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2002 Kia Optima Full Review
Date Published: 3/27/08
Also in the 2002 Kia Optima Review:
2002 Kia Optima Review
A larger V6 engine tops a short list of 2002 changes to Kia's compact sedan. Optima is based on the Hyundai Sonata produced by Kia's South Korean corporate parent. Optima uses Sonata's 4-cyl and V6 engines and comes in LX and SE models. The V6 grows to 2.7 liters from 2.5 liters for a gain of 8 hp. The 4 cyl teams with manual or automatic transmission, the V6 with automatic only--V6 Optimas have a separate gate for manual shifting. Front side airbags are standard. ABS is optional with the V6, though Optima doesn't offer Sonata's available traction control. V6 Optimas have rear disc brakes in place of drums. Optional leather upholstery is available on SE models and this year includes a power front passenger seat. In other '02 changes, 15-inch wheels replace 14s as standard, and SEs gain standard automatic headlights. Optima's performance and accommodations mirror those of like-equipped Sonatas.
Competition
Not really a sport-utility or minivan, the PT Cruiser has been well received by our staff. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars. Its only drawback is tepid acceleration. The loaded Volkswagen Passat also makes it to the Best Buy list this year, despite relatively high prices.
Recommended choices include the vanilla Mazda 626 and the all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy. Both offer roomy alternatives at fair prices.
Recommended choices include the vanilla Mazda 626 and the all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy. Both offer roomy alternatives at fair prices.
News
Optima left the starting blocks in late 2000 and ran up some 18,000 sales through September 2001--not grand despite admittedly tough competition in a very crowded class. Whether the upgraded '02 models fare better remains to be seen. Meantime, Optima's year-old basic design should see no major change through model-year 2004 or '05, when industry spies say an even larger V6 may be offered. A redesign probably wouldn't occur before 2006, shared with sister Hyundai Sonata.
2002 Kia Optima Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Instruments/controls | Automatic-transmission performance |
| Ride | Rear-seat room/comfort |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
We haven't yet tested a 4-cyl model. A 2001 SE with the 2.5-liter V6 did 0-60 mph in a reasonably brisk 8.5 sec; with only 8 more horsepower, it's doubtful the new 2.7 will be much quicker. Manual shift feature helps make up for automatic transmission's tardy "kickdown" action that lengthens midrange passing response.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 |
We haven't yet tested a 4-cyl model. A 2001 SE with the 2.5-liter V6 did 0-60 mph in a reasonably brisk 8.5 sec; with only 8 more horsepower, it's doubtful the new 2.7 will be much quicker. Manual shift feature helps make up for automatic transmission's tardy "kickdown" action that lengthens midrange passing response.
Fuel Economy
Test V6/automatic averaged 22.4 mpg. Expect slightly higher with 4 cyl. Kia recommends regular gas for both engines.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.3 |
Test V6/automatic averaged 22.4 mpg. Expect slightly higher with 4 cyl. Kia recommends regular gas for both engines.
Ride Quality
Compliant suspension soaks up most bumps with ease, though Optima floats a bit over large dips and bumps.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.2 |
Compliant suspension soaks up most bumps with ease, though Optima floats a bit over large dips and bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Modest but predictable despite noticeable body lean in fast corners. Simulated panic stops only class-average short even with ABS. Brake pedal feel a bit numb.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.8 |
Modest but predictable despite noticeable body lean in fast corners. Simulated panic stops only class-average short even with ABS. Brake pedal feel a bit numb.
Quietness
No pain in the ear, but tire noise noticeable, and bumps come through with a loud thump. V6 is quiet at idle, and produces only a muted whine under full throttle.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.4 |
No pain in the ear, but tire noise noticeable, and bumps come through with a loud thump. V6 is quiet at idle, and produces only a muted whine under full throttle.
Controls
Dashboard design places everything within easy reach, and most buttons and dials are large and easy to use. Materials hard to fault for the price.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.3 |
Dashboard design places everything within easy reach, and most buttons and dials are large and easy to use. Materials hard to fault for the price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Spacious in feel and fact, aided by low-rise dashboard and large windows that enhance visibility. Seats don't look special but seem long-haul comfortable. Decent head room even with test car's power sunroof.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.7 |
Spacious in feel and fact, aided by low-rise dashboard and large windows that enhance visibility. Seats don't look special but seem long-haul comfortable. Decent head room even with test car's power sunroof.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Comfortably wide enough only for two adults, who have marginal foot room, just OK head room, and must sit knees-up behind tall occupants. Entry/exit no problem despite narrowish door threshholds.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.3 |
Comfortably wide enough only for two adults, who have marginal foot room, just OK head room, and must sit knees-up behind tall occupants. Entry/exit no problem despite narrowish door threshholds.
Cargo Room
Flat-floor trunk has shallow opening that prevents stuffing in big boxes, but volume is good and hinges don't dip into load area. Interior storage consists of two covered cupholders, two-tier console box, dash bin, large glovebox, and map pockets.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.6 |
Flat-floor trunk has shallow opening that prevents stuffing in big boxes, but volume is good and hinges don't dip into load area. Interior storage consists of two covered cupholders, two-tier console box, dash bin, large glovebox, and map pockets.
Value within Class
In terms of equipment and comfort, Optima and Sonata offer impressive value for the money. Combined with generous warranties, that's fueled a sales increase. Whether it will also begin to boost the low resale values associated with these and other South Korean cars is undetermined.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 |
In terms of equipment and comfort, Optima and Sonata offer impressive value for the money. Combined with generous warranties, that's fueled a sales increase. Whether it will also begin to boost the low resale values associated with these and other South Korean cars is undetermined.
Total Score
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 57 | 54.6 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 40 | |
| Average Score | 54 | |
| High Score | 73 |
2002 Kia Optima Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/30/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $14,899 | $13,408 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,749 | $14,158 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| LX V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $17,449 | $15,440 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $16,549 | $14,771 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $17,399 | $15,521 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| SE V6 4-door sedan, manual | $18,849 | $16,663 | $495 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX 4-cylinder
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/60HR15 tires, wheel covers.
LX V6 adds to LX 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
2.7-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
SE 4-cylinder adds to LX 4-cylinder:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, power antenna, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, heated power mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels.
SE V6 adds to SE 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
2.7-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Antilock brakes
|
||
|
LX V6, SE V6
|
$795
|
$665
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
SE
|
$995
|
$865
|
|
Includes 4-way power passenger seat.
|
||
|
Cruise control
|
||
|
LX 4-cylinder
|
$250
|
$210
|
|
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
|
LX
|
$595
|
$525
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
LX 4-cylinder, LX V6, SE 4-cylinder, SE V6
|
$80
|
$56
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
SE
|
$100
|
$90
|
|
|
||
2002 Kia Optima Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Kia Optima 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 185.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3128 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 2.7 /152 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 138 @ 5500 | 170 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 161 @ 3000 | 181 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 22/30 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/30 | 20/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Kia Optima 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Kia Optima Review:
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