Used 2011 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Optima for sale
1
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.
Great car for anyone with realistic expectations
titan415, 11/03/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
61 of 61 people found this review helpful
I'm always interested to see how people react to things. Some people drive this car and see it for what it is: a great value and a really good car. And then there are those to say that it's not a good car because they have driven, owned, or dreampt of better. You'll see plenty of those reviews here and other places. The reality is that this car is great for the money, offers a huge range of features, has a warranty that should allay any fears about the uknown, and, finally, it looks hot. It's not a perfect car, true. The wide c-pillar creates a blind spot, the engine isn't V6 smooth, and it's true that the seats aren't the best. But nits aside, this is a seriously good car.
The most for the least
bflem83, 08/02/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
Traded in my 03 Rio last week... says a buddy, "you went from a KIA to an Infinity??" No, this IS a KIA! This car meets and beats my expectations. The power of a six cylinder with the efficiency of four, this thing is a beast on the road, whether trying to pass or just have fun. I have the SX turbo with luxury package. Corners are incredible, and the ride is MUCH smoother than i expected based on other comments (what, were you driving through feathers before??), and i still cant believe the power behind it (274HP?!). The interior is incredibly elegant, with attention on the driver, and the panoramic roof, wow. Bumper to bumper, this car will have you feeling much richer than you actually are
Test drive review
canreda6, 01/07/2011
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6M)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
I have been test driving the 2011 Sonata and Optima. Optima looks like an Infiniti or Audi and offers features the Sonata doesn't like hill start assist and dual exhaust on all trims. I am leaning towards the Optima and I really want to buy a manual trans, but Kia decided, in a truly bizarre move, to not allow you to get cruise control with the manual trans. Otherwise the car is excellent. Very good acceleration and you can't hear the valve train noise like you can on the Sonata which is nice. Also seems like the suspension is more upscale than the Sonata. No options allowed or a turbo with a manual trans?? Change the packaging and they would steal sales from BMW/Audi and others...
The Optima ROCKS!
lovemyoptima, 07/10/2012
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
My Optima is 1 year old - 22,000 miles - mostly interstate/highway.I'm still in love with this car! I'm confused by other posts about the poor gas mileage?I just took a trip from Boulder CO through the mountains (Hwy 285) down to northern NM and got an average of 32.5 MPG and just under 600 miles to the tank. Coming back, I got 550 miles to the tank or 29 mpg (had to climb more coming back).In town I'm getting 24.5-27 MPG.Until I took the plunge and bought a KIA I was a Toyota gal (Camry and Corolla owner and I loved them)...I will never go back to Toyota...they are totally boring to the core.The 2011 Kia is a quality car. It might not be a BMW or Audi but it's the closest I'm going to get!
7,000 mile update
ggunderson2, 06/03/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
Just finished a Highway trip of 350 miles each way thru hilly country. Average MPG of 37.8!!! Seats remained comfortable, ride was quiet. I have owned a new car every other year for at least 20 years and have NEVER gotten as many compliments for any other car. The other day a gas station attendent ran out to ask questions. Not a single rattle or any maintenance to-date. You really should look at this car as it cannot be touched at this price!
Bought a 2011 SX fully equiped
acerava, 07/11/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Bought 2011 SX graphite color and everysingle day people are asking what is that "the new audi? the new infiniti? the new saab?". I love it! great pick up, quiet (not as loud as people exaggerate but I have the luxury wheels) i owned a 2002 nissan Altima and that was loud to me. There is zero complaints aside from the engin start in the mornings (I live in LA) its a bit loud but quiets after 10 seconds. I absolutly had to add the K5 leds in the front and man does it make a difference! Im still in awe over the car and I drove it 1600 miles already. I would have never bought a Kia in my life but after testing the C300 and audi A4 this had a lot more for the money. I did rebadge though for K5.
Quite the stunner, but only time will tell.
rwbenjey, 03/08/2011
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
The 2011 Optima is basically a "European" version of the Sonata and a very nice looking sport-luxury sedan (thanks to Peter Schreyer, formerly of Audi). To me, this larger car looks like a marriage between a Lexus, a Saab, and a Maserati. It's a head-turner (as I certainly noticed on the way home from the dealership). The interior seems to borrow ideas from Volvo , Saab, and Audi (obviously). The only part, to me, that shows some of the KIA legacy is the dash/door trim choice and the seat fabric. Though, Not terrible, these items could be better than they are. Overall, I am very pleased by the design, number of standard features, performance, and comfort of this vehicle. Rating: A-
My First NEW CAR!!!! EX with Premium Package.
amarios, 03/21/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
March 17, 2011 I bought myself a new car. I have to tell you that Kia has done an excellent job remodling this car, and of course the design and thanked to Audi ex designer. Anyways other than that interior is nice as well as exterior. This car gave me the best bang for my buck. While driving people look at my car I notice and they look back a second time which I love so much because than people are like that is a KIA yes it is and lovin' it!!!!
2011 Optima SX Turbo
gt88b, 04/30/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Had it for a month & love it. Handles surprisingly well for a front driver. A little slow off the line (unless you power brake it) but after 10 ft it is really quick. Trans drops down a gear or two very easily. 50 to 70 pass happens right now. Very smooth ride even with the stiffer suspension. Every one who drives it ends up going 80+ thinking they are going 60.
Greatest car on market!
abc55, 07/12/2011
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
What can I say? I love my Optima LX 6AT. It blows away any other Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Chevy or Ford off the road. I looked and drove them all before buying. Looks slick while it's doing it. Quality abounds from interior, exterior to engine performance and MPG economy. All the other car makers...watch out. This is going to catch on in a big way. Nobody can believe it is a KIA. I'm getting 32-33 MPG on a twisty, turning, up and down road. Electronic stability control is the best.
My first Car (i.e. non 4x4 gas guzzler)
rbish, 01/30/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
I went to look at the Sorrento SUV and saw this unique looking beauty sitting next to it on the showroom floor with a $10K less price tag. I walked around the car and sat in every seat multiple times ... I couldn't talk myself out of liking this car! I get asked by neighbors, people at the gas station and people in parking lots, "What is that? "It looks like a BMW, Audi, etc... no way it's a KIA" "It's a KIA?" "Looks nice!" Needless to say I enjoy my 30min each way commute a lot better now. Sometimes I can't even tell I am driving a 4-cyl! Oh and let's just say my business partner asked for us to take it to our lunch meeting (he drives a 7-series BMW)...
My SX experience
72roadrunner, 05/22/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I love this car. Handles great and has excellent power whether using ECO mode or regular mode. I am getting 30mpg overall combined city and hwy with about 50/50 of each. This car has the interior room of a much bigger car. I have extra long legs and I still fit in this car great, and there is room for someone to sit behind me with my seat all the way back the way I need it. This isn't true for many cars. The truck is also bigger than other large cars I have driven/owned. I love that people can't figure out what kind of car this is at first glance. That will probably change as more show up on the road, but for now I feel I am driving an exclusive luxury automobile, that runs on regular!
Bang for the Buck
mja2, 06/07/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I have owned my SX for app. 3 weeks. Zero Complaints so far. Gas mileage in regular mode is in the neighbor hood of 26 MPG mixed driving. If I am gentle in ECO mode I have gotten 29mpg under the same conditions. Acceleration to 60 is good , acceleration above 60 is very impressive, it might even scare you alittle. Overall quality seems very good. I have the basic stereo and the sound is crystal, I can only imagine the upgraded version. The only negative so far is when I start it first thing I hear a faint rattle in the exhaust.
Great Start...a few nitpicks
flip00, 10/18/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Wow, Kia hit a home-run with the new Optima. Researched and then drove all the competitors in both 4 and 6 cylinder high end versions, and the Optima hands down was superior. had to wait almost 3 months to get mine, I had really just wanted an EX with the premium package...love those cooled seats in the hot El Paso sun, but have not regretted the SX. Have not experienced the pull to the left, and the car is as quiet as my former Accord EX-L on the road. A few quality issues with the sunglass holder and mood lighting not functioning on the passenger door and I do get have the rattle from the sunroof. getting an average of 24-28 in mixed driving in part due to elevation Would buy again!
Great Value
cosmosprophet, 02/24/2011
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a second vehicle to drive to work. I commute 600 miles one way. I bought it because of what I perceived as a great value. It has been just that. The gas mileage is coming up a couple of miles short but still very good at 33 miles per gallon on the freeway. I drives excellent and is very comfortable to ride in for the 8.5 hour trip.
3rd updatre
donnie71281, 09/25/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've not got 4,000 miles on my EX-Turbo. I still love this care as much as the day i bought it. Not a single issue with the car. The turbo engine is fantastic. Fit and finish is great and this car is the favorite of all the cars i've ever owned. The only thing i would change is having just 1. (which may change)
KIA Optima EX is a Luxury Car
Jim Johnson, 01/15/2019
updated 01/16/2020
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Our 2011 KIA Optima EX totally loaded is just a nice as a Luxury car at half the price. Even 9 years later with 130,000 miles on it this car has been maintance free. Tires, brakes and oil changes is all this car has ever required and is in the same condition as when we bought it new. No signs of any wear, even the leather driver seat stills looks new. The best car we have ever owned.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Automatic Transmission Failure at 3600 Miles
ghostrider1017, 04/21/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
On 4/11/11, we were driving to work and had gone four miles from our house, when we thought we had hit a deer. The car made a very loud sound and lurched violently, at highway speed, frightening us both. The lurching was so violent that it may well have caused other damage. We were extremely fortunate not to have crashed. We then found that the car would not shift gears. The automatic transmission had gone out of our 2011 Kia Optima EX. We bought the Kia new on 1/8/11. The car had 3600 miles on it at the time of the catastrophic failure. This was our first Kia purchase (and last, I might add), and we are very disappointed. Needless to say, we were shocked by this dangerous occurrenc
Optimal Optima Follow-up
rockinrn, 03/09/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is a follow-up review to my 12/12/10 review. Just drove the Optima to California from Arizona in March 2011. I was astounded by the road roar the car makes at 70 MPH on the freeway. The noise is so loud it is impossible to make a cell phone call and the radio had to be turned way up to drown out some of the noise. I feel that the low rent Nexus tires are to blame. Many, many good features on the car, just extreme road and wind noise on the highway. Before buying one take it on the freeway for a while at 70 MPH and evaluate the ROAD NOISE.
Very Impressed
orion1192001, 05/17/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I saw this car on the road and decided to go in and check it out. I was very impressed. It had more features, power, practicality, and features than other cars I was considering for about $5,000 less. 2 years ago I would never have considered a Kia, but this car is legitimate. After a few hundred miles I am still appreciating its refinement and drive. Try to shelve your bias and just test drive the thing, I think you will be pleasantly surprised....
A Class Leader
cpurick, 02/12/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've had several Audis and VWs. I was immediately taken by the Optima's styling, inside and out. It was only later that I learned it was designed by a former Audi chief designer. The Optima is a European styled version of the Hyundai Sonata, with which it shares many parts. The formula is similar to Acura's TSX, which is sold in Europe as the Honda Accord. Fit and finish are very good to excellent. Styled like an Audi, but built like an Accord. Much nicer inside than a Camry. The 200hp 4-cylinder is more than enough for a 3300lb car. Despite head-turning lines, this is not an Autobahn cruiser -- it's a conventional midsize sedan, albeit a very pleasant one to spend time in.
2011 kia
fmarie, 01/24/2014
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Last week I bought a 2011 kia optima stick shift with 26,000 miles on it. It looked brand new and even smelled brand new. It is very spacious and luxurious on the inside and very classy, yet sporty on the outside. I have been disappointed in the gas mileage, I have been averaging about 26, 27 in city and on highway. The front seat is a slight uncomfortable because i cannot adjust the angle of the front seat. There is a blind spot on the right back passenger side. It seems a little jerky when going into first and second shift, but when the engine is running it is very quiet. It's a much bigger car than i realized at the purchase.
2nd review of my EX Turbo
donnie71281, 05/12/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've not put a little over 800 miles on my 2011 Turbo EX. Not a single problem. My Optima tracks 100% Straight on the freeway with NO left pull at all. I've read of others having the left pull issue and i agree that you should test drive the car on the freeway first. Though I would say that of ANY car. This problem isn't an uncommon issue with electric steering(generally sofware related). Honda and VW have had the same issue. Our 2003 accord has started the left pull again. I still love my Optima 1,000,000 times more than i did the Accord Ex-L V6 i test drove. I'm also going on week 3 without a trip to the gas station. Really love that.
So far, so good
im714, 08/11/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 6 weeks now and have put 1600 miles on it. The build quality seems to be pretty good although there is a squeak coming from the passenger door. The turbo is a lot of fun to drive, but doesn't make the vehicle a sports car. The vehicle makes the weirdest sound when accelerating but I guess that is normal (sounds as it if has an electric engine or something). Visibility out the back window is limited but you get used to it after a while. I love the exterior design of the car. The interior is good but it could be better. I wish I had gotten the Infinity stereo-the standard is loud but that's about it. As for MPG, the computer estimates 2 MPG higher than the actual number.
This didn't cost $35k!?
rjp3900, 01/27/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Any other make and model would have... Leather seats, french stitching, heated AND cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, memory drivers seats that moves back to let you out and "tucks" you in when the car starts (my dad commented only his Cadillac CTS had done that for him), panoramic sunroof, styling that rivals a Lexus IS 250...for $23,500!? But I'll go on. It takes speed bumps like running fingers over velvet, yet is sporty and fun to drive. It has a 4-banger that drives that a zippy V6, and with the shiftronic, I easily pass those cars I need to. At 35 MPG highway, 24 city? No premium gas? Seriously!? This car has it all at the best value I've seen.
Owe KIA an apology
richn2, 08/18/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
First looked at a KIA in June, thought no way spending xx dollars for a KIA. I mean its a KIA. Plus I have a fully loaded Durango that I loved.Well picked up my 2011 SX Pearl White w/ tech & Prem package last Saturday. Should have done it a lot sooner. First day out took it on a 200+ mile drive, highway avg 34.8 mpg. All week city traffic avg 24. 4 mpg. What a ride. No pulling to the left, interior is plenty quite, steering is tight but so was my Saab. When my 24 yr daughter saw it she said let's trade in her Pontiac Solstice and get her a Optima, so it must be a sharp looking car. Is it a perfect car no but its close enough. I learnt never to compare what I had to what I have.
Below average yet very reliable car
David, 01/18/2017
updated 07/18/2018
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
All I've done in 97,000 miles other than oil changes is to replace the plugs once. Parts for this vehicle range from very cheap to outrageously expensive so I suggest trading before anything real goes wrong. Has been leaking or burning oil for some time. 1 quart every 2500 miles. The road noise will drive you mad on a long trip but the fuel milage has been great. Just a cheap reliable vehicle. UPDATE Our vehicle failed the Kia engine test so kia replaced the engine and renewed our warranty. Thru out the process the people at Kia went above and beyond to make it as little an inconvenience as possible. We are nearing 130k miles. Tranny seems to slip a little now and again. But overall we've been so satisfied that we are going to be purchasing another Optima.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car 2011 EX Turbo fully loaded
we_will_see, 07/17/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This truly is a very nice car. Is it perfect no but unless you want to spend $80,000 plus. This car is a great value, have the premium package with nav etc. Have had for over a month with 3,455 miles. Took two trips with it one 2 hours one 6 hours and it drives great on the highway. I got 34.8 mpg. The front drivers seat is a little stiff and could use more padding and the ride is a little firm but you get use to it. A bit to much plastic inside but over all it looks rather up scale. Getting about 22 mpg in the city. Dispite what I have read it's very quite and I don't hear the road noise from the tires. The engine runs smooth, shifts smooth and it can move with the turbo.
BEWARE of the left pull!!
jfogs, 05/10/2011
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Purchased brand new 2011 Kia Optima from Nationwide Kia in Timonium MD. Car was defective off the lot with a marked left pull that requires constant pressure on the wheel to keep the car from flying off the road. DO NOT believe the dealer if they say they can fix the car. This is a known defect with many Optima's and their kissing cousin Sonata's. I was told there is "nothing else we can do and your car still pulls to the left" from their "service" tech. I have lemon with 800 miles on it - great.
Engine quit
Leann, 11/06/2016
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
There was not one signal sign that my engine was about to quit. When my car was shifting into 2nd gear the engine died. Oil was fine. Nothing was wrong. It never started back up. I owe $8890 on this car still. Mechanic said he thought it jumped time and bc of that it blew my engine.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
112,000+ miles and still going strong!
mainecoast, 02/07/2014
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I really love this car. The seating could be a little more comfortable, but my seat has pretty much conformed to me after all these miles. 6 speed manual is a lot of fun, I'm a big fan of standard transmissions. Passing on back roads is a breeze, plenty of power, that 200hp 4 cyl provides good power to weight ratio....just pop it down into 3rd step on it, and it goes...fast. I've hit what seems to be a rev limiter on occasion, and a top speed limiter in 6th because it ran out of steam at about 118 with what should have been plenty of room showing on the tach. Totally reliable. Tires, oil changes, trans. oil change. That's it. Brakes, plugs, serp. belt, radiator flush in spring.
Optimum Optima
rockinrn, 12/12/2010
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Just picked up my new 2011 Kia Optima EX. It is Snow White Pearl with grey leather interior. After driving the car for a few days I can say that it is great value for the money with better than average performance. The six speed automatic shifts smoothly and quickly. The 200 HP four cylinder engine has performance that is adequate for all but the most speed obsessed driver. The car has an amazing amount of front leg room. My 6' 4" frame has room to spare and that is highly unusual in any car regardless of price. The fit and finish as well as the quality of the materials is top notch . Great car so far, but I still can't figure out the mood lighting in the armrests.
How could I
slownomore, 12/03/2011
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I never thought I would leave the US market but when kia came out with the new design on the optima I said I want that car.So far I have no regrets on buying my 2011 optima even though I have the LX with automatic and conv.package upgrades I love this car.With my bad driving habits I still get 30mpg.The 2.4 liter has plenty of power for me.The ride is nice and fairly quiet.I like the new design inside and out
A phenomenal value!
ambobob, 06/25/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Optima about 5 months ago, and in that time have only put about 900 miles on it so its difficult to comment on reliability. But - that aside, wow do you get a lot of car for the money! Ours came practically loaded (minus the panoramic sunroof, navigation, heated/cooled seats) - for around $22,000. The interior is modeled after Audi, and seems like something you'd find in a much more expensive car. The beautiful French stitching really catches the eye, and the exterior styling definitely turns heads! Kia has definitely come a long, long way in the past 10 years and I would encourage anybody who is in the market for a mid-size sedan to strongly consider the Optima.
3rd update
donnie71281, 05/06/2012
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've now had my EX-Turbo for 13 months. Just hit 8,000 miles. I still love the car as much as I did the day I got it. Not had a single problem with the car. I have no complaints with the fuel economy at all. Yes, the Nexen tires are noisy, but once those are changed the car is extremely quiet. Makes our Accord sound like a wind tunnel. I would buy this car all over again. No regrets.
2011 Optima EX w/ Premium Package
arumage, 05/03/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
So far, I'm really enjoying my new Optima. It looks great and the features are awesome. It has enough power for any driving that I do and so far is returning about 27 mpg in mixed driving even though it's not fully broken in yet. It really loved being driven steadily between 45 and 55mph. The trip computer says it's getting about 39mpg at those speeds, although I hear it's a little optimistic.
unbelievably good value
ssekdad, 09/15/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in early July and drove from Chicago to Colorado and back in August so I already have almost 5000 miles on this car. I love almost everything about this car so my complaints are really nit picky. The city gas mileage isn't great (15-20) but we got almost 33 mpg on the trip to Colorado where we averaged over 70 mph. In Eco mode the transmission seems to downshift abruptly when you are decelerate. The routing on the GPS and the POI library isn't great so I am continuing to use my TomTom GPS unit. Other than that I am thrilled with the car. The workmanship is top notch, it's extremely roomy and comfortable, the panoramic sunroof makes it feel even more spacious.
Value, Features, and Style - Oh My!
ggunderson2, 05/04/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Unlike others I have been getting good mileage - 22 in town, 33 interstate. Engine is adequate and I always have the power I need. Engine noise is loud outside of car, but unlike others I have had no problems with noise levels inside the car. I purchased for $23K with leather, heated and cooled seats, dual sunroof, and 60K warranty. No Japanese, American, or German car comes close to matching the overall value - If you are looking for a family sedan price and compare. Only weaknesses is it rides low so front frame scrapes when backing out of driveway, etc. View outside constrained by thick C-pillars. But rides very nice and has more truck and interior space than large cars.
Loved this car!
Taya, 12/02/2021
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Owned this car for 7 years with literally not one issue. Basic model was comfortable enough for what it is! Literally only ever replaced basic maintenance. Breaks, spark plug, oil, tires. A few recalls that were dealt with very fast. That’s it. But in 7 yrs we literally never had anything besides the basics. No check engine lights nothing. Got side swiped by a semi on the freeway And it got totaled but No one was hurt the car held up very well! Safe and reliable! Would have kept as long as we could had it not been totaled.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A ways to go before it's a 'Toyota' in reliability
Crandy, 08/22/2018
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The good - Initial quality is/was as fantastic as every review and award says. When we did have to have something fixed, parts were cheap. The quality of the car and the road noise, while a little on the cheap side, wasn't all that bad. The bad - Long-term dependability leaves quite a bit to be desired. Traded at 100k miles. * My 2 year old son managed to break the back passenger door mechanism somehow. The handle was in one piece, but the door opening mechanism was compromised. It was stuck on perma child lock. * The air conditioner worked most of the time. If it didn't work, that all glass sunroof was murder. * The sunroof worked...most of the time. * Most of the 'hey, check this noise out' was answered with 'they all make that noise'. That noise, in this case, was the sound of it burning through oil between oil changes. Had the recall check done, and I'm shocked that they didn't catch how much oil that pig was burning through. In general, with my Sorento the same thing happened. "That's not a leak, it's a seep." Aw shucks, thanks guys! I feel all warm and fuzzy and that's all I really needed. Longer story, I think it made the rattle noise at low rpms for the last 15k miles, but the burning through oil got aggressive, quickly. Low rpm rattle = bad. * The bluetooth connected most of the time. In general, this is my last Kia. Better than some cars I've owned, definitely not a Toyota or a Honda. The warranty is good, but you don't want to have the, "oh, it's supposed to make that noise" conversation with the shop in the first place.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
8000 Mile Review
redbruin, 10/15/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I hit 8000 miles last week and still love this car. I came from a Lexus IS250 to the Optima turbo SX model and prefer driving this over the Lexus. It has more power and is more fun to drive. I get about 18-23 mpg in the city and 30-35 mpg highway. This is a mid $30K for a mid $20K price tag.
The best dollar value
coloradoan1, 08/27/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Optima two weeks ago. So far an excellent decision. The engine is impressive and in the city gives 25+ MPG. What is fun is the technology package: this car is equipped with features that you only find in a top notch brand. It is probably true that it is a little more noisy than a BMW or a Mercedes... But it is half the price!. I think this is a great option. Must see before buying a new car
Best 4 Banger for the Buck
skyflyin, 02/02/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have to agree with the reviews so far, this is far and away the best in class. Great looks, good performance with an interior that has more standard features than some cars have features. I purchased the EX with Premium Package and I couldn't be happier. Everything about this vehicle is smooth, the steering, acceleration and braking are all refined as well as the interior features are well thought out and intuitive. The engine has ample power and if I get anywhere near the EPA estimated gas mileage I will be even happier. Kia has come a long way with this vehicle from an also-ran to a leader. Well done!
Awesome!
ddoc117, 08/01/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Man, when I first saw this vehicle on a Kia dealership lot, I was immediately taken. The Optima SX is, by far, the coolest vehicle in it's class. Looks, styling, performance and value all rolled up into one fine automobile. Way to go Kia, you have my undivided attention, so much that a week after I first saw the Optima SX, I purchased one.
Optimum Optima
optimasx, 06/26/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 17 people found this review helpful
Traded a G8 GXP, for this car. I thought I loved that car, And would miss it, but this one is a whole new experience (even without 415 hp). Features, cost, fit and finish, options, this baby is loaded, very nicely styled, and still has 274hp, and gets 37 hwy mpg....and it's a KIA!
Best Midsize Car for 2011 Update #3
dankocke, 07/26/2011
2011 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Left Pull Issue 90% eliminated by getting new tires. I was very hesistent about going this route as Kia would not offer to do this for me. I've read the discussions on Kia forums and people who changed tires had success. Luckily I was one of them. I went with Yokahama Avid Envigors about $100 each and the fun factor has returned to this car 100 fold. These new tires handle much better, are better in the rain and provide good road feel with a much better pronounced on-center feel. Otherwise, my Optima is performing well. With the sweltering heat my mileage has been between 27 and 29mpg commuting to work and back.
Likin' it
bobpdd70, 05/23/2011
2011 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had my Optima SX Turbo for about 6 weeks now and I'm likin' it so far. I didn't buy it to be a luxury car substitute so I'm mindful to not compare it one. It looks great, the power is there and I really enjoy driving it. If I did have one gripe, it would be the tires. I think alot of the issues (left pull and road noise) that are posted in the previous reviews may be tire related. I'll find out in about 35,000 miles when I change mine out.
best value
rhamblen, 10/13/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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..
Very happy!!!
donnie71281, 04/17/2011
2011 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I test drove the 2011 Honda Accord EX-L V6 same day and the only reason i gave this car a second look is because of the exterior and the 2.0 turbo engine. As soon as i saw the fit and finish of the interior i was sold. I took the car for the test drive and i was in love. The accord was very nice too, but i didn't fall in love with it like this. The 2.0 turbo is fantastic. Has more horse power than the 5.2L V8 i used to drive. I couldn't be more pleased with this car. Only options i didn't get was Nav. and Moon roof. Put 100 miles on the car today and getting 21 in the city and 33 on freeway. With all the hills in WV i'm more than please. Will update more as time goes on.
engine light--Vapor leak!!
jm1522, 03/14/2012
2011 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought a brand fresh out of the factory 2011 Optima, which had to be returned to the dealership after 500miles for the engine light. The service department said that the car had a faulty gas cap and make sure that we DO NOT top off at the gas pump. 200miles after the engine light was reset it came back on again. This car has been into the dealership 5times for the engine light, each time the service dept says it is a vapor leak!! If a car has been returned 5times for the same issue, apparently there is a real problem and just turning off the engine light DOES NOT fix the problem.
1