2010 Kia Optima

Rating from Ben-Jammin

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

"I'm 18, and when my parents started looking for a good, reliable car for my college career during my Sophomore year of high school, they somehow got swindled into buy this Korean version of a Pontiac Aztec. When we first got the car, I hadn't become the motor enthusiast that I am today, so I had no problems with it; no bias or anything, I liked it because it looked cool. However, once the vehicle started reaching around 50,000 miles about 6 months ago (We took it a lot on vacation because it got decent mpg) not only did minor things start to happen (like the interior trim peeling off after 2 months of owning it), but serious mechanical problems, such as the transmission jerking violently when stopping, breaks squealing, wheels flying off balance; I could go on and on. Owning this car has turned me into a full-blown Kia hater. I even get mad when I see one drive past me and think "That poor guy." Luckily, a dealership not too far away took it for 10k by some miracle. And we bought a Dodge Avenger which I absolutely love. I feel bad about ripping him off, but we were just glad to be rid of the thing. I am passionately anti-Kia, and for good reason."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Tjones

(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:		5 out of 5

"First Kia Product I ever purchased and it was a good choice.Bought a used 2010 Optima with 42k in Nov 2011.Clean car fax and good paint.Found out after purchase that it was alot of glass in the trunk under the trunk mat.The rear bumper had been replaced and painted.I've driven the car for 7000 miles and the transmission has started to give a hard jerk when coming to a stop it does this once in awhile not all the time.I thought it was the brakes and I had all 4 rotors turned and new brakes placed on the rear but it continued.hopefully the warranty will cover this repair."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from Optima Owner

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

"This has been a good car. I like it. But........How are people getting 35 mpg or more? I drive 30 miles a day. About 1 mile of that would be city with a few stop lights and low speeds. 29 miles of it is interstate highway, very flat, no hills. I drive the speed limit and am easy with my right foot. I can't get better than 26mpg. Yes I have a 2.4l 4cyl engine. My consistent average is 24mpg. In the times I have done lots of city driving it drops to the high teens. I had a 7 passenger GMC Envoy with 4.2 inline 6cyl that could get 27mpg cruising and 16-17mpg in the city. The minivan I own gets better gas mileage than this Kia. I don't get it? Mid size sedan with a 4cyl and it eats more gas than a big 'gas guzzler' SUV."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Jim

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

"It needs maintenance sooner than expected. By 40,000 miles the tranny fluid is brown, and it needed new spark plugs. The transmission computer is wacky. The transmission itself is fine, but it downshifts hard at certain times. Hard enough to jerk you forward in the seat. Kia said they have a tech bulletin to fix the software on the computer because it is a very common complaint. Everytime they fix it, the problem goes away for a week and comes back. I don't drive in an agressive way, which is what I am told is causing the car to do this. The ride is good. I have some squeaking from the front struts. The paint scracthes easily. Especially the door handles. I maintain my vehicle well and am not a 'buy cheap and trash it out' Kia owner. I hope this car makes it 2018. (I replace every 7 years +/-)"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from R.B.

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

"It seems there are a slew of 2010 Optima's for sale. Everyone must want the slick 2011 model. I got my 2010 used in good shape for a great price. Here is my impression: The 2.4L 4-cylinder has good horsepower and torque numbers, and is actually a pretty smooth running engine. The gearing of the drivetrain is a bit on the highway side. The engine feels like it has the power, but the transaxle seems more fuel mileage and cruise geared, rather than for acceleration. The car feels sluggish in the city. My drive is mainly highway, so I appreciate the high gearing. The ride is very good, a little on the 'floaty' side though. I find the ride to be smooth and damped very well, and not much road noise. The car doesn't feel too sporty. It feels more like a Mercury Grand Marquis rather than a Nissan Altima or Mazda6. Again, a good cruiser. Interior space is very good. I got two rear facing car seats in with little trouble and had still had leg room up front. The interior is functional and clean. The instruments can be hard to see in direct sunlight due to their backlighting. I do like that it has a cabin air filter. The air conditioning takes a few minutes to cool the car down in 100* heat, but after that it freezes me out! Visibility is good, the whole hood can be seen and it is easy to judge where the fenders are. The B-pillar is a bit close to the drivers head, so over the shoulder lane changes require more use of the mirrors. I dislike that the windows do not come factory tinted. They are as clear as day. This bothers me as I live in a hot bright Southwestern climate. The plastics are decent, but the vinyl covered sun visors are too cheap and not glued together very well. The exterior is clean and I like the "Tiger Nose" front end styling. The trunk is spacious and on par with other midsize vehicles. Overall this has been a good car so far. It is a great cruiser with good fuel mileage. I get around 30mpg give or take 1-2mpg. It is certainly a worthy alternative to the Altima, Mazda6, Sonata (which is the same car as the Optima!) and Gallant. In my opinion I like the Optima over the Camry. As far as American hardware, I have not driven any of the American mid-size offerings to compare against."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from never again

(2)
Comfort:		1 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"I got my car new and right away reported that it pulls to the right the dealer tried to be helpful and sided with me that the car should not pull but a KIA rep said it is correct. I can make a turn without even touching the wheel. I chose this car for it's safety record with plans on turning it over to my 15 year old daughter next year but know I won't even teach her to drive in this car. My plan is to trade it in for a Hyundai next year for her."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Silver fox

(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

"Camry. Not what it used to be. Accord. more money less options. Nissan. Mr. plastic. You can over spend if you want to but the Optima is one of best values for the money! Throw in 5yr/60,000 bumper to bumper and a 10yr/100,000 powertrain warranty. Lets see Toyota, Honda and any one else but Hyundia give you all that for the money. I won't even get started with the " 2011 " model."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from KIA Owner

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

"Purchased at the end of 2010. Have driven the car 3500 miles. Has not missed a beat. Ride quality is rated as ok because washboard roads the struts produce a odd noise. Other than that the ride is quite good. Many say the exterior is mundane and looks like a Honda or Camry. I don't see it in the front end but the tail lights look like other cars on the road. I do not find the exterior mundane. It is quite sporty. The V6 is ok but an extra 50 horses would be nice. The navigation system from Infinity is excellent. Has been a great help. The leather seats are comfortable. I have had better but in cars twice the price. Interior design is pleasant to me. I would have liked the fan/blower switch on the driver side as this switch to operate the fan is used more than temp adjustment. Overall, value for the money is right on the money. I feel the car will be very reliable. I have no worries with the excellent warranty. I would not hesitate to purchase another KIA product."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Jim in Rochester

(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

"Bought this car in Jan '11 and I could not be happier with my purchase. It has all the gadgets to play with and rides like a dream. I am a rather heavy man and it is very comfortable. Bought it at Dorschel Kia in Rochester, NY Great Folks. Wouldln't hesitate to get another one for my wife or daughter."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Daily Driver

(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've had the car for a couple of months. I bought it new. It performs well with a very good weight to power ratio while being economical. It has many luxury features standard which you would pay a lot more for on other vehicles. What else can I say..... I did a lot of research before buying and I was not disappointed. I love it!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family