2002 Kia Optima Reviews - Page 3 of 3

Three of the four automatic windows have not worked at one time or another.

The "Check engine light" was constantly on for no reason.

The Clock LED indicator display did not stay lighted at all times.

The rubber seal around the front window has started to come apart.

The silver trim around the driver side back window has become disengaged from the car.

A flat tire caused the aluminum rim to shatter and have to be replaced. It was not covered under KIA's warranty so I had to replace it myself.

Both headlight bulbs have burned out and had to be replaced.

I feel that the problems I have endured are too many for a two year old car with less than 60,000 miles.

The performance and comfort is very good, but the ongoing problems quickly cause those to be overlooked.

*Trunk Lid lock will not engage.

*Rear seat lock will not engage.

*Stereo/CD player acts up now and then and will "blink" on and off.

*Annoying creaks and rattle from Plastic center console and window/door.

*Engine hood/lid missing one of two little half dollar size rubber "hood stop" that keeps lid level. (Looks like it was never installed)

I bought this car mainly because of the cheap price $7,995, low mileage-26,000 and remainder of the 5 year/60,000 bumper to bumper warranty. I've only owned the car for 6 weeks.

The overall look of the car is quite pleasing. The front grill/light design reminds me of a more "upscale" car.. Kinda cadillacish. Certainly more attractive than virtually any midsize American car.

I'm also pleased with the interior. The quality is better than I expected with pretty darn good attention to detail and better than expected materials. Everything is logically located and easy to reach. The interior has a nice look to it as well as a solid feel.

The seats are on the firm side. The back support seems to push you forward a bit, Regardless of the position, which I do not like. My 87 Camry seems to fit me like an old pair of sneakers.. Perhaps with time I'll break the optima's seats in.

Handling seems confident, capable and secure.

The ride, over smooth pavement, is like butter. I've heard professional reviewers comment on how well the Optima handles bad pavement, but I'll have to disagree. It seems like every little bump, on bad roads, is transfered right to the cabin. No worse than my old Camry, but not really any better either which is a bit of a disappointment.

The V6 has decent power and is very quite.

The transmission seems to lag slightly between the lower gears which seemed odd to me at first, but the over all impression is of a very refined engine/transmission. Much more refined than I expected.

Although a number of annoying problems have creeped up, All are covered under warranty and none of them are serious or have effected my positive feelings about the car. Even with locks that don't lock, struts that don't absorb bumps as well as I think they should and annoying interior noises that alert you to the fact that this is not a lexus... I am still very impressed at what $8000 can get you... and the fact that any problems with the car shouldn't cost me a dime to fix, for at least the next three years, is icing on the cake.

I'm a happy camper.

There have been no problems with this car which was a demo prior to buying it. The V6 engine is a major improvement in performance and level of comfort in the Optima over the 4 cylinder engine. The automatic with manual over-ride is excellent and very smooth.

The Optima is a pretty automobile with a modern European flare to its design.

Handling is very good while the ride is a bit on the soft side. The excellent Michelin tires are quiet and helps to maintain a very quiet interior noise level while providing a great ride.

Interior space is above average for a mid-sized automobile. I am 6'1" tall and rather big, but the interior room is a very good fit for me. I could use a seat belt extender, though.

Left front speaker went out after about 10000 miles. I haven't taken it in yet, so I don't know if it's the radio or the speaker...

This car is VERY comfortable. It's quiet and smooth going down the road.

The only two complaints I have are that the transmission shifts erratically. It feels like it's slipping sometimes. And the major lack of performance from such a big 4 cylinder engine (2.4 liter)