2012 Kia Optima consumer reviews

We bought this car new of the lot. We loved how it looked and drove. And it does drive nice. Feels sporty. However we had only had this car for about 8 months when we notice one spot on the hood come off. We took it to the dealer. And the said they would not fix it. Then the next month we noticed there more spots all over the car. We took it back to the dealer. And they would not fix the problem. We have taken it to body shops. There is contamination under the paint. This is making the paint and clear coat to come off. KIA will not stand behind there product and fix the problem.

An excellent value, very, very affordable. If you're looking to race, this isn't the vehicle for you. But if you're looking for a really great looking, comfortable car with all the creature comforts at a very reasonable price, this IS the car for you!!!

I traded in my '04 Honda Accord EX V6 with 55K miles for a loaded used 2011 Kia Optima SX with 20K miles. Honestly, the first 2 weeks I was slightly nervous at the idea of ditching my 'dependable' Honda which overall ran good but had it's host of problems...constant chatter in the brakes from warped rotors that I had turned twice and replaced brake pads twice, a radio display that burned out at about 20K miles and did have fixed under warranty, headlights that fluctuated in brightness as I drove at night, a trunk lid that wouldn't stay open,and an automatic transmission that started to periodically slip and clunk...to name a few. And, I never really cared for the styling of the front end of my Accord but accepted it. I decided it was time to upgrade and I started my 2 year research process for a performance car with an import/European feel. After test driving used late models of the Lexus IS, Infiniti FX (which I really liked, but not the price tag), Infiniti G35X, the Audi A4, the VW Passat, Hyundai Genesis, and new models of the newly redesigned Hyundai Azera, and the Ford Fusion, I found none of these cars to excite me enough to 1.) pay the inflated prices (which I could actually afford but care not to advertise) 2.) offer a significant reduction in road noise, or 3.) give up my much loved Honda. However, after seeing the Optima, and liking it's exterior design, I finally decided to 'break down' and try the Kia (for I have always thought Kias were junky cars). Much to my surprise, from the minute I sat in the car I was highly impressed. The ergonomics of the interior controls are equivalent to any of the above mentioned makes, and the list of features was astounding for the listed sticker price. I had certain items I was not willing to give up on my next car, like dual climate zone and heated leather seats. Well, I got that PLUS cooled fronts seats and heated rear seats, and rear heat controls! My pre-teen and teenage kids are in heaven with these features and have more leg room than before! I didn't want to give up my sunroof and instead I got the panoramic sunroof! I wanted blue tooth so I could use my phone hands free, and just today I figured out I can also bluetooth pair my iPad to the car and listen and control songs within a playlist! Another thing I didn't want to relinquish was the power of my V6, yet had wishful thinking I could get better than the 24mpg of the Honda. Got that! The SX Turbo is VERY responsive (maybe a tad short of my V6 with it's higher rpm revs but nothing I haven't been able to accept) and I average about 30mpg! I have seen as much as 36mpg with all highway driving, but my regular driving habits are a combo of mostly stop and go city with some highway in between. This is minor, but I love the turn signal indicators on my outside mirrors. I feel they really do help with visibility to other drivers when I'm changing lanes on the highway. And, a feature many of the higher end car manufacturers do not offer. The comfort of the driver's seat is very good considering the multitude of adjustments with lumbar, height, tilt, etc and I have two driver power seat memory controls. The quality of leather on the seats may not be as luxurious as the other brands, but, is not rigid and is adequate for my life of shuttling kids from one function to the next. I have the navigation package which I'm still trying to get used to because I don't use it much, but I love that I have the touch screen vs the 'dial' control many other cars use. Overall, I'm thrilled with my purchase. Only regrets are that I didn't buy a new one so I could get the color I wanted! Also, the SX model is definitely a firmer, bumpier ride than my last and I probably should have test drove the EX for comparison. However, it was love at first sight and I knew after my first test drive that this was THE car. I am giving 4 out of 5 stars for comfort because it is a bit bumpy on rough rodes, for interior design because as a passenger you sit a little too low in the car for visibility out the windows, and reliability because I have had it for almost 2 months and my sunroof shade sticks upon opening and needs adjustment. I feel these are all minor issues that would not prevent me from purchasing the car again. I am proud every time I pull into my neighborhood and drive past my neighbors who have Mercedes, BMWs, Lexus and the like sitting in their driveways, because, I KNOW I have more features than they do at half the cost!!

I find it seems to hesitate a little bit while I drive in town. I find the driver's seat very uncomfortable to my lower back and butt. I love everything about the car, but it always feels like it wants to stop working and just break down sometimes. I only have 6K miles on it and have had only my first oil change. It's much too soon for me to have to feel a car act as though there's something wrong with it.

this car has everything in a car valued at $50,000. for about 1/2 the price. i looked at lexus, mercedes, and this one was it.

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.

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.

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 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!

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!