Used 2012 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Very Impressive
bambino3, 03/03/2012
2012 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for just over 3 months. After owning many VWs and Audis, I was in the market for a new Audi when I read reviews on the Optima and decided to at least have a close look and test drive. To be honest, I felt this car looked better overall than the Audi A4. Sleeker lines end to end. I know that's a personal judgment, but that was how I saw it. Next, I looked closely at the interior and features offered in the SX (to me, a turbo charged engine is a necessary performance feature). The interior, while not quite as plush as an Audi A4, was extremely nice. Leather, very stylish dash and trim. Finally, I drove the car and was very impressed with the ride and performance.
First LX Manual Review
trusko, 07/04/2012
2012 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I owned 1997 Acura Integra GS-R for 13 years and it was time to say good buy. With 3 kids and two of them playing hockey I was looking for a car that I can drive to work on daily basis and it can still fit two hockey bags. Optima handling is quite impressive, engine is very responsive. I like driving manual transmission and was quite impressed with Optima's responsiveness. I had to go with LX base since this was the only model that comes with manual. However, car is already loaded with all options I really wanted so no big deal. Gas mileage is pretty good - I am averaging 8.5L/100KM (mixed 50% highway), gets better on highway I could easily get 7L/100km.
Love the car - hate the Infinity NAV
fixer199, 01/07/2012
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Just bought a new EX with Premium & Tech packages last week. More we drive it, the more we like it -- except for the Infinity audio/NAV. The center channel dash speakers overpower all the others. it's almost like driving a car from the 50's with one dash speaker. I thought I didn't have it adjusted right, but you can't adjust it away and the Kia forums have lots of the same complaint from other owners. You also give up HD radio when you 'upgrade' to the $1400 Tech Package. Don't do it unless you MUST have the backup camera! Harmon Kardon make this system and they should be ashamed! We would buy the car again -- but without the Tech Package.
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!
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