2012 Kia Optima

Rating from "Opie"

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

"I love this car! It is extremely comfortable and affordable. The sales representatives were very knowledgable on the car and parts. I got the LX model and it is still very nice for being a basic base model. It has some advanced technological capabilities. It rides smooth, however is a tab-bit slow if you like to drive fast. It takes a while to pick up but, it runs great. I am excited. Its sleek and very functional, offering a spacious dash and leg room in the back seat. it is easy to operate the voice commands and initiate all of the settings."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Meet Marilyn

(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:		4 out of 5

"I'm a former Lexus owner and had never honestly thought I'd voluntarily buy a Kia. I purchased the Optima EX GDI with the premium package and I am MORE than happy. I have all of the amenities I'm used to in a Lexus but I paid nearly a third of what I'd have paid for the luxury brand. It's a 4 cylinder engine but you'd never know it. The one thing I thought I'd miss was my turbo on my Lexus. You just pressed that little button and you could zoom in wherever you needed to go. On this 4 banger, I merge with traffic seamlessly and easily. I can pass smoothly and I get zero resistance from her. I really never thought I'd be so giddy over owning a Kia but I'm so glad that I saved my money! This is a FUN CAR to drive! I heard that the lumbar support wasn't very good but as someone with a bad back, my seat is perfect. There is a lumbar adjustment on the seat that I have adjusted to the right spot and it's wonderful. Only complaint is that the USB hookup for UVO is faulty with a standard iPod cable (a faint popping/clicking noise...not with AUX plug in, but I like the interface you get with the UVO better) but supposedly, the "official" Kia chord fixes that. I'll be finding out shortly."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Atlanta Guy

(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 am a type of person who keeps cars for a long time. My previous car was a 2001 model and I was on the lookout for my next car. I attended the Atlanta Car Show earlier this year and wasn't really impressed by any of the usual suspects apart from higher-end luxury brands that cost $35K+. I finally got to the Kia section and I was blown away by how nice the Optima looked! I had never given Kia a thought prior to this car show. The Optima had a very European & chiseled look. I knew I loved how it looked, including the trunk space. However, I wasn't sure about price nor performance. I checked out the sticker price and to my amazement, the Optima was cheaper than many of the basic cars plus it had all the luxury features of cars that cost $5K-$10K more!!!! I went in for a test drive at a local dealership and I was impressed with how well it handled as well as the turbo 274 horsepower!!! I could not only get great gas mileage when I decided to be cost effective but I could also punch it if I need the extra power or for fun. I continued to do my due diligence for several months. All the car reviews had nothing but great things to say. I decided to pull the trigger and I bought the 2012 Optima SX last week. I am truly in awe of this magnificent work of art. I have "raced" a few other higher end luxury cars and they have all been surprised with how I can keep up and even beat them as well as looking good doing it. They are surprised how much power this car has. I have the same quality car they do with $10K still left in the bank! I also like the fact that Optima has a very fresh look and it isn't saturated in the market like other cars that now just look uninspired and boring. You get the most bang for your hard-earned buck with this car. Great job Kia! Highly recommended!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Phil

(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

"Purchased to SX turbo Optima and the acceleration is great. On top of that I'm averaging 28 MPH in the subburbs and over 32 MPH on the highway. I don't do "city" driving so I can't comment on that."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Kia lover

(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

"My husband traded in his beloved 2004 Ford F150 for this car -- we both are really impressed with it. We did get the turbo, but running the car in the "ECO" mode we still have been getting 24-26 miles per gallon in town. It still has the "get up-n-go" when you need it. So glad we decided to go with the KIA -- best bang for the buck!!!!!!!!!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Happy4Turbo

(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

"Recently purchased this Vehicle from Morrow KIA in Beaver PA. Found it online and worked with Brian from their online sales group. Overall the experience was well above previous purchases. Vehicle was exactly as described, priced fairly, and most important was that there were not hidden or non-disclosed fees or add-ons. The price quoted that got me there was the price paid. Good business philosophy and will get my return business. As for the vehicle, it is still new with only 1200 miles in the first 3 weeks, however the performance and handling is outstanding. Fit and finish will rival anything just about anything in it's price range and higher. Overall the feel is reminiscent of German influence. It is too early to give a valid numerical rating on the mileage, however I am certain it will live up expectations. At this time I am averaging 27.5MPG in mixed conditions (60/40) highway and town, however the turbo is still an new "toy" and I am sure that this is affecting the overall fuel consumption, but still pretty good for how it is being driven."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Former Subaru and Acura owner

(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

"The first week driving my Kia Optima Hybrid, in black with convenience package and leather. From doing a LOT of reading online in the past 2 weeks before buying, I am not disappointed. 1. Regarding poor reviews of the "uncomfortable seat": Leather seats feel much better than the cloth version. Perhaps not as luxurious as some competitors, but perfectly satisfactory after some detailed adjustments for height, lumbar support, thigh angle, etc. 2. Regarding mixed reviews of the gas mileage, my current average is 38.3 according to the onboard MPG calculator; almost all reviews I read indicated that the calculation at-the-pump is perhaps 1-2 mpg lower than this. I will find out in a week or so when the tank runs down. have driven over 280 miles this week, and still 2/3 tank left. Amazing. Would have been filling up tomorrow, if it were my outback. Driving 1/3 city, 2/3 freeway. 3. Regarding acceleration; very zoomy. Also test-drove the turbo version; ok, so not that zoomy, but plenty for me as i trade up from a decade-old vehicle. 4. Regarding its looks: I've had a couple folks stop me in the parking lot and ask how I like the car. I enjoy telling them about it; love its looks. The black is spectacular. And, so glad I did not choose the technically comparable (and perhaps slightly better) 2012 Camry hybrid; really bland styling, and the stat that I read that got me (and rang true): the average Camry buyer is 65. Moreover, I enjoy driving a car almost no one has on the road--This good review from me notwithstanding, please don't all go out and get one."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Optima Lover

(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 only had my 2012 Kia Optima EX w/ premium package in snow pearl white for 2 days, but I am already in love with it. It has an underestimated power and handling. The exterior caught my eye, but once inside I completely forgot about that. So much bang for the buck! The UVO system is awesome! I would definitely suggest the EX above the LX for the extra amenities, premium package well worth adding. You will not be disappointed!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from unsatisfied car buyer

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

"Purchase a brand new 2012 Kia Optima EX sedan (non turbo, 4cyl) because I believed I was getting the best deal for the money. After my first refill of fuel did I notice I was getting the gas mileage I was informed I should get. Sticker claimed 24 in the city, 28 average and 34 on the highway. My averages are 19 in the city, 21.5 average and 27 on the highway. When I brought this to the dealerships attention, they told me I must be driving reckless or too long of stops at stop signs and/or red lights. I was not satisfied with the dealerships prognosis so I brought it to KIA Corp in Georgia, they pretty much told me the same story. This is not true and I believe either Kia is a big liar or I have purchased a lemon. The only two kudos I can give for this vehicle is the options the EX has would cost Toyota's nearly $4000 more."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Pyro Doc

(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

"2012 Satin Metal Optima EX 2.4L with Premium Package. I wasn't this excited about my wife's '07 Infiniti G35x, an incredible car. I expected that to be great. The 7 midsize sedans I compared now should be solid, affordable family cars. I got so much more: Unequaled luxury & value - the style, features, and attention to detail are unmatched at this price point. Some cars costing $10K more lack this level of sophistication. How many cars light up for you as you approach, inviting you back? Heated steering wheel! Front (2-stage) & rear seats heated. Front seats cooled. Rear air vents. Power folding and heated exterior mirrors. Keyless entry/ignition. What a convenience. Rearview camera. Standout styling - a chiseled, athletic look that sets it apart. A head turner. Satin Metal - a handsome medium silver, but not boring, with a je ne sais quoi that makes you look twice. (So luxurious it made me break out the pretentious French phrase. But apt.) And in lower light, it becomes a pale champagne. Tres chic. Expansive panoramic sunroof. Slightly less headroom than in some, but no worry if < 6'. I like the sunshades open which helps. Premium stereo sounds magnificent, especially with the HD radio. Bluetooth & Sirius, too. You may not buy this for the stereo, but it's no afterthought. Impressive fidelity, far better than most in this class. UVO (voice control) very useful. Excellent fit/finish. Classy looking and feeling materials throughout. Switches and buttons seem solid, no mush or cheap feel. One minor exception: a couple of slight puckers in leather upholstery. Nothing serious or terribly unattractive, but noticeable. All the latest safety features. 4700 miles, 4 months. First impressions are lasting; still loving it. Admirable fuel economy, 28.5 mpg combined (calculated), but plenty enough oomph if I put my foot down. From zero to highway passing, the 2.4L responds without lag or lugging. Well configured for that elusive sweet spot of economy and performance, even in ECO mode. I feel as though I'm going slower than my speedo indicates. A tribute to the solid build quality - nary a squeak or rattle. And the 6-speed transmission is smooth as silk. I've noticed no buzz or vibration from the engine as some griped. The driver's seat is supportive and comfortable, fully adjustable including tilt/telescoping steering wheel. I feel well-cocooned and fitted to my cockpit, ready to drive forever. Steering more than adequate. Firm, responsive, good road feel and centering. Hardly numb as a few complained. Brakes strong, linear with a firm, reassuring feel. Ride quality is a nice balance between comfort and sportiness. Easily a cut above in its category for handling and acceleration. Road and wind noise are fine, even above average. No mechanical defects so far. In my mind, this concern is much smaller with Kia these days due to the major strides in the past decade or more they have clearly made in improving quality and reliability across their range. Any lingering doubts can be assuaged by a look at the warranty. Car companies don't hand these out to look nice. Unless they want to bleed money in just a few years, the numbers must be backed by their product quality. Kia's warranty is the best. Speaking of the best, I've never had a better experience when buying a car. The staff at my local Kia dealership were exemplary. Courteous and honest, they actually made the process pleasant. 10s across the board. All of this in a car that's a few or even several thousands less than its rivals. What's that mean? Those of you who are looking for a good family sedan, go see for yourself. If you have an eye for style, features, quality, and value, you'll come to the same conclusion I did: I got a fabulous car at an astounding price. Kia hasn't just arrived to the midsize sedan competition, it's taken the category by storm. The Power to Surprise, indeed."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting