Faults:

Wear and tear only. Radiator, coil, coolant tubing replaced after 200k+ miles. I recently replaced the valve cover gaskets. Cover had no sludge at all!

Replaced timing belts and water pump close to schedule. Oil changes between 5k and 6k. I usually did it. The 2.7 V6 may burn a half a quart of oil by 5k miles. I have an 06 Sedona with 284,000 miles and it burns less than the Optima with similar replacement schedule.

I don’t understand why Toyota’s, Honda’s, Acura’s etc all have excessive oil burning issues.

General Comments:

Solid mechanically.

Minor electrical glitches with the radio until the antenna was replaced.

The ABS light has been on for years.

Unless the battery was left in too long, the car has always started, completed every trip and gets decent MPG.

Faults:

I am so glad a ran across this website. I purchased my car brand new with only 4 miles, and now I have 123,000, which are highway miles.

On way the home one night (I work 2nd shift), the engine light pops on. I was wondering what now, 6 months ago I just had the timing changed, and 1 yr prior had the alternator change. I remember about 2 year ago the check engine light came on; it was the gas cap. I also had some of the same problems as the other people; locks on doors, check engine light, airbag light, brakes.

I just can't afford to put any more money into this car.

General Comments:

Sorry to see so many people having problems with their respective Kia Optimas. I have two myself (2003 LX for me and 2004 EX for my wife) and have not had any of the problems I see here.

My wife's car has all the bells and whistles, and I have a lot in mine as well.

My wife's car has had the "Service Engine Light" come on twice since we've had the car, but other than that, we've had smooth sailing.

I bought my car in 2004 (used) with 43 miles on it. It now has 199,000 plus and it's still running great (oh yeah, I'm a driver). My wife's car has 74,000 miles on it.

I'm going to chalk up a good number of the negative comments to human nature. People who generally are not having problems don't feel the need to complain... therefore you won't see a lot of good reviews on here. By contrast, people who have something to complain about, let it be known primarily because they're upset and want others to know their pain (can we say "Misery Loves Company?)

Faults:

Replaced two visor clamps, several exterior lights, and two batteries.

General Comments:

After 95,000 miles and two batteries, the car is running great. Average MPG is 26.5. Excellent pickup and go power makes it feel like a sports car.

Liked it so much we bought a second one a week later, but traded it for a much needed truck two years later.

Drivers seat is very adjustable for road cruising comfort.

Faults:

Alternator went out; had it tested and it was still good. Replaced the battery and the fuse for the alternator; problem still happened at night. On the way home from the store, all the power went out, lights started to dim then the car died.

General Comments:

The car is OK for cheaply made cars, but the sale price is way too much for something that will break down on you.