The car has given excellent service, but I have experienced rattles in either side of the dashboard. Hard to tell where they're coming from. I just turn up the radio, but they are annoying.
The car gets well over 30 MPG with little or no effort.
The acceleration is terrific with one or two people on board, easily acceleratingly to 55 mph in 9 seconds, and the ride is very smooth, but fully loaded with four adults the performance is merely adequate, and rough road surfaces can be jittery.
Cruising at 80 mph is quite, and the feel is solid. The steering is responsive with good feel, and the seats are comfortable.
The audio equipment is good, but not stellar.
The climate control works very well, and the variable speed fan control is a great feature.
From the front, the styling reminds me of the Infiniti Q45 but the rest of the auto is nondescript.
I also experienced the rattling.
It's not a big deal because it's not that noticeable, but still annoying. Please post an update if you figure out what behind the dash is causing it.
We had rattling on the drivers side of the dash with certain frequencies of the stereo in my wife's 2007 EX. My wife loves to crank her music, and it broke her heart not to be able to, especially with the premium sound system. We figured out that if you shoved a newspaper in-between the door and the dash it went away. We took it back to the dealer and they tightened some screws in the door, and we haven't heard it since.
I bought an 08 Optima, and have taken my car back to the dealer twice for an annoying "rattle" or "vibration" in the dashboard on the right hand side. I was told that it was in the duct work, but was assured twice it was repacked and is fixed. It's not fixed, but I'm (unfortunately) glad to hear other cars are having the same noise and it's not just me. So far I just turn the radio up, because after about 45 mph I can't hear it anymore.
I HAVE FOUND OUT WHAT THE NOISE IS!!! I had posted previously about taking my Optima to the dealer twice and the "rattle" was still there. Well, I called another dealer and explained the whole situation and how the noise is still there. Well, I took it to him yesterday, and lo and behold... it's the heat shield underneath the car. The technician said that he has seen about 8 or 9 Optimas that have the same problem, and the noise appears to be coming from the floorboard, while it is actually coming from underneath. It might be well worth having it checked, since it seems to be a common problem with the 2008s. Hopefully this helps and fixes your "rattles" as well.
I drove an Optima home tonight for a test. I was pleased with the zip and did not detect any rattles. If the dealer makes me an offer I can't refuse tomorrow, I'll buy it. The only feature I would like but is lacking is a built-in garage door opener.
I bought an '08 Optima EX in July. Have 7500 miles and have had no mechanical issues. But I do have an off & on rattle from the right side dash. Going to check out the heat shield.
The side bolster on drivers seat cushion drives me nuts. You can feel this hard edge on the left side. The dealer replaced the seat out of another lot vehicle. Same problem. So I took it to my buddy who runs a trim shop. He open up the seat and KIA has inserted a hard material in the bolster. He removed it and replaced it with some high density material, and now the seat is much more comfy. The factory version just dug into my hip. Trust me I am not a 2 axe handle wide person either.
I am getting 27-29 city / freeway and 33 on the open road. I tend to drive the limit but am gentle on the pedal.
Overall I like the car.
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