2011 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

2011 Kia Optima

Change

2011 Kia Optima

Kelley Blue Book Retail $17,900–$23,000  

Average Rating

4.8 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.6 out of 5
Performance:4.5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.9 out of 5
Interior Design:4.8 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.8 out of 5
Reliability:4.6 out of 5

61 out of 66 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

Previous Page Page 3 of 7 Next Page

We love Kias

by Loyal Halleen customers
from North Olmsted, OH | October 4, 2011

Rating from

(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

"Kia Optima is a very luxurious car. It has all the features we want. We love the telescoping steering wheel, the deep cup holders the huge glove compartments. The pickup is fantastic! We love the way it drives."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Yes! That is a Kia!

by lostntranslation
from Fort Oglethorpe, GA | September 23, 2011

Rating from

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

"My husband and I had been loyal Saturn owners since 1996. When it came time to trade in our old Saturn Ion, we were lost. We had been so brand loyal that we didn't know which car we wanted to buy. We test drove several cars over a period of about 6 months. While we originally avoided Kia because of previous reputation we took a drive to Dalton, GA and took a test drive. All it took was about 5 minutes in this car and we were in love with it. It's a super sexy looking car, especially in black. I often hear from people, "That car is beautiful. What is it?" When I tell them it's a Kia, the reaction is "That's a Kia?!?" Why yes, it is a Kia, and we love it!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Well Worth It!

by katwmn
from Schaumburg, IL | September 7, 2011

Rating from

(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 have purchased new cars in the past, but I love my Optima. It is very stylish both in and out. You get alot of extras that are included without having to pay more. Big car comfort and yet only 4 cylinder so great on gas, even has an economy button to save more. Don't hesitate, Kia is going in the right direction and a great buy."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Best New Car for the Money

by Rose
from Northern California | September 2, 2011

Rating from

(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 have had my new Optima for over 6 months and love it more each day. I have had a lot of cars and many new ones and this one for the money gives you the best value. I purchased the navigation package and didn't know if I would like it, but it is so easy to work compared to most so I am glad I got it. The back up camera is also a nice feature. I didn't get the leather seats, but think the cloth is nice. The car gets good gas milage and I did think it was a little noisy, but not that bad and now realize it is the tires. Just went for my first free service with oil change and found out there was a recall on some electric component and might be why after 15 minutes into my drive today the doors locked. I told the service people about it and they said that could be the problem. In any case, styling is great along with gas mileage and after driving a Pontiac G6 that was falling apart, had terrible breaks and a electric steering column that would cost $1,500 to fix time and time again I am glad I bought this car. Right away people would stop and say "looks like a Lexus" and I would say, but its not and he said again, but it looks like one without the price and I agree."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

5 out of 5 found this review helpful

So Far So Good

by Show Me The Money
from Boston,MA | August 31, 2011

Rating from

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

"Well I must first preface my comments by saying I've only driven the car 2,900 miles (EX). But, thus far I have had no issues whatsoever. The styling is fantastic. The internal features are phenomenal. The only small critiques I have are the comfort of the Leather seats could be a little better and the engine power is a little lacking. But it is a 4 cylinder so you get what you pay for. The gas mileage is 25-26 mpg combined city/highway. Have not taken it on an extended trip yet. Overall very satisfied thus far."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Favorite car ever!

by truster
from Hudson Valley, NY | August 15, 2011

Rating from

(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

"Car drives and handles excellently. Cornering especially handles nice. Get great gas mileage on 2.4L Auto 6 speed. Sometimes 38 MPG when on certain highways. This is no slouch either! It can get up and go when entering highway of fast moving traffic..for example! Car runs quiet on highway and bumpy roads too. No shakes or rattles at all. Bluetooth for phone is a feature I did not think I would use, but I use it all the time now and would not want to be without it. MP3 player options: USB, or MP3 format CD's are great. I don't use the satellite much but it is there. Plays traditional CD's too. Real eye catcher of a car. Friend of mine just bought one too."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Absolutely in Love

by TSTACK
from Staten Island, NY | August 10, 2011

Rating from

(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

"I just got rid of a Honda Civic, paying $279 a month. Kia, originally was not even a thought in my mind just from its reputation. My first experience with this car was actually an open test drive at the mall near my house and I began to have interest in the car. After shopping numerous different car make and models I eventually made my way to the Kia dealership. Although I got the base model of the LX with few options, it came well equipped and at a great price. The car comes standard with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, power everything, gorgeous interior, comprable to that of Audi and BMW. The exterior of the car is stunningly beautiful and agressive looking at the same time. The car is extremely roomy, quick with its 2.4L 200hp engine and great on gas. With some much more car in the base model with nearly no options except for the tire and dig warantee package, as opposed to a nearly fully loaded honda civic ex it only came out to $289 a month, thats only $10 more. I recommend this car to anyone, first time drivers and long time drivers that were trapped by luxury car dealerships. If you can afford, without a doubt go for the SX, but the LX is still an amazing car. As long as Kia keeps up with this new image along with affordable prices, I will be sticking with Kia for a long time. Not to mention the 10 year 100,000 warantee that cannot be beat!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

8 out of 9 found this review helpful

That's a Kia?

by Former Audi Driver
from Pittsburgh, PA | August 9, 2011

Rating from

(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

"The review title is just one of the comments I've received on my 2011 Kia Optima SX. A few more: "That is the most beautiful car I've ever seen!" "I can't believe that's a Kia!" "I'm likin' the Kia." My UPS guy loves the wheels. It is the most svelte car I?ve ever driven. Great long distance cruiser too ? made it from Pittsburgh to DC in May on a ½ tank of gas, and had another 250 miles to go till empty. Roughly a 500 mile range driving at 65-75 mph. That is respectable for a large vehicle. I bought a base SX, with NO options on April 30th, 2011 from a dealer in Pittsburgh, PA. Did a lot of research and price shopping at cars.com online before ever stepping into a dealership. Usually, the end of the month is the best time to buy, because dealers have to meet their quotas. Make sure you drive the car you plan on purchasing. Some of the early production runs had left pull issues - mine did, and was rectified after second visit to a different Kia dealer. Also, pre delivery inspection of your new car should include checking tire pressure. My tires were at 47psi - it was like driving Fred Flinstone around. The car rides much better with 35 lbs in the tires. This car is Snow White Pearl, and looks like nothing else on the road. It has the 18 inch ?Pizza" sport style wheels - they are super easy to clean. The SX had enough standard features on it for me,(HID headlights, larger brakes, wheels and tires, stiffer ?sport-tuned? suspension, LED tail lights, turbo, boy racer body bits) so I shopped around until I found the car, color, and price I wanted to pay for a base SX. I used my 1999 Audi A6 Avant as a benchmark when starting the quest for a replacement vehicle. Build quality, style, handling, interior ergonomics, and comfort were on my checklist. I drove an EX with the 2.4 liter 200 hp engine - liked the car. Then I drove an SX at 274 hp - sold. This engine has incredible torque. Feels like a six. I find myself taking the long way home every day. The doors close with a nice thunk ? not hollow and cheap sounding like a Honda door. Steering is electronically assisted, and takes a day to get used to. By design, the steering is programmed to be on center. Another reason I went with the SX over the EX, is the Supervision instrument cluster and the dark interior. The EX with the two tone interior reminded me too much of rental cars. The dash layout is very legible, with a minimum of buttons. Fit and finish are excellent. Pros: Car is sexy as heck ? looks more expensive than it is Engine ? no turbo lag, even with ECO mode engaged Warranty ? the best (especially when beta testing the turbo) Bluetooth for hands free calling via voice command Proximity key and push button start Gas mileage - averaging 23 city, 33 highway on regular gas. Car has 3200 miles on it at this writing - mileage should improve after the first oil change Handling - Very good for a sporty sedan Auto-dimming rear view mirror, just like my dear departed Audi.. Roomy ? I?m 6ft 2, and someone as tall as me can sit behind me comfortably Cons: The standard audio system has wimpy speakers No power adjustable passenger seat in the base SX Front field of vision is slightly impaired by huge rear view mirror ? ditto the rear view ? car has a high tail. Be careful backing up. (If you are short ? buy a loaded car with the backup camera) Snow White Pearl is hard to keep clean The stock tires are a little noisy at first HID high beams, LED Daytime Running Lights, Headlight Washers are not available on US spec cars, but available in Australia and other countries Can't order options separately - liked the Infinity sound system, but did not need the sat nav Nitpicking about the cons - hard to find fault with this vehicle. It offers a combination of style, speed and value that the competition simply can't touch."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Best Looking Car this Year for Money

by driver 1
from Springfield, MA | August 8, 2011

Rating from

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

"Styling--just look at it--part Jaguar, Infiniti, Lexus, but still different enough and easily $5-10, 000+ less than Infiniti. With Turbo EX ( 270hp) it will give a nice highway boost 70mph+and general all round power. Interior layout and console elegant and functional. Back seat legroom is spacious as is trunk.Leather all over. Cornering is no awd sports car, but the ride around town and uneven roads makes life more tolerable. Fuel consumption is a real plus. HWY I got 33mpg, and around town averages 24mpg. Overall, it is a pleasure to drive"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

7 out of 7 found this review helpful

What a sweet car!

by Welly Bomb
from Boston MA | August 3, 2011

Rating from

(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

"This by far is the best car I have ever owned. It has everything I could have asked for and more. I love driving in it. I make up excuses just so I can go out and take another cruise. If you are not sure if you are going to get this car then let me tell you "You will not be dissapointed". Sweet Ride."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Previous Page Page 3 of 7 Next Page

People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed

Choose up to three models to compare to the 2011 Kia Optima.

Compare Side-by-Side
2011 Toyota Camry

2011 Toyota Camry

Kelley Blue Book Retail
$15,900 - $19,900

2011 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata

Kelley Blue Book Retail
$16,350 - $19,700

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Retail
$20,400 - $23,200

*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.