Used 2012 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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Optima EX GTi: 5-year review. 79000 miles
Val, 04/27/2016
updated 11/25/2019
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
(Final update): Traded this car in May 2019 for a Subaru Outback, as we have moved to the mountains and wanted an AWD vehicle. Car was in good condition and fetched a reasonable price at the dealer. Do not have as many options on the Outback and I REALLY MISS the keyless entry/push button start. (The dropdown only gave me the Hybrid option; this is NOT a hybrid Optima). My last review (shown below) still holds. I did have to replace a headlight, a $100+ job due to the way the way the bulbs are accessed. The car remains trouble-free and other than routine maintenance, car washes and the new tires mentioned below, I have invested no $$ in it. It's the go-to car in the family for road trips due to great gas mileage & comfort. I have kept the Sirius/XM subscription which we enjoy on long drives. (Previous review at 61,000 miles) I have a 3-day a week, 120-mile round trip commute. Gas mileage and good handling in snowy IL winters were important to me when I made a decision to purchase this car new in 2012. In all but the coldest conditions, I average 32-35 mpg on my highway drives; 25+ if driving around town. Like others, I love the heated steering wheel and seats, cooled seats in summer and the sunroof. Like others, when I have to take a turn in the passenger seat, I find it annoyingly low. Replaced tires at about 50,000 miles. Had the fuel pump go out (under warranty) at about 27,000 miles. Other than that, no repairs; just routine maintenance and regular oil changes (using synthetic oil - my choice; always use it!) I still love a lot of little things about this car - the keyless entry; the way the lights come on when I walk up to the car, the trunk space, the room for occasional passengers, the stylish looks. Handles just fine in the snow and still looks sharp as new on the outside. The tan leather is too light - shows dirt too easily; wish I would have gotten the darker interior. Overall, very pleased with my loaded Optima.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Decent car for the Money - Wish MPG was better
soxfan99, 12/31/2012
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Leased car in April 2012. Wanted to give the car a few months of driving before writing a review. Rides and handles great. Great tech options. Build quaility is what you would expect in the price range - It's a 21,000 car(25,800 list) - that being said, you can tell where they cut back. Door handles are one example. As far as the stated MPG, have put 11,000 miles of combined driving, never have gotten above 23-24 mpg. Long highway trips (with cruise) 31-32 mpg. Eco or not does not matter. The dealer does know, they said, nothing they can do. Kia corporate only wants to "talk about it". I bet - now that they are giving fuel credits to some owners of other models.
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So far so good...
bykdude, 09/08/2012
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Great car and great value. First 1000 miles ok. Only complaint would be the seats. Dude...you might as well be seating on a park bench. Other than that, this vehicle has all the features of any other luxury car. We'll just have to see how it stands up over time.
UPDATE: review 2012 Kia Optima SX
cdh906, 10/29/2014
2012 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is an update to my past review. I have 67,000 (2.5 yrs old) miles on my car- and I want to get rid of it now. I'm very disappointed in this car now. (I previously gave it 4 stars) but reliability trumps here. This car has now left me stranded in a parking lot twice because it wouldn't start. Stuck on the side of the freeway due to a failed fuel pump which is apparently common, but Kia won't pay for the replacement. Without a working turbo more than a few times. The leather is not real - and has started cracking despite meticulous care. Battery died at 2.25 yrs and this is also "the norm" for this car. Having to tow my 'new' car to the dealership on a flatbed was less than fun.
Disappointed
swkia, 10/28/2012
2012 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Poor gas mileage especially in the city. Under 16 mpg avg(mostly city) Never been gentler on a car(BORING) can't get it get anywhere near rated mileage. Dealer no help. Sirrus radio sounds awful when using Sirrus. I leased this vehicle expecting to save on fuel consumption. This low mileage is hitting hard at $4 a gallon. When researching I saw the low mileage warnings and bought into break in in period malarkey. Not true, got worse. If it weren't for the poor gas mileage. I would give it high ratings. I like most everything else.