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2011 Kia Optima consumer reviews

$19,200–$20,700 MSRP range
side view of 2011 Optima Kia
(130 reviews)
90% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.7
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.4
Explore the 2011 Kia Optima
Shop the 2011 Kia Optima

My 1st Kia

?That?s a Kia?? That was the first thing my brother in law's common was, based on the sleek new exterior design that fits the carmaker?s definition. In addition to the dual exhausts, solar glass and outside mirror turn signal indicators, the upgraded options offers standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors, and exterior chrome/body-color door handles with 17-inch alloy wheels and the list goes on and on until you get the panorama sunroof (a must have) Driving the Optima is smooth in city and highway conditions, and it corners confidently too. It?s quick when passing and have no problem going up on hills. The quality of interior construction and its new, sharp design is impeccable. From the soft to the touch material use to the French stitching of the leather Now it's also earned five-star ratings across the board from the feds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Optima five stars overall, along with five stars in frontal and side impact; it also earned five stars in the new side pole test.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Love it

I have about 1900 miles on a 2011 Kia Optima EX with the Premium Package. So far, I love it. It's a sporty drive with great gas mileage. I haven't had it on a strictly highway miles trip yet, but I'm getting 25-26mpg in city/highway commuting. The premium package is well worth the money. The heated/cooled front seats are great and the kids love the heated rear seats and rear-seat moonroof. I live in MN and love the heated steering wheel. It's good in the snow too. I've had several people ask me what kind of car it is. I have a couple friends with Camrys and they are jealous of the new Kia. Overall, I absolutely love the car. I hope the mileage improves a little once the weather turns warm and I have a few more miles on it. I do notice the veering to the left that someone else noted but haven't taken it in yet.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Kia Breaks Out of its Shell

When Pontiac was determined to be on the chopping block, I hurried to snatch up a G8 GT. I loved that car. After much thought though, I had to decide to forgo amazing power for something a little more economical. I could no longer look to Pontiac, and there were no brands that really stood out as a sporty brand as far as I was concerned. I now have come to the conclusion that KIA is the new Pontiac, and I'm loving every second of it. They take what Hyundai designs, throw a little more on top of it, and give it an edgier sport centric design. I was researching the Hyundai Sonata when I came across the redesigned Optima concept. So I went out test driving cars, and I drove a Sonata Turbo, then went to the KIA dealership down the street to see if they had any Optima's in yet. They did, I test drove an EX with the base 2.4L engine. As soon as I got in the driver oriented cockpit, which is tilted for ease of access to the driver, I knew I had to have it. The ride is a little stiff just like my G8 was, the fuel mileage is phenomenal, and honestly, the power is definitely good enough for me. Especially when I put the car into manual shift mode. It is not the most responsive manual shifting, but it definitely does the job, and lets you get into the power band very easily, providing a fairly exhilarating ride for only 200HP. I wound up purchasing a Metal Bronze EX w/ Premium package, and everyday when I get out of my car, I'm happy with the choice I made. The color stands out, the heated and cooled seats work amazing, and the heated steering wheel is something you would normally only find in luxury cars. I also have the beautiful luxury of having a panoramic sunroof, which makes the car feel much more open. Many have said that the sunroof cuts down on headroom significantly, but I'm 6' tall and have no issues hitting my head on the roof. The front and back legroom are definitely best in class, I don't even have to put the seat all the way back to feel comfortable. Also, the fit and finish on the car is astounding, the gaps between panels are tiny and everything lines up perfectly on the inside. If there were anything on the car that I would change, it would be the back tail lights for the LED tails that come on the top-level SX model, and the LED Daytime Running Lights, which are only available in Korea. Also, after purchasing the car, I looked at another Optima that had the navigation package installed, and was blown away by it. It's a good thing they didn't have one available on the lot, otherwise I would've purchased that option as well! One definite downside to the car are the tires, which are All-Season Nexens. They are a little noisy and definitely not rated for deep snow traction. You need to learn the car a little to be able to handle it. I guess when you have to pack so much value at this price point, you can't be top shelf with everything, I just wish it was on something else besides the tires. This is my first venture buying anything Korean branded or manufactured, as far as cars are concerned. I have recommended the KIA brand to a few friends already, and my girlfriend will be looking at a Forte SX when she purchases a new car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Best Looking car on the market.

Bought the LX as soon as I saw it, and after driving it now for about 500 miles, am still excited. Getting 34-36 mpg highway at sustained 65 mph speed. City driving around 24-25. Love sportmatic transmission! You have to check this baby out or you'll be missing some fun.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Buy this car!!!

My wife and I purchased the Kia Optima after days of researching both the Ford Fusion and the Kia Optima. Not only was the dealer willing to make us a good deal, but at the end of the day, driving home in our new 2011 Kia Optima, we knew we had made the right choise. The Fusion was my wife's first choice when deciding to purchase a new car. But after the test drive she forgot all abou the fusion. It is smooth and will give you more value for your dollar. In these times, value for our dollar was very important. The factory warranty alone was a great benefit... You will not be disappointed!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great car

My 2011 Optima is a great car that provides many features and reasonable price. I love the heated and cooled seats and the heated steering wheel and all the other premium package features. The looks are killer and I would recommend this car To anyone, way to go Kia

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Beware of Common Left Pull Issue!!

I bought a 2011 Kia Optima EX on New Year's Day. It pulled to the left as soon as I left the dealer's lot. Has been back to the dealer twice - no fix - and is going back again tonight. This is a common - and so far unfixable - problem with the Optima's twin, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Do a search for 2011 Sonata pulling left and you will find hundreds of complaints. Looks like the issue carried through to the 2011 Optimas. If you are thinking of buying an Optima, perhaps you should wait until a fix is discivered by Kia/Hyundia. Once a fix is found, this is really a delightful car; but, knowing a crash on the freeway can be had be removing your hand from the steering wheel for 5 seconds, the delight is somehwat lost on me. REALLY hoping a fix is found soon.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Worth buying !!!

Best in gas mileage as well as power. Looks more expensive than what it is. Aggressive exteriors a complete redesign of its successors. Beautiful interiors. Nice and sleek interiors.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Top notch car

This is my second brand new car purchased from the showroom floor. My last car was a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM GT and I had it for 2 years before I went to Japan for 2 years. Well, now that I'm back in the good old U.S.A. It's time for a new car. The is terrific to say the least. Driving is a pleasure all on it's own. It's comfortable, quite, smooth and handles like a dream. It does seem very tight in the steering, but that's a good thing. The sensitivity in movement when turning ever so lightly can be a savior or big crash. What I love the most is the price. My goosh! For all the amenities and eye candy I thought the price would be 30 to 40 thousand bucks. But, get this...22,000.00 I said right away...Sold!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Sporty and Practical

I' m 6'6" and weigh 300#.As you could imagine it's very hard to find a car to fit me.This one did along with the 4 others in my family.My son is 14 and is 5'11".He sat behind me with plenty of legroom.The economy and handling are nice.We went from a Tahoe to this car and are very happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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