2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

Rating from True Owner

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 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

"Here is gas usage stat for 2012 Optima Hybrid. Optima Hybrid seems to get poor gas mileage when the weather is cold. This car does best when outside temp is around 60 F - 85 F and when you drive between 45mph to 60mph. Date Avg MPG Miles ECO Gas Filled Avg Speed Time Driven 17-Mar-12 34.8 491 16 14.68 30-Mar-12 37 496.1 38 14.302 13-Apr-12 36.2 483.2 52 13.981 01-May-12 37.6 516 73 14.772 30 17:10 22-May-12 36.4 528.5 99 14.526 28 18:18 08-Jun-12 37.3 470.5 122 12.114 28 16:33 22-Jun-12 36 432.2 135 13.025 30 14:03 24-Jul-12 35 454.9 153 13.273 28 15:48 03-Aug-12 38 442.3 173 12.354 29 14:56 25-Aug-12 37.5 462.2 195 12.998 29 15:40 22-Sep-12 37.4 481.7 213 14.72 29 16:14 23-Oct-12 37.9 513.7 237 13.817 28 17:50 20-Nov-12 37.4 510.7 258 14.961 34 14:56 27-Dec-12 35.7 470.7 276 13.261 30 15:28 06-Feb-13 31.9 416.1 285 14.169 28 14:22 01-Mar-13 32.9 449.9 295 13.61 29 15:28 17-Mar-13 34 378.3 304 12.454 29 12:52 28-Mar-13 36.2 331.6 308 9.481 51 6:25 04-Apr-13 35.3 465 311 14.361 54 8:32 27-Apr-13 36.8 447.2 325 11.4 28 15:37"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from enjoying my Optima

(5)
Comfort:		4 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:		4 out of 5

"Purchased this auto via the net three weeks ago. Could not find a 2012 hybrid in Michigan. Settled on a Dealer in Virgina. They were great to work with. I flew out and picked up my ride. Through I had test drove one 7 months ago in my area, I was a little overwhelmed by the vast array of features that this vehicle has. So I found there is somewhat of a learning curve with this vehicle for me anyways. Still learning how to use today's technologies to the fullest. The ride is nice trough rough on unpaved roads. The ride back from Virgina yielded 33 mpg. Had cold weather and a strong head wind. With 4 fills since, I'm getting 35-36 mpg. 30% city 70% highway. Not bad for a 4800lb car. I'm told it should get better when weather warms up. cold and wind certainly affects this vehicle mpg. Some have complained of unsafe or vehicle unresponsive when pulling out in traffic. Have not found that to be true for me. I've yet to turn off the eco feature but would if I felt unsafe in the city. Also no complaints here about sudden or jerky shifting when accelerating. Gave a 4 * to reliability as I''ve not owned long enough to judge reliability. Time will tell. I'm enjoying this car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Dara

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 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

"Great car, handles fantastically, great gas maileage, couldn't be happier with my decision to go witht eh Kia Optima Hybrid."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Loving my Optima

(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

"I LOVE my Optima Hybrid. This is my first hybrid and first brand new car. I filled up 12 days ago and still have half a tank of gas after 300 miles driven. We bought the car in Oregon before moving to Southern California and we averaged 35 mph on our 1200 mile move with the trunk fully loaded and the backseat. We live in a hilly area and I am averaging 30 mph so far on this tank of gas. I have received many compliments on it and LOVE my car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Hybrid Newbie

(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:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"The Kia Optima is one of the best looking cars in this market segment, so making it one of my top choices as a no brainer. I purchased the base model that included the package containing the backup cameal and EVO sound system. I am 6' 5" and found the interior room, both front seat and back, able to accomodate me. The range of motion in the front driver power seat goes low enough to provide a lot of head room,but also goes height enough for my wife to drive comfortably. Also, the center console does not get in the way of my right let like the Sonta sister car does The Hybrid performance takes some getting used to, since to get the great gas mileage, you need to baby it, and it feels sluggish off the star when doing this. However, if you need the power, you can take off the ECO mode and it become very peppy "better acceleration than the standard 4 cyl eng". We are averaging ~36.5 mpg overall (~38 in city and 35 on the highway doing 74mph). I think it would get much better mpg on the highway doing between 55 and 65 mph, but I just can't seem to let myself go that slow:) I rated the interior 1 star lower because I actualluy like the Sonata layout better (too bad my right leg hit the concole in that one). My biggest suggestion to Kia is to provide one more upgrade package between the base and the fully loaded model. I was not interested in the NAV, but really wanted the upgraded inifinity sound system. They have that trim level in the Turbo model, but not the hybrid. I just couldn't justify the major extra cost for a package that incuded several items I didn't really want or need. I have checked around about upgrading the sound system, but that cost is also accessive and takesup some of the already limited available trunk space for the amp."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from cw

(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:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I've had my hybrid a month now and so far it is not getting anywhere near the gas mileage Kia advertises. I traded in a Forte for the Hybrid and my Forte was getting the same mileage as this more expensive Hybrid. I've been averaging anywhere between 28 - 30 mpg. Not at all happy about that! Otherwise they styling of the car, comfort, and convenience of all the other bells and whistles is great...but they were on my Forte too. If you're buying this car to save money on gas, don't waste your time!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from This car sucks

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

"I have owned a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid since November 2011. I keep a ledger after every single tank of gas. This car is averaging maybe 31 mpg overall. There have been numerous times I have received 27 mpg. The funny thing is the computer reads each time about 3 mpg higher than what I'm actually getting. I asked a service manager about this and he said that the computer estimated mpg tends to be inaccurate, its funny that it is always inaccurate by over estimating. Please do not buy this car for gas mileage, its not worth the money. One dealership actually told me that professional drivers got 60 mpg in this car, and Kia should be sued for that lie. No one on any planet could get 60 mpg in this car. The highest I have gotten was 38. Please beware of this car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

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