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2012 Kia Optima consumer reviews

$19,500–$21,000 MSRP range
side view of 2012 Optima Kia
(186 reviews)
85% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.4
Explore the 2012 Kia Optima
Shop the 2012 Kia Optima

Funnest car iv ever owned

I have had many cars in my 26 years of driving but have never enjoyed and loved any of them as much as my 2012 Optima. Im 6'6" and have tons of room in it, awesome fuel economy, what you get for the price is amazing and the way it looks just cant be put into words. It drives amazing, looks amazing, feels amazing and is just awesome. I never in my wildest dreams thought i would ever own a kia, especially always having jeeps and trucks almost always. Anyway, im rambling, thats just how i get when it comes to my Optima, GIDDY !

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 Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Awesome Vehicle

I was blown away by the car's appearance. You have to see it in person. The test drive knocked my socks off. I bought the Turbo EX model. A quiet ride was important, to me, as I was replacing a Buick. The ride is amazing. I love the way the car can absorb a bump in the rode. Kia gives you a great value for your money. Highly recommended.

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 Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Get the SX it's worth it

Recently traded in my 2008 Jetta for the SX model with the tech package and the 274hp Turbo engine. I had never considered a Kia before as I still had the image in my head for the cheap econo-boxes they used to make. Wow, I was really impressed after taking this for a test drive. Fast with minimal turbo-lag, good handling, and really good looks. I LOVE the options in this. Pros: Fast engine with lots of pickup. Faster than lots of V6's I've driven, and with better mileage. Great looks, especially the SX model Panoramic sunroof is really nice heated AND cooled seats, front and rear Infinity stereo system can really boom. There is (I believe) an 8" sub in the back. Ipod conductivity charges ipod/iphone Seats are comfortable and HIGHLY adjustable. Large 17 gallon gas tank. Cons: most of these are really minor gripes Gas mileage is not as great as advertised. I've found it to be much more average (23/25) If you use the "ECO" button the engine feels sluggish. Poor rear side visibility. There's a bit of a rear blind spot. Cant have navigation AND EVO system. I opted for navigation. Cant operate radio controls (other than volume) when the car is in reverse. Car beeps at you if you get out while the car is running. No daytime running lights (why?) Have to "agree" to terms every time you use the navigation. Voice commands could be easier to use. Most of these "cons" are really minor, and I would highly recommend this car. My girlfriend still doesn't like it because she can't get past the "Kia" badge. She refuses to even try and drive it. Hopefully they keep building quality product like this and will eventually win her (and others) over. Great job KIA!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Best car I have ever driven

What a pleasure to drive. I lease my cars from a car broker and they deliver the cars to my home. The young man who brought the car to me (I'm a grandma) said it's a real cool car and thought it was an Acura. He could not believe how reasonably it was priced and all the great features. It is by far the best car I have ever had. I am sold on Kia Optima and have told all my friends.

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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Best car I have ever owned

I bought a 2012 EX Turbo in December. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. I'm 60 and have been through quite a few cars. For a $30,000 sticker there is nothing else in the game except a Sonata but I love the looks of the Optima much better. GReat mileage and power combination. There are so many little, well thought items. The heated steering wheel in winter, cooled and heated front seats, the full glass roof. When the sunroof is open it is still quiet inside and not like a tornado with wind. I could go on and on. the only weak point is the telephone voice command. someone really dropped the ball there. It is much faster to have Siri dial the number on my iPhone. Maybe a firmware update can fix this. I have told many friends I would put this against a Lexus or Acura any day.

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
  • Does recommend this car
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A lot of car for the money

GET THE SX TURBO WITH ALL OPTIONS; YOU WON'T BE KICKING YOURSELF FOR WHAT YOU COULD HAVE HAD. THE 18" ALLOYS ARE VERY APPEALING

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

A nice caar dafor the money, I ve had it a month and my only complqit is that the seat belt anchor is too short and makes it hard for a karge peson 6'4. 285 to use.

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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A Great Surprise!

Traded a 2008 Toyota Avalon for this new 2012 Optima EX. I am 6'2", 240 lbs. The seat is comfortable and the leg room is amazingly roomy. And the performance and steering is quick making this a fun car to drive on curves or down the highway. I love the German engineering and look. Oh, and the pocket book is not on fire. Thanks KIA. Catch me if you can!

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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I feel like Im driving a 40000 car

I bought a 2012 Kia Optima Ex Turbo last month. I have owned 2 Lexus and an Infiniti. This car hands down is the most bang for the buck. The quality of the car is incredible. The power it has makes it a blast to drive. Go drive a Lexus or an Infiniti then drive the Kia Optima Turbo. You will buy it if you can find one.

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 Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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great car

i have had mine for 6 months love it.i have the lx it comes equipped with plenty of features. all for less and now onto the warranty 10/100000 and 5/60000 perfect.hard to beat that for 20000!!! 14000 miles and this is one great car it does get great gas mileage if your not driving aggressively and i have gotten 35.1 out on the freeway. in short this is one great deal.

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
  • Does recommend this car
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