Faults:

I have had nothing major go wrong with the car that was not my own fault.

General Comments:

At first many people think when they see a KIA it is bad, but then they got into my car and it totally changed their mind.

The car has some nice pick-up.

The interior is very roomy and the seats are comfortable.

The 16 inch wheels add some style to this flashy car.

This car can beat the price, option for option, of a Honda or Toyota.

The only down side to the car is that there is a limited amount of performance parts available.

Faults:

Complete Left tire assembly broke free from vehicle (brake assembly and all) while driving to work resulting in total loss of vehicle. It was deemed by Insurance company as a manufacturers defect.

Apparently, some bolts, etc. were incorrectly torqued at the factory, resulting in CV joint breaking in half.

General Comments:

OK at first. Lots of options. BE CAREFUL! Wheel may come off!

Faults:

Complete Left tire assembly broke free from vehicle (break assembly and all) while driving to work resulting in total loss of vehicle. It was deemed by Insurance company as a manufacturers defect.

Apparently, some bolts, etc. were torqued incorrectly from factury, resulting in CV joint breaking in half.

General Comments:

Performed well, until accident.

Faults:

Driver side headlight out at 20752.

Every time it rains or it is damp outside the car acts ups won't idle.

You have to hold the accelerator pedal to the floor to start a fuel injected engine.

Floor mats riped at 1500 miles.

Faults:

So far the only problem I have had with this vehicle has been with the stereo system. The cassette player ceased accepting new cassettes and a replacement system needed to be ordered.

General Comments:

The car has great eye appeal with the spoiler.

I like the size and accessibility of the vehicle. There is plenty of leg room in the front and comfort in the back for longer trips.

The gas mileage is better than I anticipated.

I like having the options this vehicle has in comparison to other models that have the same options at a higher price.

The warranty is really what sold me on the car as well as the predominantly positive experience I had with my 1998 Kia Sephia which I had purchased as a 1 year old vehicle.

I would certainly consider purchasing another Kia vehicle when I am ready to trade this car and would likely upgrade to the more luxurious Amanti.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong so far and if anything does it should be covered in the 5 year/60,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty. If anything in the powertrain goes I am happy about the 100,000 mile warranty.

General Comments:

The car is smooth and rides like a bigger car, like a Buick or Oldsmobile.

I like the gas usage, it did well on my first trip and it actually goes faster than 115 miles per hour!

Interior is laid out ergonomically. I liked the interior and exterior styling better than the competitors.

Price was excellent, many people would be amazed with the amenities that would be options in the Accord, Camry and Taurus.

I think of my car as a Buick/Oldsmobile alternative with a better warranty and a lot cheaper and nicer looking.

I think it is still early to judge the durability of the Optima and it's resell value, but I know some people with KIAs and they all think KIA makes competent cars and nowadays are making vehicles comparable to Honda, Toyota and Nissan!