#16

in Affordable Midsize Cars

Based on analysis of 30 Optima reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $17,495 - $22,145
Invoice: $16,510 - $20,600
MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.1
Performance:8.2
Exterior:7.0
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.7
Reliability:6.0
Research we analyzed for this review
  • Lower sticker price than most competitors
  • Lengthy basic and powertrain warranties
  • Spacious interior and cargo capacity
  • Base engine is an underperformer on the highway
  • Many important safety features are not available as standard equipment
  • Some reviewers find braking and steering sub-par

Kia Optima - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Kia Optima ranks 16 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 30 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Optima, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Kia Optima has been improved for the 2009 model year, with updated exterior styling, more power and improved fuel economy. Its low price and long warranty make it a solid choice for some buyers, but there are many more comfortable, more exciting sedans.

The Kia Optima has always offered a lot of value for the money, but not a lot of refinement or driving excitement.  A 2009 update improves the car all around, but not enough to push it out of the middle of the midsize pack.  The Optima is worth a look for budget-oriented midsize shoppers, or small-car shoppers considering something with more space.

Optima shoppers might want to look at the Hyundai Sonata as well.  The two cars share most of their parts, but the Sonata saw a more significant update for 2009 than the Optima did, and now offers a much more upscale interior and a bit more power.  In the current economic climate, it is also possible to negotiate the price of some more well-executed cars down to Optima territory.  See our best car deals page for current offers. 

The Optima is available in LX, EX or SX trims. All three can be purchased with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 175 horsepower -- a significant boost over the 2008 Optima's base engine. A 2.7-liter V6 is also offered. That engine puts out 190 horsepower -- not much added power for the added cost. 

  •  + "The 2009 Kia Optima continues to offer buyers a well-built, well-equipped family sedan for less money than the competition." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "Buying an Optima does not make you foolish -- far from it, in fact. Not only is it aggressively priced, but it's also well-built, loaded with content, and respectably capable at the test track."  -- Motor Trend
  • "Once a forgettable entry in the family sedan segment, the updated-for-2009 Kia Optima stands as a recommended choice, thanks to its respectable driving dynamics, value-packed features list and welcoming interior." -- Edmunds
  • "While I'm not convinced that Kia's manufacturing quality is quite up to the level of the company's parent, South Korean automaker Hyundai, the Optima's overall execution is so good that it comes across as a vehicle worth a lot more than its price." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
  • "The good news is that there isn't much to criticize with the Optima. The bad news is that there is equally little to outwardly praise." -- About.com

Optima Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)

Kia boosted the power of both Optima engines for 2009, and while the car won't match the segment leaders on the track, it more than meets the needs of most buyers on a daily commute.  The sweet spot is the four-cylinder engine -- the larger V6 doesn't add much power for the amount it adds to the price. continue

Optima Exterior - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Kia Optima has new look that borrows from rivals at the top of the class. As Kelley Blue Book notes, "The 2009 Kia Optima is still modern and attractive. The profile is fronted by an attractive yet vaguely Accord-like grille flanked by cat-eye halogen headlights." Still, many say the car isn't likely to turn many heads. continue

Optima Interior - 7.7 (Good)

The 2009 Kia Optima offers a comfortable, functional interior for its price, but not one that matches the well-appointed, tech-heavy sedans at the top of this class. continue

Optima Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)

The 2009 Kia Optima proves that you no longer have to spend a fortune to drive a safe car. It wins a maximum five stars in government crash tests, and a four-star rollover rating. continue

Optima Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Kia Optima reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Ka offers a five-year/60,000 mile warranty with every car. continue

Review Last Updated: 6/5/09