Used 2010 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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Transmission
KIA needs to make a better transmission. This is the second Kia Optima I have owned and the transmission always seems to go out. The service department will always say you need a transmission flush, but then after the warranty runs out the transmission will quit working and I have to pay for the transmission to be replaced. When I apply my brakes the transmission will down shift hard.
A Solid Budget Minded Choice
I bought this car as a 9 month old former rental car in December 2010. I had no significant problems for about a year and then a dying out problem occurred that required me to go all the way up to a vice president of Kia Motors America (KMA) to get it fixed under warranty. This problem required multiple attempts at 2 Kia dealerships and a number of repair efforts by the KMA engineer for the Eastern United States, but it was finally fixed after about a year. My experience is that Kia has a long and sometimes difficult warranty. Some minor paint and trim issues also appeared after about 4 years that were not covered by the warranty. As to performance in its class, the car accelerates well, braking distances are reasonably short, and handling is good. The car has been comfortable for daily driving and all trips I have taken it on. Update August 2023, there are over 131,000 miles on the odometer and the car is running well. Over the years a number of parts needed replaced, but nothing major. The interior has held up well with no holes in the carpet or tears in the seats. The engine is quiet, powerful, and smooth and takes less than a quart of oil between oil changes. The transmission is smooth, works well, and does not leak (the fluid was changed at 60,000 miles and 118,000 miles). While this sedan is not fancy, flashy or high performance; I have found it to be fairly comfortable, reliable, and economical.
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I love my Optima
I purchased my 2010 KIA Optima a year ago and I couldnt be happier. It was one of KIAs rentals with 12,000 miles on it and in pristine condition inside and out. Im getting about 30 mpg around town. It handles beautifully and I feel safe and secure driving it. My mechanic was very impressed with it when I took it in for an oil change. Said I made a smart purchase. Im an old woman now, 67, and this will probably be my last car but if I ever have to buy another car I would buy this one in a heartbeat.
Great car for $
It's a great running car, good on gas. Lots of room on the inside. 3 kids ages 7,9 & 12 also a hubby that is just over 6 feet. Very roomy. It has a big trunk also. We went from a 3rd row seat trailblazer. The trailblazer was good but we would have to put the back seat to travel so the kids had to sit in the bench seat anyways so it doesn't really change with the space we need cause the optima trunk is so big & so much better on gas.
4th kia
Had for 6 months and have put 4,000 miles on it. Had a 2006 sportage and saw the optima and had to have it. I am blown away at the attention it gets. People are always telling me they love its looks and the red color is sharp. I just smile when I pull up beside a accord or Camry and think to myself I saved thousands and have an equal car. The optima feels smooth and plenty of power from the I-4 it only has a few less horse power than the v-6, save a few bucks and buy the I-4. The trunk really holds a lot and the car is comfortable on long trips. The gas mileage is as advertised which many cars do not match up. So we are very pleased. We do recommend kia to everyone we know.
Good Choice
Traded in a gas hogging Ford Windstar. It served us well for 8 yrs. but it started to have electrical problems at 90K miles. I told the wife that I was going to buy her an import this time because everybody knows they are more reliable, last longer, and you generally get a fair trade in value. I took a long time shopping on the internet and this Kia Optima was by far the best value for the money. As others have stated the standard equip. is very generous. But that was not the main reason I purchased this vehicle. It was safety. Here's a quote from the carconnection.com: " When it comes to crash-test ratings, you won't find many better than that of the Kia Optima's. 10/10 crash test."
Great so far!
I love this car so far. I have put about 1000 miles on it and am really enjoying it. I bought it barely used, and feel I got a great deal. The back is very roomy for two people and a third would be pretty comfy if they were not too big or if it wasn't a long trip. It has all of the things that are important to me and more. I did get the higher end wheels and automatic driver's seat, which are nice. It has lots of pep and I get 33 mpg on the highway. I think that's great for a non-hybrid. Everything is just laid out great! Get one now, because I think the price will go up on these. The 2011 looks even nicer.
Second car, Love it!
Great Car! Bought it Oct. 11, 2010. Haven't had any problems with the car. It's the first 5 speed I've owned and I love it. It's pretty quick and fast, I can downshift to third and pass cars with no problem. I once had a loaded car (at least 800ibs extra weight), driving up steep hills and still got 25MPG. I feel I got a lot for what I paid, just a little over 12,000.
First and last import
We were looking for a decent, mid-sized car and settled on the Optima. We purchased the car used(two years old), with 40,000 miles on it. The car served us well for the first year and a half with only a few small issues. As soon as the warranty expired at 60,000 miles, the transmission failed. Two weeks after replacing the transmission($2700), the air bag sensor in the passenger seat failed ($1500). After the sensor, a host of electrical problems surfaced. Since the car cost us more in repairs in than it was worth over a year, we sold it and won't touch another KIA.
kia optima
I never thought I would buy a kia product but I am glad I did. I hit a home run, when I purchased my Kia Optima. This vehicle is much better than the Accord or Camery. I have owned both other vehicles and there is no comparison. The warranty and safety is 3 times better. I only paid $13,9000 (new) and I jump on the deal. This has got to be the best deal I have ever made on a vehicle. Last I would say this vehicle is so under-rated.
New Purchase
I just purchased this vehicle at a end of the year clearance. Glad I did. Turned in a dreaded VW. I did drive the car 150 miles thus far. Not much however the ride is comfortable and overall very pleasant to drive. Controls on the dash are easy to read and reach. Fit and finish are solid. The car feels very confident on the road. Steering is confident as well. There is no blind spots that I noticed. Over all the value of what you get when purchased is excellent.
KIA Optima needs improvement on transmissions
I have owned my 2009 KIA Optima for three years now and had to replace the transmission once already and it is in the shop again (not even a year later) with the same problem. I don't know if this is a problem everyone has or if I bought a lemon. The built in Bluetooth had some problems as well. I just had to quit using it. The headrest is not comfortable at all. But it handles well and it is fun to drive. It gets good gas mileage and that's what we needed at the time.
2009 Kia Optima TRANSMISSIONS ON OPTIMAS ARE BAD!
I had problems with acceleration from the time I bought this new. I was told there wasn't a problem they put it on the computer and there wasn't anything wrong....I am a woman so...it was well we cant find anything wrong. I was charged for the KIA maintenance plan for 5 years...and low and behold at the end of 5 years....they found it needed a new transmission....!!!
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Yes, I bought a KIA
My wife and I have only had our Optima for a couple of days. It is everything that the data says it is. We took it out for a fun run to see how it performs. We put on 140 miles and used approximately 4 gallons, 35 MPG. I couldn't get the wife to quit playing with the SAT radio, she loves it. I felt it was easy to handle in a curve, the visibility was great, the instruments were easy to read and access.
Very First Foreign Car!
Ive always owned American cars, I am a Vet and felt bad about not supporting American auto makers. I've owned Chevys, Fords and Olds. I Love my KIA Optima! I bought it due to the cost of gas and the options on the car. For the money, you cant go wrong. It has a high safety rating, roomy interior, good stereo options and best of all great EPA rating for a midsize sedan. It's comfortable on the highway and zips around town. If you are in the market for a sedan that's affordable and still fun to drive, I highly recommend the Optima.
2010 KIA OPTIMA
I bought the 2010 Kia Optima in 2018 June with 80k miles for $4,500. Drove if for Uber/Lyft for 2 years and now 156k miles. Since purchase, I changed cv-axle and tires. Good MPG, drives smooth, strong engine. I really enjoyed the vehicle while I had it. Sold it recently for $3,000.
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Underrated car
Now let me start with this car isn't quite as sporty on the outside such as like Malibu or Altima. However for someone who works at a rental car company and have compared them the logical choice was optima. IT drives the smoothest out of the camry, altima, avalon, fusion, and Malibu. It has some very cool features like bluetooth, satellite radio and the inside lights at night are cool. Overall this vehicle is cheaper and IMHO features inside the vehicle.
PLEASANT SURPRISE
Bought this car during clunkers program.Drove out at $12k,and dealer added bonus 25k miles to warranty. Liked the look and price. I am glad I decided to check this car out. I am at 8K miles and still pleased. No issues at all. I think the KIA reputation is growing. This is a lot of car for the money. Gas mileage was as stated 24/33.Does what I got it for - to get around and save gas, add to that: cruise,sat radio,cd, auto trans, steering wheel controls, abs all round, fold down rear seats, great warranty and more - all standard. WOW!! Hard to beat! One wonders why these vehicles don't retain their value longer. No matter,plan to keep it for a while.
Great on gas
I just bought this car used and was worried..This car is great, comfortable,gas saver,roomy. I was worried with a smaller engine from a v-8. Great little pick up. good choice no fancy frills but i need good gas and comfort. recommended
120,000 miles
6 years and 120,000 later, I have not had to have the car repaired for anything except for headlight. I replaced both, but did not by bulbs from dealer. Do maintenance on schedule. I live in a very rural area so very few stop signs and traffic lights and most roads have 55 MPH limit so not much wear and tear on car compared to city living. I am 5' 8" and 190 lbs so no problem with driving comfort. We also own a 2015 Optima.
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I love my new Kia
I purchased my new Kia in August and even as a former Toyota Camry Driver, I absolutely love it! The price was right and I am constantly turning heads in my new black Kia. I feel like I have one up on the Camry and Honda drivers. The drive is nice, the car is roomy, great on mileage and highly rated for safety. This was the best purchase I could have made.
Sweet Chariot
Nabbed this Midnight Blue MT baby 10 days ago and am in love with it! Researched for months to narrow my search; thought I'd opt for a Honda Fit or a Scion XB as I wanted utility, cargo room and decent mileage. But when I realized this was the only car under $20k with standard stability control, traction control and disc brakes on all wheels I was sold. The 10 year warranty and $2k rebate were icing on the cake. Amazing what comes standard on this 'base' model! Almost bought the smaller Elantra but figured the Optima's extra HP and larger engine with only a 1 to 2 mpg penalty was well worth the minor price difference. Excellent gearing + short throw 5 speed = FUN RIDE!!!
Blown away
I drove an Accord, Camry Mercedes just to name a few. I drove an Optima and was totally blown away. I would have picked them over the others any but when you throw in the cost it is truly unbelievable. This car has everything you can imagine as options, has road manners that of an Accord. I drove a camry (32,000) comparably equipped. The only thing the kia didn't have was a 3yr, 36000 warranty. The Kia has a 5yr 60000 bumper to bumper and 10 yer 100000 warranty! Very happy!. Cost 20,150
Must check it out!
Rides like a more expensive sedan with taut steering, responsive pep sufficient for merging and passing, good sight lines, comfortable seating and solid fit/finish. Roomy interior for 6'+, rich full sound stereo, easy access controls, very large trunk. Options are few but worthwhile: power seats, allow wheels and homelink mirror. With price, warranty and safety features Optima easily outdoes Malibu, Accord, Altima, and Camry. Glad I decided to check it out!
Good Car
Had to trade in my Rx-8 (worst car ever) and got this. I loved this car!! Very good gas, and price was not bad at all. Highly recommended for a family car.
Want Mustang Back
I had a 2007 Mustang for 3 years but after many issues and the warreny being up at that time 11 days. I was thinking of trading..found Kia for another car but ended up buying Kia Optima. The car is very good car over all but the seats are so hard and not comfortable at all. My back hurts after drving the car. I would advise really drving the car for more then a short test drive. I did drive the car 3 times however a really long drive would be better. I try to hurry up and get to where I need to go so I want have to drive the car long. The only plus is the safety/warrenty and the radio is good other then that I wish I never got this car.
Bad Purchase
My husband and I decided to expand our family, which ment a bigger car. The first week of owning the car we had to replace the crank sensor. It done fine for about 3 weeks and it went back out again. Our check engine light is now kicking on and off, so we took the car and had a diagnostic run and the crank sensor is bad again. The oil pump has been replaced 2 times since the day we bought the car and its going out again. Our cousin bought a car just like ours and has had the same problems as we have. This is the worst car that we have ever purchased and we will never own another kia again!
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KIA OPTIMA POOR
Car codes every spring return to dealership they clear code[multiple misfires] runs fine after several restarts, and say they cant find whats wrong with engine 2.7 V6 which they no longer offer in Optima.The vehicle has had this issue since 10,000 miles and only has 49,000 as of 2013.Dealership or KIA problem?????Rhorman's of FT Wayne In.
traded down from a Sorento
Bought car 3 wks ago after buying a Sorento I had 8 wks. This car was suggested by dealership. I highway miles a day so I'm a bit dissapointed. My kids are a bit tight w/ 2 boosters & a 13 yr old in back, but it's doable and he can buckle ok. The side mirrors are rectangular & takes getting use to, don't feel like I always get good coverage. Power's good & handles huge daily hill ok. The material is CHEAP & pills (balls up on seats). I'll be investing in seat covers! Got silver & it hides dirt well, looks sharp. Happy w/ purchase, wish I had electric seats/sunroof but was upside down & couldn't afford more. overall I dig it.
Big Mistake !!!
As soon as I got home, the trunk release button on the door already quit working. The headlights never worked but the high beam headlights. Took it back to the dealer the next day, they couldn't tell why or what is causing the problems. I was told to bring it back next week and leave it for someone else to diagnose the problems. If you or someone you know is looking for a car, please take my advice and stay away from a Kia dealership.
got to try this car
I went to the dealership with all intentions of buying a chevy or a ford but fell in love with the kia optima. the interior is comfortable and easy on the eyes and the value is unbeatable. The 2.4 engine is the perfect power and fuel economy that averages 27mpg. Drives great and has plenty of room for my family of 4 and is surprisingly stylish. I'm sold on this car don't pass up a test drive you will be shocked I was.
Very Poor Ride at Highway Speeds
This car has vibrated since the day I bought it. they have replaced 11 tires and the car still shudders and vibrates going down the highway. Kia rep says its normal. I bought car for the highway mileage, but if you are looking for a smooth highway ride, DO NOT buy a Kia.
Shocked!!
I never would have bought anything but a Honda or a Toyota. I was so biased against Kia that I wouldn't even look at their features. Then I was driving past the Kia dealership, and a car caught my eye - the redesigned 2009 Optima EX V6 in Metal Bronze! I stopped, took a test drive, and was completely AMAZED! Kia made the redesigned Optima look like a real competitor, and my car turns heads! I am shocked at the power from the small V6, better gas mileage than my Honda, better warranty, and it was surprisingly inexpensive for the features. I can't wait till the dealership installs my OEM navigation system! For being a Kia hater, I now wouldn't drive anything else. Kia's slogan definitely true!
Good deal!
My husband and I always bought American cars. We looked around, test drove many. For the value and what you get, you can't go wrong! We traded a big SUV we could not afford any more thanks to our changing economy and purchased this car and we can't say enough! Comfortable ride, good on fuel, nice looks. Get the convenience package with it.
One year later
Basically no complaints except tire grip on snowy roads is severely lacking, when trying to go uphill from a stop. Never had this problem with a Rio. After servicing the transmission it began to chatter when slowing down. This shouldn't be happening with an automatic transmission. Went to the local dealer for all service, (not Charlie's Kia), not happy with the service personnel. There's a gasoline odor getting into the cabin intermittently but the local dealer says they can't duplicate the problem. Car still gets 32 mpg HW and hugs a dry road excellently. The original tires are about half way worn out and look worn evenly across the width. They've been rebalanced once.
Awesome car!
I have only had this car for about 2 months but so far so good. This is my second Kia, my previous Kia was an 06 Sorento, Kia is definitely stepping their game up. I chose this car over a new Honda Accord because Kia offers more bang for the buck. For less than the price of the Honda I got a touch screen system w/ nav and satellite radio, sunroof, ipod connection, and heated seats. This is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned and the gas mileage is decent also. The warranty is also awesome. I love my new car!
Just one week, but...
I love my Optima. Purchased a 2010 Optima on 10/30/10, and 500 miles later, it's great. I am a short woman, and it's a comfy drive for me, as well as a comfy ride. My husband is 6', my sons are 5'10" and 5'7", and they can all sit very comfortably in the back seat, too (fabulous rear leg room!). Just enough toys to make me happy, but not so many cool electronic gadgets that I'll worry about one breaking. I really love the Sirius radio, the cruise control works flawlessly, and the controls for both on the steering wheel are great.
Awesome!
We purchased the Optima about a week ago and I must say... I LOVE IT! There is enough 'hoots and whistles' to keep me happy and the gas mileage is amazing. My kids love the sound system, room and comfort, and I honestly couldn't be happier. It has a lot of of power for highway driving. Great car for the price. Highly recommended to those looking for a reliable, economical vehicle!
Love it!
Just purchased it and although I've only had it a few days I love it so far and I really like the warranty they offer with KIA. Would buy another I really like it and the price was great! Rides good too!
As good as anything in its class.
This car is as good or better than anything in its class. I am sure the price will rise on this car very soon. It is truly the bargain out there.
Very Good Deal!
I got this car for $17500 and im very happy with it, i've had it for 5 months and it has yet to break down or need work. I have 8500 miles on it and everything still seems like new! I wish Kia and Hyundai would replace the 2.7 V6, its underpowered (190 hp) and bad on gas for the power (20 city and 26 highway)! They should replace it with a 3.2 V6, more power for same fuel economy! The I-4 is enough its not that sporty but its Kia what do u suspect? I get 32mpg on the highway and 25 in the city, great milege. Kia did a great job with the design! Very modern. It was between the 09 Fusion, 09 G6, or the Optima, Optima won! Its a good deal go out and I strongly suggest you put this on your list.
So far so good!
Of course I've only had my 2010 Optima a few weeks but i really have enjoyed it thus far! I looked at the new 2011 Optimas and Sonatas but i really don't like their new "race car" style ( maybe because I'm 54?!) But i find the more classic sedan style appeals to me a lot more. I've been told it has the look of a much more expensive car. My 2010 has a really comfortable ride too. Real smooth and plenty of power for my kind of driving ( around town suburbia with a fair amount of highway ). Love the built in Satellite radio and the standard 6 speakers has sufficient oomph' for my R&R-ing. Alloy wheels was a must so i went for the conv. pkg. which also incl.'s power seats. Also added sun roof.
Still going strong after 13 years of ownership
Best car I have ever owned! This car has far exceeded my expectations. I have not had any major repairs, only annual maintenance and oil changes. I have over 220,000 miles on this car. This is the second Kia I have owned. I previously owned a 2001 4WD Sportage that had over 200,000 miles on it when my daughter totaled it, and my husband's 2006 Rio 5-speed has over 300,000 miles on it and is still going strong. My daughter had a 2007 Optima and traded it in for a 2019 Optima We are a KIA family!.
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wow
I truly never thought I would ever buy a foreign car but I have now bought two Kia's in 6 mths and love them. The Optima is an inexpensive luxury kind of car. You really do get the bang for the buck with this one. Ford, GM, Chrysler take notice, Kia is here to stay.
Best Mid Size Car
Purchased brand new, but mostly drive it in the city. The fit, finish, quality and ride is amazing. Test drove a Camry, Accord and Malibu. The ride was a good or better then them all. Driving position was easy to find with power seat. Get 28 mpg in city and 34 on the highway. Will buy another in 5 years.
Optima
I was originaly looking to replace my 2000 Hyundai Accent with a new one, when I came accross the 2009 optima for $500 more. I honestly only drove the Sonata and Optima. The Sonata has a nicer interior, but seems to float down the road more than the Optima and was $2000 more than the New Accent I was originaly looking at. Being strickly a lowest cost for the best milage type of guy I settled on the Optima for $15500. Acording to Edmunds specifications page, this car seems to be right in the hunt with other midsize sedans when it comes to safety, quality and room. Being owned by Hyundai , I felt secure in buying this car, since my last car from them cost $500 for repairs in 100,000 miles.
Great little car, reliable.
I have enjoyed this car. Equipped just right. Layout is good. Comfortable. Still with all original equipment, except new battery after 4 years.
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Impressed
never thought of kia as a car in par with honda's , toyotas and chevys. Dealer said, take it for a ride. going from a saturn ion to this 100 % improvement. handles well, nice looks, sharp car , had less than a week and very impressed. feels alot more solid than previous cars I've had, Kia is onto a whole new audience. Look out honda, toyota, nissan.
In Love
I recently purchased a 2009 Kia Optima and I'm totally having a ball driving it. I looked at Toyota, Chevrolet, Mercury and Nissan. I could not have afford all the extras I have with my Kia. Its metal bronze color which looks different in various lights sun cloudy etc. I have a moon roof and really nice leather. Awesome sound Infinity 6 speakers and 6 cd changer plus satellite radio. Heated front seats plus all the equipment that comes standard for about 10k less then the other cars. Also have 5 year road side assist and warranty. Thank you Kia
Excellent Value
Here at the end of 2010, the 2010 model optima is a great deal. The options you can get for your money on an ex or sx blow the Toyota/Honda competition away. The only close competitor price wise was the Malibu, which was also discounted. The optima has the Malibu beat in most regards in my opinion. Gas mileage is good, I'm getting 24-25 mpg in the city around la and I'm not an easy driver. On the highway, if I try I can push around 35 mpg. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power, more than most of its competition. Interior is great. Exterior looks really sharp, better than Hyundai's and I like over the Camry and Accord.