2009 Kia Optima Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
20 -22 City / 28 -32 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
175 -194
Seats
5
Front angle medium view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Lisa H
Overall it has been an awesome car and is very good on gas.
It is a very reliable vehicle. Has run well for me for about 10 years. It has 164,000 miles. I have faithfully gotten the oil changed. Did have an issue about three years in with it jolting when I would brake. Also, all of the door handles have broken off. Had to replace the door lock motor on the drivers side door.
accountCircle Beverly T
Reliable and dependable car.
This car has been kept up with oil changes and alignments as directed. In return we've had very little trouble with it. Twice the key wouldn't turn in the ignition & it had to be towed. Repair was around $600 each time. The radio has totally gone out, we do not know why & haven't replaced it. Other than that, we've driven it 9 years without trouble.
accountCircle Miranda S
Kia optima; all about the space.
I have one complaint about my car and that it does not have ac vents in the back seat. Other than that I love my car! It is great for a first time buyer and or young driver. I am a craft vendor and I can fit three tables(collapsible of course), two medium size plastic containers, a 10x10 tent and some weights all in the trunk! So plenty of space. With that being said I travel a lot and with this car you can easily make a 300 mi trip on a full tank. I am a small person just under 5ft and I can easily adjust not only my seat but the pedals to my fit. Over all I am happy with my Kia!
accountCircle Ben S
Luxury and affordability!
The main reason we bought a Kia was the combination of price, value, and warranty. We have been pleased with all three of those categories. Kia also has a great combination of luxury feel and affordability. We have been very pleased that Kia affords the feel and look of luxury for much less cost.
accountCircle Jen Q
The price was a bargain and the car payment is great.
I like that I've had no problems with the car since I got it. The gas fill up isn't too bad. My only complaint is why cannot cars last forever! Have too many miles on my car.
accountCircle Michael B
I Love My 2009 Kia Optima
We have had no major problems with our Kia Optima and it has never left us stranded. We just changed the oil every 3000 miles.
accountCircle Grant S
It runs very very well. I really like it. Yes. I like it a lot.
It runs well. I have not had to have very much work done. I got it for free because it was a gift from my parents.
accountCircle James C
Its a tank that will get you anywhere.
It has gotten me near and far. It's made long and short trips. I've driven from Kansas city to north Carolina and from north Carolina to Jacksonville Florida and back to north Carolina and it still runs wonderfully. Also it has gotten me to and from school for the past 6 years without any troubles.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Amber D
The Kia Optima 2009 could be a great car would be fantastic for a beginner.
The Kia Optima 2009 is completely falling apart even after just one month of use. Purchased from a reliable sales place and can not believe how many repairs it need to function properly. First the steering wheel is completely off. Random white smoke comes out of vents when heater is on, and there is a constant squealing sound from engine.
accountCircle Kim w
As soon as the camshaft sensor needs to be replaced it opens the door to a whole lot of other issues. Before that happened I loved my car.
I still like my car no matter what the problems are as long as it stays safe for my family to ride and drive.
accountCircle Matt J
Technical issues with the radio, wipers, and dashboard lights.
The battery and tams lights are faulty. The windshield wipers make a mechanical noise that does not sound natural. If you are charging your phone and using the AUX cord at the same time, it makes a static noise.
accountCircle Maria G
In all, I would not buy another Kia.
Comfortable and I really like this car. Problem with lock, passenger window does not go down. Had tried matching door to gas and was not the right color. When it gets cold my heater does not work very good. Have had it for almost 5 years. Really in all, I would not buy another Kia.
accountCircle Colette A
May have to take to the shop a lot.
Always has issues, but has nice interior and extra features (sunroof, heated seats, leather seats, etc. ).
accountCircle Linda F
The safety features such as back up camera, passenger airbag.
Good fuel mileage. Gets me where I want to go. Fairly comfortable. Cannot think of any complaints right now.
accountCircle John C
It's just a nice, full-size sedan. It's spacious, sporty, and an attractive vehicle.
It gets the job done and it's fun to drive since it's a 5 speed manual transmission. I bought it used and really my only complaints come from wear and tear of the vehicle.
accountCircle Payton H
It gets good gas mileage, but it can also waste a lot of gas.
It's starting to have a lot of like issues such as stuff breaking. My sun visors are starting to deteriorate. My inside light plate has broke. My hood of my car the paint is messed up and it's starting to run rough.

Kia Optima Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
LX
175 HP 27-27 MPG 5 Seats
car
EX
194 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats
car
SX
194 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2009 Kia Optima Owner Reviews

4.00
76 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 30%
4 stars 45%
3 stars 21%
2 stars 3%
1 star 1%
accountCircle Lori P on April 4, 2021
Reliable and very comfortable vehicle that looks nice.
A very reliable car. A very low maintenance car. A very comfortable car. I just love to drive this car.
accountCircle LeAnn F on March 31, 2021
Comfortable Efficient and Gas Saver
Really nice vehicle. Good on gas and mileage. Performance is great. Low maintenance and reliable. The vehicle is comfortable, has heated seats, and controls for radio on steering wheel. Like that the car has yet to have any real sensor problems. Anytime sensor lights came on it was for a reason. Not much wear and tear through the years of use.
View All Reviews (76) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Ann W.

None that I have found. Great gas mileage dependable, no issues with working parts, Do not like clear coat on paint as over years it. Cracks and peels off leaving a dull finish that appears faded Would like speaker covers to be higher on the door so not to break as easily from my foot pushing the door open.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Ann W.

Very dependable, great ride, great heater and air conditioning, great gas mileage, nice looking car has over 170000 miles never any problems with motor or transmission..Ample leg room in both front and rear seats. Ample trunk room.

Ranks #11 Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2009 Kia Optima has an average owner rating of 4.00 out of 5 which ranks it #11 of 12 other Midsize Cars.

1
car
2009 Mazda Mazda6
4.48
2
car
2009 Honda Accord
4.43
11
Tie
car
2009 Kia Optima
4

Ranks #3 Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2009 Kia Optima has a combined MPG of 32 which ranks it #3 of 12 other Midsize Cars.

1
car
2009 Nissan Altima
35 MPG
2
car
2009 Chevrolet Malibu
34 MPG
3
Tie
car
2009 Kia Optima
32 MPG

Is The 2009 Kia Optima A Good Car?

Yes it has been a good car I haven't had any major trouble with it and I have had it for over a year now.
Renee C.
Yes, it is a wonderful vehicle. I love all the features it has. It has a lot of room inside. I would recommend it.
Jason S.

How Reliable Is The 2009 Kia Optima?

Yes I have never broke down on the side of the road and it starts every time I start it and it does not have any problems.
Renee C.
Yes, the Kia is very reliable. I love the vehicle and never have any problems with it except the normal wear and tear that vehicles experience.
Brittany W.

Is The 2009 Kia Optima A Good Value?

I think about 4000 and I think it was a great value it had really low miles on it when I bought it about a year ago.
Renee C.
The Kia Optima is very inexpensive. It is a very good value. I love the cost and it was cheap enough for a broke college student.
Denise R.

Related Articles for 2009 Kia Optima

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Frequently Asked Questions

What would cause my 2009 Kia Optima check engine light to come on?

Answer: Quite simply, the check engine light being on in a 2009 Kia Optima is a signal from the cars engine computer that something is wrong. If the light begins flashing, it indicates a more serious problem such as a...

2009 Kia Optima: What is the tire size and pressure, and wheel size?

Answer: The base tire size for the 2009 Kia Optima is 205/60R16, available on the EX, EX V6, and the LX. The EX trim levels also have the option of size 215/50R17 which is the standard size for the SxAnd SX V6. The...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety