Used 2018 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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Keeping up with Honda and Toyota
Viper122, 03/12/2018
updated 03/14/2022
2018 Kia Optima SX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
79 of 82 people found this review helpful
Update 3/2022: One issue that has come up is the car is now going through one (1) quart of oil every 1,000 miles. It’s within tolerance for Kia. I believe this is a turbo issue but there’s a process to go through with Kia before they start addressing it and I’m not willing to spend the time on that. It’s making me re-think a Genesis/Stinger purchase. It’s a hit-or-miss issue. Otherwise, Car has been flawless for the 4 years I have owned, including all the tech (car is fully loaded). Updated review 3/12/2021. I purchased this car new in February 2018. It has been virtually problem free. I had a recall done, so have the unlimited engine warranty. The only issues I've had are: 1. A/C went out on a long road trip. Stopped to eat. Came back on when we started up again and have never had the issue again. 2. Part of the underbody cover (the felt piece) got caught on something and ripped off. Let alot of noise in. $120 part; dealer installed for free. No other issues. Car has been fantastic, looks fantastic and the interior still smells new with that Napa leather. I have an SXL in Sangria color with the Ivory Napa leather. Classy, great looking car.
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Great Value
Happy Driver, 01/19/2018
2018 Kia Optima SX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
35 of 36 people found this review helpful
Traded in my 2012 Mercedes C-Class for the 2018 Optima SXL. We purchased the 2017 Sorento SXL last spring after considering many other luxury brand SUV's and have been truly impressed. Decided it was a safe bet to trade the C-Class for the Optima. We've been very happy with the Optima thus far. It's a very quiet, comfortable vehicle with more than enough space for a family of 4. (It's not as quiet on the freeway as my Mercedes, but I don't expect that at $20K less than the 2018 C-Class comparably equipped.) You get a lot for the money, especially the SXL trim package, made better by the great deal we got on the purchase price... $4000 below MSRP. Kia's brand reliability (see Consumer's Reports) combined with the value for the money should make other car brands like Honda and Toyota take notice.
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Love Love Love my car!
Danell, 11/05/2018
2018 Kia Optima S 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
This car is super spacious, great on gas, and has a great exterior look to it! I receive so many compliments on my car and I love taking it for a drive. Sometimes the USB port for ApplePlay acts a little funky but I usually unplug and plug my USB charger right back in and it works fine after that. My last car was a Kia Forte which I loved as well but the Optima was the perfect upgrade for me. Overall, Kia has treated me great :)
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7000 miles engine blows
Wil, 02/27/2019
2018 Kia Optima S 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
I only had my 2018 Optima 2.4 engine for 7000 miles and then the engine needs replaced. Service said Kia having alot of trouble with that particular motor.
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Yes, I bought a KIA...
Nick, 01/04/2019
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I was interested in a new car, a sedan. Was looking for some luxury items like leather steering wheel and seats along with updated technology. Considered Mazda 6 but rear seat was too small and closed in for long trips. Considered Honda Accord but dealerships would not negotiate. When my wife asked if I would consider KIA or Hyundai, I scoffed. Decided to look at KIA one day after work and I found it very comparable to the Accord with better warranty. It had standard features I liked as well as great gas mileage. I could not work out a deal with local sellers and had to go out of state. They brought the car to me at no extra charge (3hrs). 10,000 miles in three months. Very comfortable and interior layout almost looks like a BMW or Audi. Roomy on the inside and great looking on the outside. Very satisfied!
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Get up and Go power!
Cheri Dickinson, 10/04/2018
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
It is a real nice car for a midsize sedan. Good on gas and everything feels tight and comfortable.
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4Th Optima since 2011
Anthony G, 09/13/2018
2018 Kia Optima S 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
16 of 21 people found this review helpful
I have owned many optimas, i loved the 2011 lx and the 2012 SXl, they were both great. The 2014 lx i owned, had the engine recall and after the repair the engine light stayed on. I decided to purchase the New 2018 Kia Optima S. Pros- Great styling, it picks up and goes and with 3 driving modes its pretty cool, love the Apple car play, love the sport style leather interior, led fog and rear lights. Cons- I have a hard shift from 2nd to first when slowing down, The brakes occasionally squeal (i live in Texas and it gets hot so no moisture should be causing them to squeal. The apple car play freezes sometimes. I purchased my car in October of 2017 so ive had it almost a year. Overall its great on gas, comfortable on long trips, great sound system, looks sporty and stylish. I think this is my last run with the Optima.
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Buy It Again
Michael DD, 09/13/2018
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 16 people found this review helpful
It has no spare tire.
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BEWARE OF FAKE PICTURES & DISCLAIMERS
Don Goffman, 02/01/2018
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
22 of 31 people found this review helpful
If you're researching the car on Kia.com or a dealer's website, you need to know that the picture associated with what you're building or what is available in the dealer's inventory is NOT the car you think you're getting. For the 2018 Optima EX, if you're interested in the basic model or adding the Premium Package please be advised that the picture shown (with fog lights) only comes if you also purchase the technology package as well. In spite of the picture shown, the fog lights are NOT part of the Optima EX without the Technology Package. Unfortunately, I didn't find that out until I went to lease the vehicle. After speaking with KIA I learned that, even though the picture shown is not the correct one or should I say the misleading one, it is mentioned below the picture IF you click on Disclaimers! BUYER BEWARE!
Legroom and comfort
Steve F, 10/19/2018
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Long time Accord owner who just couldn’t take the lack of legroom any longer. The Optima has loads of room and my power seats (upgraded) are so comfortable. The technology in the car is great and I’m loving the quiet ride. So much quieter than the Accords. Can’t be this great looking car for the money!
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Unhappy new kia owner
Terry sills, 01/14/2019
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
Does not perform well with acceraration. !! I bought a brand new kia optima and after a few weeks of driving it My car started missing out when i first drive it after it sits and i hear some type of little pop sound under hood when i first drive it during the missing out then it seems to do ok, hard idle at stop lights . Not a solid car at all ! The dealer ship did a scan to find problem but they say"No problem found". Sorry I bought it and it's brand spanking new. :(
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Good Value for your money with some shortcomings
Viceroy 1013, 08/07/2020
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Gas mileage not very good. If you live where there are lots of stop signs be prepared to visit the gas station more than normal. Computer readouts generally are not accurate and this one is no exception. It just gives you an idea of gas usage. MPH city is in the low teens. Highway in the twenties. Combined is a dismal 14 to 17 mph. Transmission shifts oddly once and a while. Not enough to hamper performance, but it does stop you and make you think. Radio is the worst I' ever had in a car. The music distorts easily and talk is almost unlistenable. This radio has the capture ratio of a $5 transistor radio. Probably a quality control issue. They just don't test every IC and every op-amp soldered onto a circuit board. The result is hit and miss that you'll get an acceptable audio experience. Tough to fix as it will take major surgery of the head unit. Other than that you get a lot more tech, ie. heated and ventilated seats, seat memory, passenger electric seat, an auto-dimming mirror as an example. These tech items among others are not common in cars at this price point. The ride is present and relatively quiet. Acceleration on the pokey side but generally ok. Absorbs bumps well. Hardware and switches feel solid. Heat and air conditioning work well. Car is good looking, pleasant to look at. Even with its few shortcomings, I''m looking to lease another. It is still overall a good value. And the newest Kias have improved on gas milage and transmissions, so I have read. .
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Best sedan on the market
Joan Marie, 11/13/2017
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 26 people found this review helpful
I love my 2018 Kia Optima! Comfortable, good looking and efficient in so many ways
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I'm In Love!
Jeanne Novak, 04/10/2019
2018 Kia Optima S 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
My 2018 Kia Optima Sport gives my spirit a lift every time I drive it. It's gorgeous, sleek, powerful, easy handling, sooo comfortable, has great safety features and gives me a great sense of confidence. I especially appreciate that the driver's seat can be raised so that short drivers can actually make use of the sun visors and also see over the dashboard. The 2018 models have many safety features and ApplePlay connectivity as standard features. The backup camera also warns off approaching cross-traffic, which is imperative when backing out of many parking situations (impossible to see past SUVs).
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HARNESS PROBLEM
ANTONIO pierce, 01/29/2019
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
My brand new 2018 Car may need a harness re-do. I am super upset that the car has landed me in the shop every few months for bad tail lights and electrical issues. Car shifts down a little rough and kinda makes noise after about 4000 miles. Not the same quiet as a mouse car as before...overall its a great look and value rich cabin' but loosing money in court or takimg of for work and paying for light bulbs due to defect is not cool and not worth it. All new cars suck. Thanks!!!
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Stranger things
Tginct, 11/05/2018
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 12 people found this review helpful
I like but I dont but I like it. Didn't handle well in high wind and rain too noisy/scary. I'm 5'8 lots of seating customization but couldn't get it right when I was seated comfortable for the ride, I couldn't see well. Also had reaching issue at atm, idk. Im not sure what the brakining feature is but if you coast at low speed the car brakes on its own/jerks. Where you put gas in is cheap looking an akward. I used it for a month, I liked the ride and back up camera and all inside features.
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My new car is a "Smooth" ride!
James, 09/08/2018
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
It has met my expectations so far, and I hope that it will continue to do so. Drive one and check it out for yourself. I believe you will be impressed.
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solid but not fabulous
mike, 03/14/2018
2018 Kia Optima SX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
Nice solid, responsive car. Missing the luxury feel of previous model years
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expensive clutter of junk
Tale B., 12/29/2019
2018 Kia Optima LX Turbo 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought the 1.6 l turbo model, it is by far the WORST ever !!! seriously underpowered, the transmission clutters so badly at first gear, you have a feeling it will disintegrate, on stop and go conditions the shacking extremely violent you have to press on the gas paddle to increase revolutions on the engine, that will propel forward but you have no place to go, this creates a dangerous situation and safety issues which will cost lives ... KIA says this is normal !!! they have issued a bulletin telling consumers not to worry!!! check this out. The government will have to react after deaths are reported, it will be too late! AVOID this model under any circumstances!
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Man, this car! Let me tell you! Amazing!!
Britney Campbell, 03/20/2021
updated 09/22/2021
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Go and get you this car! Kia is by far the Best ever! And I have owned A lot of vehicles. We drove this car through a Colorado blizzard. The worker they’ve seen in years, and let me tell you, this optima is a freaking BEAST! Not one issue in the blizzard! We are sooooo impressed! After that trip we named her “The General”! Enough said, I will never buy anything but a KIA!
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My second and now last Kia Optima
Frustrated, 10/19/2023
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 2018 Optima EX began using oil just before 60,000 miles. I did not get it into the dealership until after 60K so warranty was expired. Dealership changed the oil at my expense, then did an oil consumption test. The car used two and one half quarts the first 1,000 miles. I have continued to drive the car, keeping the oil level up. Now the catalytic converter is clogged due to the oil usage and should be under warranty till 80,000 miles but but got a song and dance at the dealership that it is not covered. Kia has been aware of this problem for several years but has not kept Kia drivers aware of this problem as far as I am concerned. The general manager at the dealership has offered to sell me another car but I have had enough of Kia.
Awesome! CommonWealth KIA
Leigh, 07/26/2018
2018 Kia Optima S 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
My experience with Xavier Aguirre and the whole entire staff at CommonWealth KIA of Lawrence was positively Amazing and I would recommend them to everyone!!! Sincerely, Leigh
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Piece of junk
Justin k, 01/29/2020
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 18 people found this review helpful
This car I purchased brand new from courtesy Kia in Brandon Florida. After finding out employees took my trade in and made a false accident attempting to then sue me for 100,000 and receiving zero support from Kia or the dealership (yes that happened). Fraud. This piece of junk car has been nothing but a headache. The headlights are so dim sometimes your not sure if they are on. The batter needs to be replaced after 30,000 miles and Kia won’t cover it. The car suffers from loss of power while driving down the road (Kia won’t cover it). The car makes a thumping noise at highways speeds (Kia won’t cover it). The brakes need replacing after 40,000 (Kia won’t cover it). They wouldn’t even cover a new headlight that cost $6 at wal mart. RUN!
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Buying
Ken, 08/23/2018
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Nice value for the money. Couldn’t get a deal at my local dealer so I bought it out of state
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I call her Opity
Kathy Nutting, 06/11/2020
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a great looking car. It drives so smooth I caught myself in the 80's on the interstate. No police please. The safety features are so reliable. Something about me I don't smoke or drink. So for my vice I use a car wash service. It's a black car and it's always clean. I have had two convertibles and this car beats both of them. Even my 20 year old son likes driving my car over his loaded truck. The gas mileage is wonderful, I have a sixty mile commute each day and I only fill up once a week. Yes once. Your not driving unless it's a Kia.
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Kia Girl
Victoria Robinson, 08/29/2020
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love, love my Kia. I had a Kia Optima, which I loved so much it was very good on gas never had any problems with it. My Kia dealer always took care of everything.So I because I love Kia so much I upgraded to a Sorento. So far I love the room and the gas mileage. So I'm a Happy 😍Kia Girl.
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LOVE MY KIA!!!
TBag, 01/31/2021
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had several different cars, fully loaded, over the years...My Kia Optima is by FAR my favorite.
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Awesome Choice
Tim, 09/01/2021
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is roomy, is peppy enough, and we are getting 38 mpg overall. Love it.
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My first Adult feeling car
Verinique Hamilton, 04/27/2022
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoyed my Optima. It got amazing gas mileage. The sound system was on point! I’m going to miss it.
Over 60,000 miles and going strong!
ChumChum, 10/10/2022
2018 Kia Optima S 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2018 Kia Optima from a dealer in April of 2022 and have already put some serious miles on it due to traveling for work. I was extremely impressed with the level of quality the interior had as a former Ford driver. The car is exceptionally comfortable to drive. Slamming the gas pedal is NOT good for the car and I feel like that's the source of some complaints. It'll destroy your engine and transmission. I don't drive like that and fully believe this car will make it to well over 100,000 miles (unlike my last car which was a 2018 Nissan Sentra SV that I bought new and could tell it wouldn't hit 60,000 miles without issues, which it didn't- transmission self destructed just before 60,000 and rebuild was as much as the car). Only time will tell if I can reach 100,000 miles like I did in my 2010 Ford Fusion, but I have faith!
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This car is "DA BOMB"!
Tim, 08/06/2023
2018 Kia Optima S 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best vehicle I have owned! Adaptive cruise control, Air conditioned seats and directive front headlights and explosive Turbo mode make this car a joy to drive.
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Don't buy-HUGE ENGINE RECALL
Pissedoff, 10/19/2023
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Optima new. It left me stranded on a busy highway. Kia corportate told me that the engine is bad and will have to be replaced but not until the engine "throws a rod". Must have extensive rod damage before replacing engine. Kia recalled the engine but it has to leave you on the side of the road more than once for them to replace it. Got another car.
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Vrom
Eric, 02/06/2024
2018 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drives great after 50,0000
More car for your money!
Scarlett Sam, 09/09/2024
updated 03/10/2025
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car! Other reviews said there is cabin noise, and I have NOT had that experience. This car has all the bells and whistles and a reliable car company with a great warranty for an affordable price.
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Nice ride
Bob, 09/28/2024
2018 Kia Optima SX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Strong performance, handles very nice and good ride
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A Hidden Gem
Brian S., 01/22/2025
2018 Kia Optima SX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2018 SXT for 6 years. I'm in sales and in that time put 156,000 miles on it. Reliability was very good and I had very few issues. I also maintained this car well. I spent a lot of time in the car for my job and was always happy with the choice I made. It was comfortable, quick, got good mileage and was a solid performer. On the highway I got around 32 mpg and in the city around 27 mpg so I was happy with these numbers. One of the very few issues I had was with the sunroof. Just before I got rid of it, it started infrequently not closing. There was no rhyme or reason to when it did it. I was told either the motor was going bad, or it needed to be removed and the track cleaned. Either way it would have been around $600. That came at the end at around 150,000 miles. All in all, I was very pleased with the car, and it was very reliable.
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Kia Optima floor mats
Tracy, 06/15/2020
2018 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love my Kia but had issues with the floor mat not locking and it resulted in the floor mat sliding over the gas pedal and flooring it resulting in it to hit the vehicle in front of me deploying the air bags and I was injured.
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