2003 Kia Optima Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Exterior styling revisions highlight '03 changes for Kia's compact sedan. Optima is based on the Hyundai Sonata produced by Kia's South Korean corporate parent. Sharing Sonata's 4-cyl and V6 engines, Optima comes in LX and SE models. Manual transmission is standard with the 4 cyl, an automatic with manual-shift feature is optional. The V6 comes with automatic only. This year, both engines are retuned for slightly more torque. Front side airbags are standard. All Optimas have 4-wheel disc brakes, but ABS is optional only with the V6. Optima does not offer Sonata's available traction control. Exterior changes include a new grille, hood, taillights, and larger bodyside molding. A revised dashboard houses new audio and climate controls. Also for '03, LX models get an AM/FM/CD player as standard. Optima's performance and accommodations mirror those of like-equipped Sonatas.

Competition

Playing the roll of crossover utility vehicle in a segment of sedans and wagons gives Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars and this year adds more power with the Turbo model.

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are new this year and are worth considering as Recommended SUV-like alternatives. Hyundai's Sonata earns recognition for offering impressive comfort, equipment, and warranty coverage at a reasonable price. The all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy is another Recommended selection, thanks to a superb AWD system and roomy cargo holds.

News

Though not a major class player, Optima is helping to boost Kia's total U.S. sales to around 250,000 in calendar '02, amazing for a company doing business here for less than 10 years. Optima itself drew nearly 26,000 orders through the end of '01 and some 22,500 more in the first nine months of '02; the latter represents a healthy 24.9 percent year-to-year gain.

Optima should see no major change until model-year 2005, when a heavy makeover is due, perhaps a full redesign. The current car is basically a retrimmed version of parent Hyundai's Sonata, and the replacement will be too. Kia is part of Hyundai Motor Co. in South Korea. Though the two brands collaborate in product planning--they've just opened a joint R&D center in California--Kia Motor America is separate from Hyundai's U.S. operations and offers some models Hyundai doesn't.

2003 Kia Optima Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Automatic-transmission performance

Ride	Rear-seat room/comfort

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

SE V6	Class Average
5	5.2

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; the 2.7 should be quicker. Manual shift feature helps make up for automatic transmission's tardy "kickdown" action that lengthens midrange passing response.

Fuel Economy

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

SE V6	Class Average
7	6.3

Compliant suspension soaks up most bumps with ease, though Optima floats a bit over large dips and bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE V6	Class Average
6	6.1

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

SE V6	Class Average
6	5.5

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

SE V6	Class Average
7	6.5

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)

SE V6	Class Average
7	5.9

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)

SE V6	Class Average
4	4.4

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 thresholds.

Cargo Room

SE V6	Class Average
5	4.7

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

SE V6	Class Average
6	6.2

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

SE V6	Class Average
59	56.1

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		72

2003 Kia Optima Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/15/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LX 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual	$15,500	$14,370	$540

LX 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$16,420	$15,220	$540

LX V6 4-door sedan, automatic	$17,895	$16,310	$540

SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$18,095	$16,630	$540

SE V6 4-door sedan, manual	$19,495	$17,755	$540

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 w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, 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.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

SE 4 cylinder adds to LX 4 cylinder:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player, power antenna, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, alloy wheels.

SE V6 adds to SE 4 cylinder:

Powertrain

2.7-liter dohc V6 engine.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Leather Pkg.
SE	$1,095	$950
Leather upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Safety
Antilock brakes
LX V6, SE V6	$795	$691


Comfort and Convenience Features
Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LX	$595	$517


CD changer
LX 4 cylinder, LX V6, SE 4 cylinder, SE V6	$375	$288
LX requires Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player.

Floormats
LX 4 cylinder, LX V6, SE 4 cylinder, SE V6	$85	$65


Rear spoiler
LX 4 cylinder, LX V6, SE 4 cylinder, SE V6	$220	$169


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
SE	$100	$90

2003 Kia Optima Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Kia Optima 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	106.3

Overall Length, in.	186.2

Overall Width, in.	71.7

Overall Height, in.	55.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3157

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 /163

Horsepower @ rpm.	138 @ 6000	170 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	159 @ 4500	181 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	23/30	--/--

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

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

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

< 2003 Kia Optima Photos

Also in the 2003 Kia Optima Review:

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Kia Optima Road Test

Kia Optima Prices & Equipment

Kia Optima Specs & Safety

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