The mid-size sedan that was Kia's bread-and-butter for almost 20 years—a comfortable, reliable, and affordable car that was a top seller. It was the car that proved Kia could compete with the Accord and Camry.
The Optima was a front-engine, front-drive, unibody mid-size sedan.
1st gen (2001-2005): 2.4L I4 (149 hp) or 2.5L V6 (170 hp), 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto.
2nd gen (2006-2010): 2.4L I4 (162 hp) or 2.7L V6 (185 hp), 5-speed manual or 5-speed auto.
3rd gen (2011-2015): 2.4L I4 (200 hp) or 2.0L turbo I4 (274 hp), 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto.
4th gen (2016-2020): 2.4L I4 (185 hp), 2.0L turbo I4 (245 hp), or 2.0L hybrid (192 hp). Transmissions: 6-speed auto or 6-speed auto (hybrid).
The Optima is reliable. The 2.4L Theta II has the same engine failure recall as the Hyundai Sonata (2011-2014 models). The 2.0L turbo is reliable. The 2.5L V6 is durable. The 5-speed and 6-speed autos are good. The Optima is a reliable mid-size sedan, but avoid the Theta II engine (2011-2014).
Every listing below is VIN-matched to your exact Optima before it ships, backed by a 60-day replacement warranty:
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