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2008 Kia Optima Quality Review

July 22, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Roomy interior...spacious and well planned
Car and Driver

Mediocre headroom
ConsumerGuide

interior materials as a whole give an impression of quality
Edmunds

interior materials rate well above merely acceptable
Kelley Blue Book

Even though it's a bit shorter overall than many of the other mid-size sedans, the 2008 Kia Optima has one of the roomiest cabins in its segment, with good backseat legroom and headroom. The big 14.8-cubic-foot trunk has a wide opening, too.

Car and Driver reports that the Kia Optima has a "roomy interior...stuffed with people, the Kia proved spacious and well planned." Seats are inviting: "posteriors in front sink into buckets with a cushy top layer akin to a pillow-top mattress"; however, this source notes "side support is wanting." This is also the impression at ConsumerGuide, which says that the 2008 Kia Optima's "seats are comfortable, but they offer little lateral support in turns." Nonetheless, their reviewers report "sufficient legroom and adequate headroom for tall drivers" in the front. Those in the back don't fare as well; while there is "adequate room and comfort for two adults in the back seat," beware that "knee space grows tight if the front seats are far back" and "mediocre headroom is diminished further by the sunroof housing." Edmunds also observes that while "the Kia Optima's cabin is spacious," in the back, "seat bottoms are a little short, offering less support for long-limbed occupants than many rivals' accommodations."

The 2008 Kia Optima does better in terms of storage space. Edmunds reports that "trunk capacity is 14.8 cubic feet, and all Kia Optimas have a 60/40-split-folding rear seat." ConsumerGuide opines that the Kia "Optima's decent-size trunk has hinges that don't intrude into cargo space," adding that there's "sufficient cabin storage with an ample glovebox, door map pockets, and an armrest console."

Edmunds reports that the 2008 Kia Optima's "interior materials as a whole give an impression of quality...[countering] any lack of character with a no-brainer control layout and very good interior materials." Kelley Blue Book is in agreement: "Even in base LX form, the Optima's interior materials rate well above merely acceptable. ...on those cars with leather we were impressed by the leather's tone and its perforated texture."

In terms of noise, Car and Driver observes "the 2.4-liter GEMA engine...mostly hums quietly to itself and winds to high revs without major vibes." ConsumerGuide is less impressed, however: "the [Kia Optima's] 4-cylinder emits a thrashy groan at full throttle...the V6 is noticeably quieter but is less refined than most rivals V6s."

Conclusion

For such an inexpensive car, the 2008 Kia Optima is comfortable and fashioned from good-quality materials.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Roomy interior...spacious and well plannedCar and DriverMediocre headroomConsumerGuideinterior materials as a whole give an impression of qualityEdmundsinterior materials rate well above merely acceptableKelley Blue Book Even though it's a bit shorter overall than many of the other mid-size sedans, the 2008 Kia Optima has one of the roomiest cabins in its segment, with good backseat legroom and headroom. The big 14.8-cubic-foot trunk has a wide opening, too. Car and Driver reports that the Kia Optima has a "roomy interior...stuffed with people, the Kia proved spacious and well planned." Seats are inviting: "posteriors in front sink into buckets with a cushy top layer akin to a pillow-top mattress"; however, this source notes "side support is wanting." This is also the impression at ConsumerGuide, which says that the 2008 Kia Optima's "seats are comfortable, but they offer little lateral support in turns." Nonetheless, their reviewers report "sufficient legroom and adequate headroom for tall drivers" in the front. Those in the back don't fare as well; while there is "adequate room and comfort for two adults in the back seat," beware that "knee space grows tight if the front seats are far back" and "mediocre headroom is diminished further by the sunroof housing." Edmunds also observes that while "the Kia Optima's cabin is spacious," in the back, "seat bottoms are a little short, offering less support for long-limbed occupants than many rivals' accommodations." The 2008 Kia Optima does better in terms of storage space. Edmunds reports that "trunk capacity is 14.8 cubic feet, and all Kia Optimas have a 60/40-split-folding rear seat." ConsumerGuide opines that the Kia "Optima's decent-size trunk has hinges that don't intrude into cargo space," adding that there's "sufficient cabin storage with an ample glovebox, door map pockets, and an armrest console." Edmunds reports that the 2008 Kia Optima's "interior materials as a whole give an impression of quality...[countering] any lack of character with a no-brainer control layout and very good interior materials." Kelley Blue Book is in agreement: "Even in base LX form, the Optima's interior materials rate well above merely acceptable. ...on those cars with leather we were impressed by the leather's tone and its perforated texture." In terms of noise, Car and Driver observes "the 2.4-liter GEMA engine...mostly hums quietly to itself and winds to high revs without major vibes." ConsumerGuide is less impressed, however: "the [Kia Optima's] 4-cylinder emits a thrashy groan at full throttle...the V6 is noticeably quieter but is less refined than most rivals V6s." ConclusionFor such an inexpensive car, the 2008 Kia Optima is comfortable and fashioned from good-quality materials.  2008 KIA OPTIMA STYLING | [5 out of 10] Car and Driver: "John Doe looks? Check." Edmunds: "styling allows it to blend seamlessly into any automotive crowd" ConsumerGuide: "The leather upholstery lacks richness" Kelley Blue Book: "unobtrusively styled" The 2008 Kia Optima is a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

With a base price that starts several thousands less than the (admittedly plusher and more refined) Camry and Accord, the 2008 Kia Optima appeals to a different sort of buyer, one who might be considering a smaller sedan or a slightly used mid-size sedan. However, the direct competition might include the Dodge Avenger, which offers a distinctly American design inside and out. The Avenger falls behind due to its coarse powertrain and chintzy interior materials. The Fusion also has standout styling but is much more fun to drive than the Optima, even as a base four-cylinder model, although its backseat is somewhat cramped. The new Malibu, though it costs only slightly more, feels in a class above, with a swoopy interior design, high-grade materials, and a very refined driving experience. But if price and features are the highest priority, the Optima wins.

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See the Kia Optima in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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