2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

Rating from retired peace officer

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Compared to the regular Optima I would say that it performs like a sports car and large enough for a family. The styling is up there with the high dollar ones with the price of a working person buget. I'm totally impressed by the Optima's looks and the Hybrid goes beyond that, handles and feels super great. For the money I can't see anyone beating it in style, mpg, handle, size and price. Michael W., Granbury, TX"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Dark wraith

(1)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"Here are the issues I had within 2 months of owning the car: -Tire Pressure Monitoring System faulted out and the light started blinking when reaching high speeds on the interstate -UVO and phone sync would cut out in the middle of calls and while playing songs. Also had issues getting it to work sometimes. Would have to pull over and restart to get the USB connect to work - Had issues with the battery drive to engine drive when starting out from a fresh start. No matter how you did it it buckled and bumped. - As the buckling and bumping got worse desided to take to dealer after a road trip. I was on my way to dealer to have looked at when the display said Hybrid Drive Failure. Come to a stop and Do not operate vehicle. I managed to make it to the dealer. They said it was ok and to bring it back tomorrow (it was close to closing time i guess and the dealer service was bad) So, I went home (5 miles away from the dealer) and the car completely shut off 3 times while driving back. Had to pull over and restart. Got home and when I came out the next morning the car would not start up and the oil pressure light, engine light, hybrid drive error light and maintenance light all were on. Had to tow to dealer. Talked to the tech and he said it is saying there is a lose connection somewhere but he hasn't found it. He assumed they would have to replace the power cable and see if that worked. After that, I told them to keep it and I went to a diff dealer and took a loss to get out of it. Bought another hybrid... I travel a lot for work and a car that will break down like this after 2100 miles (that is typed correctly 2100 MILES) is not dependable enough for me. I couldn't risk not being able to make a trip because my car broke down... especially a new car. If you check out on the net about this failure you will find there is more related to these types of situations. Plus it never got gas mileage as stated... Even on 2 all hwy 600 mile trips"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from HybridBuyer

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Very satisfied with car's performance and less trips to the gas station. Being tall I am limited to what is available and the Optima has both legroom and headroom (except with sunroof option, not purchased). Car is very quiet in the city and has less road noise, then other comparable vehicles, I have driven, on the highway. I am also impressed with interior design and dashboard layout. The backup camera is a big plus. The only negative aspect I have found is reduced trunk space, which is two thirds of a regular Optima. However, we are able to fit two full size suitcases and two carryons into it with a little room to spare."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Corvetteman

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Owned a Toyota hibrid gone.. KIA opt hibrid best car on the road which I still own cant say enough about warranty, gas savings ,ride,room in side options on car nice,nice........."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Dallasmsl

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Yes, a GREAT car! I bought mine on January 21, 2012 and was disappointed by the gas mileage. Until I learned how to drive the car. Now, October 5, 2012, I get an ACTUAL mileage of 35 mpg per tank (city/highway). The least I have gotten is 32 while the most is 36. Not bad for a full size car that you don't have to risk your life in everytime you get into it! And I found out that it beats out the Mini-cooper and Fiat 500 in Gas mileage (actual not EPA). There are two issues I have. One, starting from standstill power is lacking. Do not attempt to just bolt out into traffic - you'll get hit. Two, there is a blindspot when changing lanes on the right. I've had to learn to be extremely careful even when looking and not relying on mirrors. This is a design flaw that should be fixed as it is dangerous. I still believe it is a great car for all of the good points. Great styling, comfort, economy, AC that doesn't lower gas mileage, and a dream to drive."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from the car purchaser

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Overall, I'm extremely happy with almost everything about the car. The styling on the outside is excellent, and on par or better than much more expensive vehicles and brands. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with a good stereo system, and a great air conditioner that even thrives in 105 degree weather in Austin, TX. I love the UVO sound system, and voice recognition functionality of the car. The ONE complaint I have (and it really bothers me): The gas mileage is nowhere near what they advertise. Average mileage is supposed to be around 37mpg, with 40mpg on the highway. The dealership told me if I went easy on the acceleration, I would see even better numbers. For the first 6 weeks, I have driven the car EXTREMELY soft on the pedals, to the point where people behind me honk because of how long it takes me to get up to speed. On average, I'm seeing about 29mpg, with a balance of city and highway driving. The gauge on the car is reading 32mpg, but when I calculate fuel used/mileage on my own, its coming in at 29. Really my only complaint about the car is the gas mileage, and I think the numbers they are advertising are completely false. Everything else has been great so far."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Octagenerian

(1)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"Took delivery KOH in late April. After 1000m of city driving I averaged 25mpg. My Kia salesman gave me a courtesy call on his cell phone and I explained my concern about the city mpg. He walked to the service mgr. who agreed to run some diagnostic tests the next day.The next day when I related my concerns to the service mgr. about the city EPA rating of 35mpg city, he went ballistic. He said the EPA ratings were meaningless and to convince me EPA was meaningless he told me what lousy mpg he was getting on his Kia Turbo. (This mgr couldn't pass Management of Customer Service 101 if he had a cheat sheet for the final exam). Then it was bad gas (no BP is not bad), didn't use the same pump at the same gas station (not in the owners manual), and of course we didn't know how to drive a hybrid--nearing 80, my wife and I are not the muscle car driver types. The service mgr walked back into the dealership and never touched the car.There is a dicohtomy of reviews of the 2012KOH, both professional and consumer. One pro. review found the EPA of the KOH disappointing in the real world and one consumer review even suggested a class action suit for poor EPA performance--but I gather from reviews that corporate Kia has a deaf ear to the consumer concerns. I hope anyone considering a KOH will research the professional and consumer reviews. With the diverse claims for the Kia EPA ratings --that buying a KOH for fuel efficiency is the luck of the draw. The first pro reviiew I've read on the 2013 KOH, its the same disappointing EPA in the real world."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Hybrid lover

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Over 1 mo. in and I love this car. MPG not as advertised. only 32 mpg combined and I know how to drive a Hybrid. Have had 2 previous Prius models at 48mpg avg. Other than that car is solid in all categories. Great looking, Love the cool seats in the heat. Very good sound system and the Nav. and electronics are wonderful. Plenty of room in cabin,I wish they could find more trunk space like the Camry Hybrid. The 5yr.60K warranty is not as comprehensive as it sounds. Some limitations exist. Hopefully, I won't need to use it. Worth checking out and researching before purchasing. Great bang for the buck."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Big Splat

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"We have owned the Kia hybrid for three months and although it is a nice car, it does not get extraordinary gas mileage. We consistently get between 30-32 mpg. Not bad, but not as advertised or promised."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from 80 years of age:95% city driving

(1)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"I expected mpg in city to be close to the EPA rating of 35 mpg. After three fillups--premium, regular, and 90 octane nonethanol--at a total of 1000 miles, I was averaging 25+ miles per gallon. The Kia service manager explained to me that EPA ratings were meaningless, that I probably used bad gas(I asked if BP was bad gas). that I probably didn't use the the same pump at the same gas station. and of course Kia's old fallback that you got to learn to drive it. I think Kia has a big manufacturing quality control problem."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around