Used 2012 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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Fine car with a couple of odd quirks
scrapalara, 02/24/2012
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
600 miles into my 2012 Optima EX w/premium pkg (pano roof, UVO stereo), no NAV. First, I've read several reviews that say they upgraded to the tech pkg to get the backup camera. With the EX premium pkg, the backup camera was included. Car is quiet and responsive. I have a 60-mile daily commute (one way) and running about 69-70 with the cruise am getting about 32 mpg. Expect this to improve as the car breaks in and the weather warms. A head-turner! Trading up from a loaded '05 Sebring convertible, so, to me, road noise is quiet! Handled 8" of Illinois snow with ease and stability. Very pleased so far!
No Spare Tire!!
alanbala, 06/27/2012
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
My wife and I had to purchase a new car, after our less than two year old car was totaled. After ruling out several cars, we decided we really liked the 2013 Kia Optima EX with the Premium Package. We got a really good price considering it is a 2013 model, and as we were settling on the sale, we discovered the car comes with NO SPARE TIRE!!. Instead, you get some kind of hinky tire inflation kit good for one use. We bought the car anyway. Now we have to go out and buy a space saver spare, a jack and a lug wrench. The jack and lug wrench are easy to find. Not so the spare. Chevy started this stupid trend. it's a shame all the other manufacturers are following suit.
Update -- Better than Expected
fixer199, 11/24/2014
updated 05/25/2016
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
57,000 mi update -- still love the car. Trouble free and still get lots of compliments on how good it looks. 42,000 mile update. This car has been one of the most trouble-free and enjoyable cars we've ever owned. Still don't recommend the Nav unit, but I understand Kia changed it for 2013. OEM Nexen tires are crap! We swapped them for Michellins at 30k. HUGE improvement in handling, quiet, and wet traction. We log our fuel usage and have averaged 25.53 mpg since new. About 80% of that was metro driving. We usually get 30-33 on road trips. Dealer service has been excellent. Had one issue with a burr on the steering gear. My wife didn't even notice it, but the dealer took care of it and provided a loaner. No hassles. Wish I could say the same for my Ford truck dealer.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Kia Hybrid Premium was a great find
sii, 04/30/2012
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
What a find! It's a bettery hybrid than the Camry and had more features for the same price as the Sonata. Lithium Polymer battery provides extra power during hard acceleration. The transition from EV battery mode to engine power was smooth unlike in the Sonata or the reviews. My guess is they tweaked the software. Not as sporty as a smaller car or a Mazda, but much better than other hybrids. Though it's a hybrid, it feels like a normal fully equiped car except for the quietness and good MPG.
The Power to Surprise. This is a Kia?!
dratsu, 05/23/2012
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
with Premium Package. I wasn't this excited about my wife's '07 Infiniti G35x, an incredible car. I expected that to be great. The 7 midsize sedans I tested now should be solid, affordable family cars. I got so much more. 4700 miles, 4 months. First impressions are lasting; still loving it. Unequaled luxury & value - the style, features, and attention to detail are unmatched at this price point. Some cars costing $10K more lack this level of sophistication. How many cars light up for you as you approach, inviting you back? With this amazing car, Kia hasn't just arrived to the midsize sedan competition, it's taken the category by storm. The Power to Surprise, indeed.