2012 Kia Optima

Rating from Optima Lover

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

"I have always wanted and loved mustangs. Nothing has ever caught my eye like a mustang did until I saw the optima. I have loved it ever since. I wanted something I would love now being by myself and later when I start a family. The interior space in this car is unbelievable. The only problem I have had with it is with the steering which I'm taking it in and getting it checked out. Also the first day I got it, to excited to read the manual I just went ahead and plugged in my iPod to pLay some music. I ended up with a spot on my screen because I wasn't told I would need just a Kia iPod USB cord. So suggestion would be make sure you read the manual and play with every little thing."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from TallGuy

(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

"To start, I've only had the car 1 week but felt compelled to review. So far I love the car. I'm 6'6 and have more than enough room. Rides good, good gas mileage and loaded w/ extras for a great price. The bluetooth is awesome, cooled glove box, independant climate controls are all great extras. The only thing I worry about is long term reliability. I've never had a Kia so don't know what to expect but we'll have to wait and see. Overall, GREAT car. Hope it helps."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from OPTIMACHISMO

(4)
Comfort:		4 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:		4 out of 5

"The creators and team at Kia did an AWESOME job. This car is a gem. Think of the sedan luxury of a higher, more costly brand/make without the inflated price. Go ahead, sit in it! Leather and all.. no one can argue any lack of comparable comfort and ergonomic design to the higher-end sedan lines. I bought this car because I like to know I have the higher-end comfort and features on the inside surrounding me, but I have no need for the ornament and label on the outside to make a class or income statement. This car is a joy to drive! I bought the '12 Optima EX, fully loaded. Only thing I didn't get from with the Optima was the extra under the hood. The turbo-charging would have finished out the brilliance of this car for "plenty" impressive acceleration, but I needed to save $$ somewhere - and while the EX (non-turbo) takes the few extra seconds for passing, etc than the turbo, it's acceleration is fine. If I had to guess I would say the creators of this car gave themselves one basic rule when they were making the new-generation Optima (starting with the 2011 model): To make sure it had NOT ONE OPTION SHORT of ANY luxury sedan out there -and they did just that! I see it and feel it every time I get in the car. Every effort was made when it comes to interior/exterior features. I don't see shortcuts. Every time I put my sunglasses away in it's holder, or the car reminds me the keys are in it, or the smooth-functioning and classy glass top sunroof, or the many controls that are just the right feel, complexity and reach and the engineering in the handling of the sporty and sleek feel and ride -- I see effort, and again..I see NO shortcuts (Thank you Kia design team!). The long list of the beautifully-functioning perks of a high-end sedan is too long to mention here I suggest just sit in it, give it a test drive to see all of those items for yourself. But I will take this opportunity to mention a much SHORTER list of the few things I HAVE found wrong with the vehicle -- in an effort (I hope) to help the engineers make adjustments to just near PERFECT! If Kia were to improve the following I would have NO reason to feel anything short of 100% satisfaction to consider continued Optima ownership in the future as well as continued suggesting this vehicle to others: Improvements: 1. The car could use extra half-inch or so between the pedals (I'm a common size 10 1/2 shoe, but find myself (on occasion) grabbing the accelerator with side of my shoe or boot, and the engine revving as I'm pressing down on the brake, before I realize it and move my foot further to the left. 2. At highway speed (not street driving) steering stability could use improvement -- a little lateral rollercoaster oscillation going on to keep riding straight - nothing that anyone can't deal with, but a mild annoyance enough to give serious look at steering stability at the higher speeds. 3. The only thing that's been a regular (every ride) problem is the seat belt clip-in is mounted too low. I'm a normal-sized person, but it is about 1 inch too low down in the space beside the seat - and an extra reach to get the belt around and down and clipped in every time. 4. I've read many reviews on the wimpy horn. I agree. It's a safety issue -- as I had someone merging into my lane recently and as I hit my brakes to rapidly slow to let them in - to keep them from striking my front fender, and I don't think they ever heard my horn as it was happening (I could barely hear it) and I was laying on it. Another mention: The backup camera is a must (I have it as a feature and couldn't imagine being without it).. but then most car designs these days have difficult line of sight looking back - so no heavy blame there. So, what's that? ... like... 4 things that could use improvement? Not bad. Otherwise this vehicle is TOP NOTCH!! Thank you Kia!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from old timer

(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

"I have only driven my new Optima 600 miles so far so but it is a enjoyable car to drive n I do really like it. Good power and nice ride with and easy on gas, not even broken in yet. What more could one ask? All without spending my life savings!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from cogreeneyz

(5)
Comfort:		4 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

"First of all, be prepared to have people noticing you in this car - never before have I had so many strangers stop me to ask what kind of car it is or comment on how nice it looks. And I agree! This is one sleek looking car! I got the "standard" model with 4.0L engine and automatic transmission but the standard features are awesome - AM/FM stereo with CD, satellite radio (3 months free) and bluetooth connectivity, air, cruise control, air bags everywhere, ample trunks space, etc., etc. The car drives like dream. I had a VW Passat V6 previously and this car has so much more "zip" than that car ever did. I have no hesitation jumping out in oncoming traffic or passing on the highway. I also live in Colorado and the car is great in the mountains. Sure, the extras like navigation, hybrid, back up cameras, etc. would be great but I still feel like I'm driving a luxury car. I couldn't be more pleased!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from benji

(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

"In the first 3,000 miles I've averaged 30 MPG. Very sharp car inside and out and the sx Turbo makes it really fun to drive. Steering wheel multiple controls very nice and functional. If I had to be very picky and find a negative the only thing I Can think of is how low it sits to ground which also is an adjustment getting into and out of. Overall great car especially for the Money. Highly recommend."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from richg in baltimore, md

(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

"FIRST BIG ISSUE, EX/LX DOES NOT COME WITH SPARE TIRE/JACK!! I own the 2012 optima ex is pearl white and couldn't be happier. The car really turns heads. I opted out of the premium pkg and am not sorry for it. Although a sunroof would be nice along with heated/cooled seats and backup camera, I am perfectly happy wihout it. didn't seem like i wanted to pay the extra 3 grand for it. the standard audio system is more than enough. Environmental systems (air/heat) work very well without needing the seat warmer/coolers. ANTOTHER ISSUE I HAVE WTH THE CAR IS VISIBILITY. The sloping rear takes alot of the visibility away and even the headrests on the front seats create blind spots when trying to change lanes. MPG IS FAIR, I get about 19-22 city/31-32 hwy in eco mode and with cruise control on. I do find some lag in the transmission if you don't punch it when pulling away from a stop or accelerating on the hwy. I'VE HAD THE CAR 3 MONTS AND HVE 3200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND FEEL I MADE A GOOD PURCHASE."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Car Enthusiast

(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:		5 out of 5

"Ok, Likes - to many to put but here a few. Styling, Power, Nice tight stearing, Breaking, Average gas mileage is right on, Stereo, Plenty of room for family, Cant tell you how many complements i get from people walking by to those stopped at light next to me. Dislikes - not many. Seats could be a little more cushioned. Ride is a little rough but it does have like a sport suppension. Reliability - hope the car holds up for a long time. So far a great buy and fun to drive. Have to remember it is not a true sports car but a sedan."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Super Kia man

(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

"Great ride, Very sporty, and Super comfortable and great fuel economy for the amount of car you get. I just got 37mpg on the way to work this morning."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from JohnnyMac

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

"This is my daily driver, with a round trip of 72 miles. I am getting very good gas mileage on the hills of Western PA during rush hours. I am averaging 29 MPG, on a turbo w/ ECO mode, maintaing speeds "in the left lane". The car does feel "rough" but that is probably from the lightly sport-tuned suspension on the vehicle. This car drives way better than my wifes previous Accord LX (very dissapointing car) and her current Civic (Honda quality is going in the wrong direction!!). Very good performance for a 2.0, after coming from a G8 GT. I am very pleased with this car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting