2008 Kia Optima Review

The Optima is a midsize sedan introduced in 2001. The second generation debuted for 2007, after skipping the 2006 model year. Unlike the original, the new Optima is significantly different when compared to the Hyundai Sonata.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Kia Optima is a very solid competitor for the Camry. While its styling won't wow you, its interior is meticulously crafted, and safety and reliability is at the top of its class. The Optima is not perfect, but it's a well-priced sedan that's good at what it does, which is offering value, features and a long warranty.

What's New For 2008:

An audio input jack is now standard. Two trims are offered: LX and EX.

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Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$16,755

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
5

Gas Mileage:
21/31

Engine:
2.4L I4

Horsepower:
162@5800RPM

Torque:
164@4250RPM

Transmission:
5 Speed Manual

Drive:
FR/FWD

Fuel Capacity:
16

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
60/60000

Powertrain Warranty:
120/100000

Rust Warranty:
60/100000

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Optima 3 stars for dependability. The only reported problem with the first generation was engine stalling. It was recalled four times for misrouted airbag wiring, fuel leaks and crankshaft sensor defects. The current generation has had issues with malfunctioning CD changers and flaky engine control modules. No recalls have been issued. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Optima earned five-star government crash test ratings. In IIHS tests, it received "Good" scores for the front and rear. Full side airbags and 5-mph bumpers are standard. The Electronic Stability Control Package is available on all but the four-cylinder LX, and adds anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Solid reliability
+ Great crash test scores
+ Well priced

Cons
- ABS not standard
- Dull exterior
- Poor resale value

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Ford Fusion includes ABS, but costs quite over $1,500 more. The Volkswagen Jetta Sedan has ABS and traction control, but costs a few hundred more. The Mazda MAZDA3 has ABS, but costs over a thousand more.

What Others Are Saying:

"So Kia's optimal ambitions are modest-on the order of 50,000 a year, which is about one-eighth of Camry sales. If prospective buyers come in for a look and a test drive, that seems doable." - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The often-overlooked Kia Optima probably will be noticed by far more buyers of low-priced mid-size sedans because the new 2006.5 version has slicker styling, more power and additional safety features." - Chicago Sun-Times

"Measured against the '07 Accord EX V6, the Optima LX comes up short in acceleration, mileage and toys. But measured against comparably priced family iron, it's just as comfortable (unless you're long-legged) and vastly more satisfying to look at and sit in. The top Optima will never win any (real) awards, but if there was a Subtly Nice Sedan For Not Much Money, Now or Down the Road trophy, the Optima would be a shoo-in." - The Truth About Cars

Read more about the 2008 Kia Optima at the Kia manufacturer web site.

Published on Friday, March 21, 2008 - Email to a friend

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