Used 2010 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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.
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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!
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!
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
Not half bad
Actually a rental. Drove it 1000 miles in three days, including some world class twisty roads: Pros: Excellent power. Excellent economy. Last segment was 243 miles on less than seven gallons. Comfortable front seats. Good practical use of space. Cons: Not much of a suspension. Good tires worthy of the engine would help a lot. I would buy this over any competing model for a $1500 relative discount, anyway...
Great Car LOW PRICE
Wow. I had this car for a couple months now and it is amazing. There is no complaints . It handles the road well and gas mileage is perfect . Plus now they have a $2000 Discount Incredible. The guys at Nationwide treated me great and I really enjoyed my buying experience. Hands down the best one yet .
Great Car
Wanted a new vehicle that was quiet, got good gas mileage, and was very comfortable, and I think I found it. Have only had a week, and took a trip and put 1300 miles on it. Very comfortable, and handles well. Have back problems, and I didn't hurt at all after driving for six hours at a stretch. This car should not be overlooked if you are looking at a Camry or Accord or other midsized car. My last three cars were a Chrysler 300, a Toyota Avalon, and a Nissan Altima, and I think for the money, you get a great combination of standard features, power, comfort and wonderful MPG.