Used 2011 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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Awesome Value
I've always thought Japan had a corner on midsize sedans until I drove Optima. I have to say it is the best value for the money. Although the 4 cyl is not as smooth as my Lexus 6, it is just as powerful. The car feels tight and fun to drive. I test drove a bunch of new models, but this one is a winner. P.S. I am in Chicago area and classic Kia in Waukegan is the best. Great dealership IMHO.
Fun 2 drive
Bought Optima EX turbo new in 2011, still having fun driving it today in 2021. Thirty miles per gallon but can really haul when stepping on the gas. Great handling and ride. Routine maintenance only for 10 years. Great value, fun to drive, no problem ride.
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- Hybrid SedanMSRP: $5,999705 mi away
- Hybrid SedanMSRP: $2,899762 mi away
- Hybrid SedanMSRP: $7,490878 mi away
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo
If you’re not willing to take care of a turbocharged car, YOU SHOULDN'T BUY ONE, this will be explained below... There’s a good chance that if you are reading this you are considering buying an SX Turbo or similar, so in this review I will do my best to break down everything you need to know. Starting with aesthetics, this is a very good-looking car from virtually every angle, the tail lights for example have a very cool projecting cylinder set up that shoots light to the tips of the cylinders and illuminates the tail light, the LED headlights have a signature “flicker on” when illuminated which never gets old. The interior of this car is beautiful as well and extremely calming and comforting to spend time in, from stitched leather to soft touch materials, everything feels very nice for the money. The seats are comfortable, even for larger or taller occupants (although they may need to lower the seat a bit to clear the roof). The buttons and switches in the SX are all logically placed and easy to use, except for the heated seat buttons, which from the drivers seat are absolutely impossible to see and interact with, without arching your head and taking your eyes off the road. Visibility in this car is... not great, however if you are an experienced driver you should be able to work around the larger D pillars and small rear window. However, this may be a turn off for new drivers and rightfully so, as there is no backup camera in this vehicle. Next up let’s talk specs and maintenance, this car is QUICK with good amount torque as well, this car will put your head back if you let it, and tends to dip into boost when going up hills, even in ECO mode. But to keep it quick you have to be willing to: “LEARN OR PAY” and by that I mean learn to change your own oil and do little things here and there or be ready to fork over 40-50 some odd dollars for an oil change very 3K miles, although the manual states 5K you would be wise to heed the advice, as this car requires full synthetic oil 5W-20 to function effectively, now, THIS IS IMPORTANT; regardless of which oil you decide to buy and how often you decide to change it, you MUST LET THIS CAR WARM UP AND COOL DOWN. I cannot express this enough, as this step could, and likely will, literally “make or break your SX” because even though you should be using less viscous full synthetic oil, it needs time to circulate through the car, and into the turbo in particular, and likewise in reverse, when you reach your destination let the car “sit” and idle, this will prevent hot spots from vaporizing the oil in the turbo feed line which will cause a build up of particles and deposits, think of it the same way as a blood clot essentially. I know it sounds like a hassle, but if you buy a turbocharged car you have to take care of it, because as mentioned above, if you not willing to take care of a turbocharged car, you shouldn’t buy one. But If you take care of it, it will take care of you, and you can have a lot of fun and make a lot of good memories in this handsome car. UPDATE: My SX is going under the knife for the engine recall today so we will have to wait and see the results that they find.
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Love this Car
I purchased the EX with premium package. Can't believe everything this car offers for the money I paid. Just went over a 1000 miles and love everything so far. Read the car reviews complaing about the comfort of the seats but I have no complaints so far. True the leather seating is not as plush as some may prefer but it is not uncomfortable. I am 6ft 4in and weigh 275 and this car is very roomy. Car drives great and handling is crisp and precise. Wish the turbo would have come out a month sooner but this car has enough power for daily commuting.
best value
Looks like a car costing thousands more. fit, feel and ride are outstanding. performance is exceptional. Optima has exceeded what I had even hoped for. KIA has a winner..