Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
20 -22 City / 28 -32 HWY
Horsepower
175 -194
Seats
5
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Damien M
Its white and all mines trunk is big.
My car is reliable and has no issues at the moment I've had it 10 days so far drives great on the freeway. Smooth ride and sounds like a beast. I am going to put a better radio in the car once I have the extra money. I have done all the research to enhance the car performance over time.
accountCircle marci b
My car my car is everything. I love how smooth my car drives.
I have had my car since 2010 and have had no problems. I would highly recommend a kia to anyone. I would definitely get another kia
accountCircle Natalie R
While driving my previously owned Optima, I was hit head-on. Since I walked away without even a scratch, I bought another Optima.
I enjoy that this Optima is EXACTLY like my last Optima. I like that there are radio controls on the steering wheel. I appreciate that the donut or the spare can be fit under the trunk space.
accountCircle Marie h
Good quality car no issues
No complaints. I really like the car. It is a good car
accountCircle Marco B
How many mechanical issues involved.
I never had any issues with my car. The dealership people are very nice and helpful. I highly recommend them.
accountCircle Micaiah R
It is the first car I've owned in my own and has been so reliable
I have never had any issues with it except regular maintenance and it is 8 years old and has 135000 miles on it.
accountCircle Kenzie W
Me personally, I highly recommend Kias. I love mine!
I love my Kia! I have a 15 gallon tank and I get 400+ miles off 15 gallons. It is easy to control when driving. I have not had any problems and I have had the car since 2016. Me and my friends take the car for road trips and it is very comfortable. You can easily fit 5 people in it. The 3 people in the back have plenty of legroom. I highly recommend Kias.
accountCircle Maria L
Sleek and practical on a budget.
Performance is great. Luxury quality for low price. Basic model has backup camera. Electronic control of seats. Sleek look.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Brenda S
May have been a good car in its time, but not made for longevity.
The car is good in that I put many miles on it, and it is currently at approximately 140, 000 miles and still going. I have many problems with it though. I cannot open the gas door unless I pop the trunk and pull the cord. My engine and airbag lights are on, my tire pressure light it on. I cannot unlock my door with the key. The remote only works some of the time, and even when it does not, it rarely unlocks all the doors, requiring me to go to the passenger's side and reach across to unlock my own door.
accountCircle Megan
Sucks
This car has been nothing but problems since I got it. Haven't had it but a couple of years and the engine blew the transmission blew .the gears will you change from drive to Park gets stuck where I can't get my key out of the ignition the airbags are on recall. I would not recommend this car to anyone ever.
accountCircle Shonda D
I wouldn't recommend getting a Kia optima.
When I first purchased it the headlights would go out every few months. Finally took it to the dealership and they fixed it. In 2017 the transmission went out so I had that replaced. On top of that it cuts off sometimes when I drive-through puddles of water.
accountCircle brittany R
Old faithful, ugly yet reliable.
Performance is great. Overall just don't like it. Drives well, bad tires, runs good. Doesn't handle bumps well. I am not selling car. Very reliable, just bad body. Needs work to look good and new tires. After oil change it ran like a new car. Replacing tires now. Also has tinted windows.
accountCircle Misty H
Over all it will be a good first car for a single person.
Tires go flat often, had to replace headlights multiple times, break pads as well, would like and prefer a sedan, something bigger and more reliable, wheel bearings also went bad, and within two years of having car, Kia also only gave 300$ for old car was promised much more.
accountCircle Lindsay R
My Kia optima lx problems.
The parts seem cheap, and are falling apart now that the warranty is over. Fog light cover fell off, windshield was starting to come loose, etc. All on their own. Random lights come on the dashboard. I also seem to need the brakes fixed/ changed more than other vehicles.
accountCircle Amber S
Has Bluetooth and large trunk space.
The counsel and visor mirror break easily. So do the handles and vent guards. Its reliable and easy balance but the cosmetics were done cheaply. The paint wears off easily. The seats collect lints. It has great mileage for the gallon. Easy to find parts for.
accountCircle mark T
It is really good on gas.
It is a good but just a normal car. It gets us to where need to go and back. Get good gas mileage. It's not a sports car in any way shape of form.

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

2010 Kia Optima Owner Reviews

4.12
142 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 42%
4 stars 33%
3 stars 20%
2 stars 3%
1 star 1%
accountCircle Rachael F on June 1, 2021
Quiet, comfortable, and reliable.
This has been a very reliable car for me. I got much use out of it when I worked 45 minutes from home. Never had a single breakdown. I mildly keep up with oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance, yet never had any issues. I find it very comfortable and spacious. I often use the backseat for multiple passengers and we all fit comfortably. I have taken this car on long drives across the country over other vehicles because of it is reliability. It is very quiet as well which makes long drives bearable.
accountCircle Zoe L on March 26, 2021
It's good but it's not all the great.
I like it but it does not drive as smooth as I hoped it would. Also the model, color and design is very not my style and is not the look I am going for. And the seats could be more comfortable than they are and the steering wheel can barely move to my height.

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Garrick S.

Great gas mileage. Great handling. Quality parts. Insurance on the car is pretty cheap. Kia dealerships are extremely helpful to customers even if not the original owner. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone I meet in the future.

likeFilled Teala T.

It is a reliable car. Gas mileage is amazing. Maybe have to gas up every two weeks. Spacious front and back seat. Low maintenance. Been having it for 10 yrs with little to no issues. Great for road trips. Very smooth ride. Inexpensive tires.

likeFilled Kathy S.

Kia's are reasonably priced and very reliable. They are easy to control and have great drivability. We bought our car used and have had no trouble with it. Just routine maintenance is all that it has needed. Is also very good with a Kia. Customer support.

likeFilled Perla M.

What I like of my car is that is a good gas saver, I can park everywhere, it fits everywhere, is in really good condition even tho has a lot of miles it has never broke down, I love the color as well,

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Garrick S.

The cons I would have to say is every Kia vehicle I have been in the radio and auxiliary system are extremely cheap and seem to break after 6 months of buying any car new and don't seem to last for much longer after a replacement is bought.

dislikeFilled Teala T.

After 10 years I am having issues with the car locks and windows. The locks do not work with the clicker anymore and sometimes have to Hand lock. Windows I can put all down but cannot put up with the driver side control. My alarm goes off if all doors are locked. Theses issues happen after having car for 8 to 10 years.

dislikeFilled Kathy S.

My Kia Optima uses some oil but it is ten years old. The dealership is an hour away which makes it hard to take it in for maintenance. The car is small really only good for two or three people. A family of four would have a hard time going away on trips.

dislikeFilled Perla M.

I think I don't have cons or issues about my car, it works really good, I mean is a little bit old so I understand it doesn't have that much technology. One back door doesn't locked but not a big deal.

Ranks #8 Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2010 Kia Optima has an average owner rating of 4.20 out of 5 which ranks it #8 of 12 other Midsize Cars.

1
car
4.6
2
car
4.4
8
car
4.12

Ranks #4 Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2010 Kia Optima has a combined MPG of 32 which ranks it #4 of 12 other Midsize Cars.

1
car
41 MPG
2
car
35 MPG
3
car
33 MPG
4
Tie
car
32 MPG

Is The 2010 Kia Optima A Good Car?

Yes it is. I've been having it for 3 years, it runs smooths & I rarely have any problems. Its all white, leather in the inside or regular tires great car.
Angelique T.
Yes, I strongly believe that the Kia Optima is a good vehicle. Especially the 2010 version that I currently have.
Andrea C.

How Reliable Is The 2010 Kia Optima?

No, my car doesn't really have many problems, I just keep oil & gas in it. I also keep it clean from the inside & outside. I take great care of my car.
Angelique T.
The Kia Optima that I currently have is very reliable. The only main issue that I've had was that my locks got stuck and didn't work very often. I was able to get them fixed eventually.
Derrick D.

Is The 2010 Kia Optima A Good Value?

It costed 5000, preowned nothing new from the lot a family member sold it to me 3 years back, great condition that's why I got it.
Angelique T.
I can't remember the exact cost I got my Kia Optima for. However, I do believe it was a good investment and I think that I got it for a great value.
Sabrina N.

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Frequently Asked Questions

2010 Kia Optima: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2010 Kia Optima uses SAE 5w-20 full synthetic oil. It has a capacity of 4.8 quarts on the 2.4l engine. Oil keeps the internal parts of Your engine lubricated and it also removes dirt, sludge, and other...

What kind of oil does the 2010 Kia Optima use?

Answer: The 2010 Kia Optima came factory standard with a 2.4L 4Cylinder motor but they also offered an upgrade option for a 2.7L 4Cylinder engine. No matter which model You have they will both need to run on synthetic...

Does the 2010 Kia Optima have a timing belt or chain?

Answer: The 2010 Kia Optima does have a timing chain. Your air filter needs to be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or so. The coolant needs to be changed every 60,000 miles. The spark plugs need to be replaced...

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