wanted a four, but settled on a six, but the power is amazing -whiplash acceleration -and the economy on three fill ups has been 34, 34, 38 on combined interstate and city driving. The four could not have done much better. It has all the toys like steering wheel radio controls. Only had it 1 mo. So far VERY PLEASED!
Great Value!
GorgeKiaDriver, 07/07/2009
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased the base Optima, 4 cyl., 5 speed manual. A lot of car for the money, purchased new last month, 6/2009, for $10,995! Sweet deal. Had 10 miles, now have 300, first tank of gas I received on 18 mpg! Mostly in town, getting use to manual transmission again! Previous review complained about passenger doors not operating from driver side. Turn key once to the right to unlock driver door, twice to unlock all doors! Small price to pay for an inexpensive, quality built vehicle!
What A Great Little Car!!!!!!!!!!
ExGreenBeret, 08/20/2009
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Optima last year when gas was nearing $4/gal. I drive a lot of miles so I sold my 475hp 12mpg Hemi Ram and bought the KIA. I had rented one in the past and was pleasantly surprised so I decided to give it a try. I've had it a year now, and have put over 40,000 miles on it already. There have been NO major problems, in fact I've not been back to the dealership for any reason. I change the oil and rotate the tires religiously but that's it. Would I recommend one to a friend? Hell, yes! Would I buy another one? Absolutely!
Premium Car for Undervalued Price!!!
Scott, 10/26/2009
2008 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is Amazing! Coming from a Detroit Union raised native (typically purchases GM, Ford & Chrysler vehicles) I decided to take a look at one for the warranty of 10YR/or/100K Miles, whichever comes first. Nice driving give me 30 mpg hwy and the automatic stick shift allows me to have optimal usage in passing slow cars. Plenty of get up and go in the 4 cylinder...technology is incredible as 2009 KIAs may introduce MSFT software in them!!! Drives incredible and has hard hitting stock sound system (from Detroit Rock City). Be sure to go to your dealer and take one for a spin.
GREAT CAR!!!
Chris Martin, 11/16/2009
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
me and my dad got this car for my mom. i was surprised as to how well a 2.4l 4 cylinder performs... quick on the accelerator, yet responsive on the brakes. not only does it have a lot of gumption under the hood for a 4 cylinder, it looks great, rides smooth, quiet, great sound, comfortable, accessible, and most of all, affordable! i definitely recommend this car to anyone, even if their on a tight budget! i give the Kia Optima a 9.5/10
Great car for the price
spysgrandson, 12/10/2009
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned 9 Hyundais (still have 3) but this is my first Kia. I purchased it in August 2009 (it was a year old) with 18900 miles for $9988 (I know the folks at the dealership). Given the warranty, the great fuel economy, and the comfort and features, I have to say I am very pleased. I have owned a Toyota and a Honda before. Those brands may be slightly better quality, but considering the $$ difference, I think there is no question which is the better buy.
LOVE this car!
Me Me, 02/04/2010
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We just got this car about 2 weeks ago. And i truly love it. It is so easy to drive. I dont have a bad thing to say. Awesome car for the $$$ Would recommend this to anyone!!
nice little car
Chris B, 03/17/2010
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm 5'11, 265 lbs. This car offers plenty of room and a great many stock features which all work well. I do have some complaints however. The pillars on the front windshield can be difficult to see around and I have removed the headrests because of visibility issues as well. The shift gate is an absolute nuisance when trying to go from "D" to "R". The key fob frequently opens my trunk because of additional keys in my pocket, but that's pretty nit-picky. Stock tires bad - I put "winters" on this year to manage that. All in all, a sound vehicle at a terrific price warranties are questionable only because of the difference between dealerships. Seat adjustment are just ok.
Not bad
Piper Cub Pilot, 05/10/2010
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first imported car. Very well thought out packaging and overall design. Efficient with great safety features. At 27,000 miles the car feels and looks the same as it did when new. Reliability has been excellent and performance is on par with competition. Cheap to maintain and insure. At a $14,500 out-the-door price in 2008, it is a bargain.
Best new car yet
art, 10/07/2010
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a '08 optima. Was skeptical at first, but after a shake down Cruise of 500 miles, I was hooked. Got 31 mpg new. Only after market addition was a k&n air filter. Got 50.000 out of the original tires and believe it or not the brakes! Have had no major problems and it only left sit once a dead battery! I remember the earlier models and all the problems associated with them. Night and day! Way to go! Would recommend Kia to anybody looking for an inexpensive durable car. BTW mine has over 75,000 on it.
My Kia
Karin , 11/14/2010
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have nothing bad to say about my Kia Optima. The only thing I don't like is the headlights. They are pointed too low. It's like 20 ft in front of you is bright, then it drops off to total darkness.
Buyer Beware
NOTW Girl, 03/18/2008
2008 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a new '08 Optima in January and it has been in service twice because the "Check Engine" light came on. The day I bought the Optima and drove it on the freeway, the RPM went to 6000. The car hesitates when trying to accelerate and it drives like a four-cylinder. There could be a problem with the transmission in the '08 model.
Excellent car
Doug, 03/24/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After having this car for 6 months, I still am glad I bought it. I truly think with the warranty, quality, comfort etc - for a 4 door midsize sedan it is definitely a smart buy!
Great value.
Dana Walters , 04/13/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great value, makes you feel as if you spent $23,000-28,000. Very nice well thought out car.
Great Car
Maggie, 04/18/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car recently and it is really fun to drive. It is comfortable and roomy. It handles very well and I can't think of a better car for the price. I like the controls on the steering wheel and the temperature controls are very easy to use. I am very happy with this car and would recommend it to anyone. The warranty, roominess, and value are well well worth the cost. The body style is very sharp.
I'm loving this car
Carolann, 05/06/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is perfect for my needs. It gets great fuel economy, has surprising zip for having a 4-cyl, and is very roomy. It feels comparable to a Camry/Accord. Not quite as luxurious maybe, but really excellent quality for the value. Comfortable ride for my passengers and lots of included features in just the base model that you'd have to pay for upgrade in other cars. I'd definitely purchase another one of these. Very impressed, did not disappoint at all.
08 Kia Optima (silver)
Ron, 05/15/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been very please with the kia purchase. I opted for the performance package with 17" wheels and black outkits. Performance feels more than actual specs, especially in town. Overall great built car for the price
The Drive Home Was Fun
AndyHu, 05/15/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just leased this vehicle for the gas mileage. The ride and comfort are awesome. The exterior styling is quite pedestrian. Fit and finish are excellent and the 4 cylinder engine is pretty peppy. You do not feel like you're driving underpowered. If the exterior styling isn't first and foremost in your mind, then for quality ride and transportation, I would highly recommend the Kia Optima. Plenty of interior space.
Great Car
Norm, 05/24/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Last summer I picked up my rental car from Hertz and it was Kia Optima. I was totally impressed with this car! After comparing to Camry, Accord, etc. I decided to buy one for myself. I have not been disappointed! This is one fun car to drive and I am very impressed with the peppy engine, interior room, and good looks. Great visibility gives a real 'feel' for the road. Our car includes the Appearance Pkg which really adds lots of 'goodies' and well worth the money. Also, you don't see lots of Optimas on the road, so that even makes it more fun to have a 'unique' car. Current generous rebates clinched the deal for me and so far it has been a perfect car for our family.
Switched over
exfocusowner, 05/23/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded my Focus for this car. Not a single disappointment. It's especially complimented on its deep ocean metallic blue. And when people see the interior there impressed, and when they hear the price and warranty (which I got the fully covered out to 100,000 10 years) not just the power train drive train, they really flip out. I can say I'm very pleased and impressed. I know I've only currently have 1600 miles, but its been a very pleasing trip
Is that a Lexus?
Paul Wernich, 05/22/2008
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Several people have mistaken my black Optima for a Lexus and they are surprised to learn it is a $14,000 KIA. The car looks beautiful with its chrome trim and elegant lines. The interior is tasteful and stylish, although the seat fabric looks a little sub par compared to everything else. Lots of little extras make the car appear upscale including extended sun visors, steering wheel controls for cruise/stereo, and blue dash lighting. The car has 3000 miles and has had a few glitches. The center dome light didn't always come on, sometimes the trunk popped open when unlocking the doors and the 4 cyl engine sounds clattery. Hopefully the dealers are capable and cooperative. So far so good.
I'll have a Kia please
DGB, 11/16/2016
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only problem I have had is with the computer system and 6 months after purchasing my car they reset the computer because the car was shutting down (not completely) when taking off after a stop. I recently had the same thing happen (5 years later) took the car in and they said that there were no indicators or upgrades to the computer system...I explained the first time and so they reset it again and Yay I have my car back :) It runs great and I love my Kia.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
New to 213,000 + miles
Duane G., 08/08/2020
2008 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Invested in tires, brakes, battery and less then $50.00 for exhaust repair. The interior is almost like new. No garage, so has some rust. Over 12 years and 200,000 miles. I'll never complain about this 2008 Kia Optima. 😊
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value