Used 2012 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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Transmission went out at 60,400 miles!
Tim, 09/09/2015
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
We've have had this car since new, and didn't have any issues until it was out of manufacturers warranty. While driving approximately 55mph the vehicle went into "limp mode" and told us to "pull over and safely exit the vehicle" (this was displayed on the dash). If I tried to put it in drive it would make a very hard jump, and would not accelerate. Upon contacting Kia I was told that there was no road side assistance because our car was out of warranty. So we loaded the vehicle up on my parents flat bed and hauled it to the dealership it was purchased from in Ocala, Fl (we were in Jax, Fl and insurance wouldn't transport it that far). Thank God for the extended warranty! Because after sitting in the dealership for over two weeks while they were "waiting to hear back from Korea, because we've never seen this problem" the car needed a new transmission and new electric motor. If we wouldn't have had the extended warranty I would have set the damn thing on fire because I can't imagine what the cost of that was (our repair bill did not give a price). On top of the transmission and electronic motor going out, the buttons to change the station on the steering wheel do not work properly, and the steering wheel itself is peeling apart. Front air damn fell off going down the road. According to Kia it was because my wife couldn't park, but I think it was never put on properly. Steering wheel makes a clicking noise if you barely turn it while the vehicle is stopped. I'm sure it will break while we're on the highway. Fit and finish are decent but the car does not live up to its price tag or its estimated fuel economy. Our warranty goes out at 100k so at that time we'll trade it in for $1,500 and put that towards a Honda.
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Very pleasantly surprised
country6543, 06/22/2012
2012 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
My wife totalled her 300C and we looked at new cars for almost 8 months. With the way the economy was I wanted fuel efficient but she wanted sporty and fun to drive. Looked at all the different family cars out there and then drove the optima SX turbo. The features that set the Optima apart was the very roomy back seat for the kids, Great looks and fuel economy. We have around 8,000 miles on the vehicle and still love it. No problems, No noises and she gets raving compliments everywhere she goes. She drives mostly city with a little highway driving. City mpg is about 19-21 but highway mpg is right on the button at 33. I am 6'2" and have no problem with comfort, front or back.
Honda, Toyota, and Nissan-----LOOK OUT!!!
mojonphx, 02/01/2012
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing, after dismal repairs on my 2009 Honda Accord EX-L, I gave in on my frustrations and traded in the car for a brand new 2012 Kia Optima EX with Tech and Prem packages. The car is so much nicer than the Accord and a pleasure to drive. I have already put 3k miles on the car in one month because it is so addicting to drive and it turns heads wherever I go and people always ask "That's a KIA?" I highly recommend it and don't pass it by because it is a KIA, the brand has made drastic changes and it definitely shows. My Honda Accord was my third and last Honda and I will not be going back.
Hands down the BEST car I have ever owned
Beth, 07/25/2018
updated 08/03/2023
2012 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2013 when it was a year old and it had 13xxx miles on it. I did exhaustive research before buying and the Optima stood out for safety, satisfaction, price, and options. The styling is what drew me in, it is just an attractive, slightly sporty looking car. And I drive a LOT. I have a weekly commute to work of 450 miles, plus I like to get out on the weekends, so the miles just sort of racked up. In five years, I had one battery change, two tire purchases, and countless regular oil changes. That's it. No really--that is it. I added about 135,000 miles to this car with really zero repairs. Just last week (over five years later), I was hit head on and my sweet Kia was totalled. I am not digging the design changes for the newer (17-18) models, so I am doing exhaustive research again. I'm also considering finding another 2012, it was that great. The features you get for the price are unbeatable, it's zippy to drive, and comfortable for road trips. The trunk is unbelievably huge. Best car ever. Update: I did end up buying the 2017 to replace my totaled one in 2018--same model, even the same color. I don't love it as much as the 2012 but I can tell you, after 2 and a half years it hasn't had any expensive repairs needed either! I've put 76000 miles on it in that time. What is it with these cars? Guess I'll probably buy a third one when the time comes <3 Update #2: Still no issues with my Kia. Update #3, 2022: Still love these cars. Going strong. Update #4, 2023 yep still here!
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Optima Hybrid Great Value all Around
ennui5000, 04/23/2012
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I chose the KIA Optima Hybrid because these were the hybrids dealers were willing to negotiate lower and KIA offered additional incentives. From what I understood, it was the same system as the Sonata. 2010s KIA seems to be the great deal like their cousins unknown cousins were in the early 2000s. I am learning the car. Mostly, I keep it in cruise control as the EVO best monitors the performance. This works well. If you drive in EVO on your own, their is slight hesitation (why I gave it 4). EVO off and you feel the 200 HP and it moves without hesitation!! Lots of room, quiet, smooth ride, panoramic sunroof has wind shield. Tons of features. Handles well.
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