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Used 2012 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
130 reviews

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3.75 out of 5 stars

2012 kia optima SX Turbo Very, Very bad gas mileage

jiebew, 02/12/2012
2012 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
11 of 102 people found this review helpful

Poor gas mileage. only getting about 21 MPG I drive mostly freeway and can't get any more than that. took it to the dealer and they did nothing about it. Seriously thinking about a lawsuit. will be soon getting some legal advise from and attorney. If other are already in this mode i would love to hear from you. Yesterday and today I couldn't get the car to go above 40 MPH. I had to pull off the road and turn the car off and restar it. It did better but something is wrong. will be taking it back to the dealer in the morning.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Stay Away from Kia Optima unless you like noise

2012kia, 06/09/2012
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 11 people found this review helpful

Purchased this car May 9, 2012. After a few days, I noticed a creaking noise every time I turn left or right. Took the car into the dealership and was told the clock spring needed to be replaced. I've only had this car 7 days, and something already has to be replaced. Also, the engine or transmission is really loud when accelerating from 0-40. After I reach 40mph or higher, this noise goes away (not sure if that's a normal noise or not, my 2005 Honda Accord was never this loud!). Engine makes a pinging noise when engine is turned off. Looking to trade this car in really soon. This dealership, Crain Kia in Sherwood, Arkansas is not very customer friendly after the sell.

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3 out of 5 stars

No issues after 3.5 years and 74k miles

Tracy Payne, 09/07/2015
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been an excellent car. There have been no repairs required and fuel economy is 32-34 mpg for highway. OEM tires were poor, but replaced with Michelins and car drives and handles well.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

great car

Tim, 09/17/2015
updated 09/26/2022
2012 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I now have 61,000 miles (3.8yrs) on my LX. I'm 6'3' and I love the driver seat comfort. My wife on the other hand is 5'3" and the front passenger seat is way too low for her. We have had to buy a cushion so she feels comfortable seeing out. Tires wore out in 30K miles and were terrible in the snow. I now have Generals on it and they are great. I had the right front ball joint replaced under warranty at 55K miles. I'm a little concerned about the left front now. It gets great gas mileage! Trips to Pittsburgh net me 37MPG (660 miles 72 MPH, cruise on, ECO on) and I consistently get 29-30 mpg in my every day driving. Has a nice large trunk that is great for trips, enough for the luggage and all the thing my wife buys. Over all a great car and would buy one again. 9/15/16 - still a great car. Had to have the left front wheel bearing replace at 71467 miles. It was covered under warranty!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

2012 Optima EX purchased new

Michiganrunner, 09/17/2015
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my car....except...from the time I bought it just over 3 yrs ago, I've had battery issues. Now I'm thinking it's an electronic issue. I can sit in my car not running, and listen to the radio for 15 mins and the battery will die. Can't count the number of times I've had it jumped. KIA replaced the battery last year...and the problem continues. I only have 32,300 miles on my car in over 3 yrs- with a newer battery, and it's died twice within 3 weeks. Thankfully my local Kia dealer is going to pick it up from my work tomorrow morning, evaluate it, and bring it back to me before I leave work. My electronics freaked out today when I attempted to restart. I prepared to call Kia's free roadside assistance again and needed my VIN# to do so. I'd waited approx an hr and a half before calling. I went to my car to get the VIN...and it magically started! Wth? All electronic features had to be reset, but it actually started right up. Hence I do not believe it to be a battery issue, but an electronic one

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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