2003 Kia Optima LX review from North America
"So far it's a great car for a great price"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing yet.
General comments?
I've had the car now for less than one week, and it's still surprising me at every turn, and so far none of the surprises have been bad ones.
The performance and agility are quite remarkable in this car. KIA really seems to have taken the quality of it's vehicles to heart and worked on improving them.
The Optima is just a retooled version of parent company Hyundai's Sonata, which is fine with me. While not a Lexus or BMW by any stretch of the imagination, my Optima has a sporty look and matching attitude.
We'll see if I continue to feel this way as time passes.
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![]() ![]() | Great car... that is if you don't ever plan on trading it in on another!!! |
![]() ![]() | If an Accord or Camry is a 10, An Optima is at least an 8. Regardless of price |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 212 miles |
| Most recent distance | 320 miles |
| Previous car | Plymouth Sundance |
| Date of Entry | 13th June, 2003 |

