Bernie Fen I own a 2012 LX, after 7 years and 57,000 mi. I’ve only had to put brake pads of a set of tires on it. I couldn’t be happier and I wouldn’t trade for anything!
I've commented on this 9-months ago since I bought my Optima SX. Still reliable with no problems to this date. Turbo is still very responsive. Great off the line. Excellent electric handling. I'm thinking about doing the LED DRL conversion soon. I still get compliments on it. Weird coming from people you don't know. So far, money well worth it. Cost of owning it, zero. Free lifetime oil change and tire rotation. Pretty dang good.
I have wanted the mazda speed 3 for a while and stumbled on the optima. I test drove the SX with turbo and it was amazing !! Fully loaded sticker was 30k but i'd prefer the ex turbo because i could care less about heated seats, navi and the moonroof.
WoW grueling review! Asked some really tough questions! Today on Motorweek we ask ..... Is the Kia Great or Fantastic! Hard hitting journalism here! What a bunch of hacks! I really like this car but they didn't tell me anything I couldn't have read in a press release!
You're right, mercedes is great, which is why it's the taxi, bus, and garbage truck company in Europe and they laugh if you brag about owning one...as far as I'm concerned, nothing beats a Subaru Outback in terms of value for price (about 25k). It goes anywhere and the mpg is still around 30 on the hwy, not bad for an AWD heavy SUV...but if I got a sports sedan for under 30k, this is the clear winner, the handling is fantastic and the finish inside is gorgeous, smooth, and soft.
I like the looks of the exterior - but the inside looks cluttered with too many buttons and the seats look Gaudy. I would possibly be interested in this car if it had a Big V6 motor with an automatic transmission.
When Hyundai/Kia eventually figure out how to properly tune their cars' suspensions for a well balanced ride/handling compromise, the competition better turn and run for the hills!
2022 comment: Hyundai / Kia now have those cars winning Car of the Year awards (The Kia EV6 is this year's European Car of the Year) but some people STILL dismiss them. "sTiLL a hOoOnDiE"
@dragasoni - I do think you're crazy for thinking the Optima is ugly but I feeel all vehicles currently are on par quality and technology wise. If kia and hyandai were shitty reputation cars I don't think they'd last with the economy how it is today.
Kia styling is sooooooo down right distasteful, they need to stop trying so hard ! When this car turn 5yrs old, the grille is going to fade and lights are going to oxidate, and after that it just gona look shitty, while a 96 Camry can hold it paint and look equally as good as this 2011 Optima. I'm tired of you DOUCHEBAGS downing Toyota and Honda when you see more Accords && Camrys in a day than you do your own kids ! -And no need to comment back THANK YOU !
Kadeen Hunter If you still are here, you should see the headlights from a 2011 Optima and Camry, the Optima keeps its shine, and Toyota has paint issues😂😂😂
Call me crazy, but I liked Kia and Hyundai when they were making cheap cars. I feel like they're trying to be something they're not. The new styling is just awful, and I'm sorry, but the reliabilty isn't there when compared to Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. I'd rather buy a Hyundai Excel for like $8,000 new, compared to this ugly Optima for $20,000+
@76carmel Honda is absolutely shit, and Toyota...Do I really need to say anymore? Nissan is also bland, and more cheap than both. Germans/Italians are way too expensive but nice I think Hyundai/KIA are doing everything right, right now.
I own a 2012 optima SX with 45,000 miles. The steering is in no way "sloppy" and of course it has body roll. It is a 3400lb+ family sedan. People who buy this car prefer Lexus like comfort at a much better value. And if you don't want body roll buy a sports car. Don't bash a great car. Idiot.
Actually this is not a vehicle to compete in the Lexus category of vehicles. Hyundai, has the Genesis for that purpose. This vehicle is in the same market as the Camry, Passat, Altima and Accord. All of which, have a much tighter feel than the Optima. Seriously, it is not a bad car, it just lacks the refinement of the others I mentioned.
This model still looks modern as it ages like a fine wine. I currently own a '13 SXL with the same color. Still turns heads :)
Bernie Fen I own a 2012 LX, after 7 years and 57,000 mi. I’ve only had to put brake pads of a set of tires on it. I couldn’t be happier and I wouldn’t trade for anything!
oh absolutely! extremely happy with mine. Happy to hear your experience so far!. I'm looking to drive mine til the wheels fall off this bad boy lol
BY FAR the nicest looking sedan (and the Sonata, but the Optima was better) when it first came out, among a sea of Japanese driving appliances.
The Optima Turbo looks gorgeous in black
I love it! So many features! Stylish! Unique! KIA WAY OUT DID THEM SELVES!
2018 Look at the Stinger now
picking up my 2012 Optima next saturday. awesome car!
This is the first kia to ever catch my attention and turn my head
@igotwhips its the direct injection thats makes it sound like that
Still loving my '12 SX!!
I just saw one a few hours ago I stopped in my tracks! Kia has come a long way. Even since my Kia 2006 sedona
I've commented on this 9-months ago since I bought my Optima SX. Still reliable with no problems to this date. Turbo is still very responsive. Great off the line. Excellent electric handling. I'm thinking about doing the LED DRL conversion soon. I still get compliments on it. Weird coming from people you don't know. So far, money well worth it. Cost of owning it, zero. Free lifetime oil change and tire rotation. Pretty dang good.
Free lifetime oil changes?
Wow,,,, Korean companies are really catchin up,,Germans watch ur back,,,,
AWESOME!
Very informative and nice review thanks
I have wanted the mazda speed 3 for a while and stumbled on the optima. I test drove the SX with turbo and it was amazing !! Fully loaded sticker was 30k but i'd prefer the ex turbo because i could care less about heated seats, navi and the moonroof.
Awesome!
@yynotnnh
Easy now, some of the Kia Optimas are actually made in the USA in West Point, GA. Most Kias that are made in that facility are Sorrentos.
Still driving my 2011 kia optima
Can u tell me what colour is the optima tested in this video. I have too many options to choose but cannot decide.
The seats look great to me...I want this car 😉
I really like this car
Funny how I thought this was a Lexus today when it came out of the bank but realized it was a kia by the badge. Now that's sublime.
Great car any sedan kia optima smooth for driven power either GDI only beautiful designed
A KIA... incredible
Wow. Go Kia!
As of 2012, Toyota updated the Camry (albeit safely), also Honda will redesign the Accord (mainly with transmission and potential engine changes).
the 2010-present Kia Optima is assembled in
West Point, Georgia, USA
Hwasung, South Korea
Oskemen, Kazakhstan
I don’t know how stupidly enthusiastic could you be I feel like I’m at a carnival/// just imagine me saying that all in his annoying tone
This car would be nice as a Coupe.
Wow.
@dragasoni i bet you also miss daewoo and geo. those brands as well as the "old" hyundai and kia are not at all missed by me
it looks like it has a huge c pilar. The interior reminds me of a saab and the front end looks like a accord?? but it looks nice
I luv the car... But we dont have the GPS touch dcreen in Malaysia, Tht's really sad!!
i would buy this
급정차 하면 비상등 들어오는거 왜설명안해주죠?
역시외국이라그런가요?
아니면..수출용은 기능이없는건가오??
Dat dat turbo engine is just so great :(
I have to say though, I think it's a little bit more noisy in the cabin than a VW passat, Camry or Accord.
WoW grueling review! Asked some really tough questions!
Today on Motorweek we ask ..... Is the Kia Great or Fantastic!
Hard hitting journalism here! What a bunch of hacks!
I really like this car but they didn't tell me anything I couldn't have read in a press release!
How can 270+ hp and 260+ torque only produce 6.5 seconds for 0-60?
Something doesn't add up here. The powertrain must be terrible.
kevinmsft wheelspin
its all about the looks these cars nowadays ..i still prefer comfort,smooth engine and luxury.nothing beats mercedes
it only has a 2.89 axle ratio, that might be why.
fuck, i love this car
You're right, mercedes is great, which is why it's the taxi, bus, and garbage truck company in Europe and they laugh if you brag about owning one...as far as I'm concerned, nothing beats a Subaru Outback in terms of value for price (about 25k). It goes anywhere and the mpg is still around 30 on the hwy, not bad for an AWD heavy SUV...but if I got a sports sedan for under 30k, this is the clear winner, the handling is fantastic and the finish inside is gorgeous, smooth, and soft.
nice looking Kia... wow i just said that.
Now these are the easiest cars to steal lol
@76carmel toyota and honda needs to step up their game, and not let their name brand sell itself.
Everytime I see this car, I think SAAB. Nothing wrong with that, this is a sexy as fuck car.
Kia/Hyundai has completely outdone Toyota and Honda (what happened to Nissan)?
I like the looks of the exterior - but the inside looks cluttered with too many buttons and the seats look Gaudy. I would possibly be interested in this car if it had a Big V6 motor with an automatic transmission.
@khunt2011 lol i love people like you who assume that the kia will have all these problems in 5 years. do you have this car? i didnt think so.
When Hyundai/Kia eventually figure out how to properly tune their cars' suspensions for a well balanced ride/handling compromise, the competition better turn and run for the hills!
2022 comment: Hyundai / Kia now have those cars winning Car of the Year awards (The Kia EV6 is this year's European Car of the Year) but some people STILL dismiss them. "sTiLL a hOoOnDiE"
Possibly MPH not km/h .. I was thinking the same anyway..
WOW! Not bad kia.. I wanna trade in my HHR for this car...
@dragasoni - I do think you're crazy for thinking the Optima is ugly but I feeel all vehicles currently are on par quality and technology wise. If kia and hyandai were shitty reputation cars I don't think they'd last with the economy how it is today.
lol! I see a ladybug @ 1:34 :)
1080p ftw.
5 ppl are working at Toyota
I think I like KIA's more subdued interior then Hyundai's
thumbs up if you thought this guy reminded you of " the price is right" come on down~
this car sucks not!! lol.. this is the fukin car i was wondering abt!! really love it. gonna buy 1!!
@yynotnnh You mean when you can actually be old enough to drive you wont buy one and to CLARIFY Ford did not go bankrupt.
@76carmel Tru dat.
sound
If I'd look at import brands, I'd look at Kia and Hyundai; I feel that Honda and Toyota's styling have gotten relatively stale. Especially this one.
Or the car is just heavy...
is it just me or are these rims absolutely HIDEOUS!
Optima is best in latin! just saying!
Is it just me or is his enthusiasm sounds a bit.....off?
Audi tdi. That's all I have to say
Dieselgate ✌
Honda and Toyota I agree with you that they`re shit, but back off of American cars.
Don't parallel park with this car. You'll damage those 18" alloys very easily.
Kia styling is sooooooo down right distasteful, they need to stop trying so hard ! When this car turn 5yrs old, the grille is going to fade and lights are going to oxidate, and after that it just gona look shitty, while a 96 Camry can hold it paint and look equally as good as this 2011 Optima. I'm tired of you DOUCHEBAGS downing Toyota and Honda when you see more Accords && Camrys in a day than you do your own kids ! -And no need to comment back THANK YOU !
Kadeen Hunter If you still are here, you should see the headlights from a 2011 Optima and Camry, the Optima keeps its shine, and Toyota has paint issues😂😂😂
영어로뭐라는겨...
몇몇사람 은대단하다던데?
k5가...
Call me crazy, but I liked Kia and Hyundai when they were making cheap cars. I feel like they're trying to be something they're not. The new styling is just awful, and I'm sorry, but the reliabilty isn't there when compared to Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.
I'd rather buy a Hyundai Excel for like $8,000 new, compared to this ugly Optima for $20,000+
back up camera? you mean rear view/reversing camera! AMERICANS! HUH!
@76carmel Honda is absolutely shit, and Toyota...Do I really need to say anymore? Nissan is also bland, and more cheap than both.
Germans/Italians are way too expensive but nice
I think Hyundai/KIA are doing everything right, right now.
That engine sounds awful. Almost like a diesel.
I am driving a 2014 Optima rental and it has really sloppy steering and quite a bit of body roll. The Altima and Camry SE are way better overall.
bruh you dumb.
With a genius comment like that, I would not be calling anyone dumb.
I own a 2012 optima SX with 45,000 miles. The steering is in no way "sloppy" and of course it has body roll. It is a 3400lb+ family sedan. People who buy this car prefer Lexus like comfort at a much better value. And if you don't want body roll buy a sports car. Don't bash a great car. Idiot.
Actually this is not a vehicle to compete in the Lexus category of vehicles. Hyundai, has the Genesis for that purpose. This vehicle is in the same market as the Camry, Passat, Altima and Accord. All of which, have a much tighter feel than the Optima. Seriously, it is not a bad car, it just lacks the refinement of the others I mentioned.
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Still a shitty Kia...lol
AWFUL, UGLIEST I have ever seen. Rest of the car isn't bad.