2005 Kia Optima Review

Price Estimate: $861 - $1,430

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Kia Optima model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Low price, pleasant highway ride, refined V6, lots of storage space, excellent warranty.

Cons

Noisy four-cylinder engine, tepid handling, some cheap interior bits, tight rear legroom, ABS isn't available on four-cylinder models.

What’s new

For 2005, the Optima wears clear turn signal lenses up front, the sunroof on the EX gains a one-touch opening feature and the optional leather seats get new stitching.

Edmunds says

The Optima trails its Japanese competitors when it comes to performance and interior accommodations, but remains a decent buy for those seeking a stylish, well-equipped family sedan for less than $20,000.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$165/mo

$159/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Kia Optima Owner Reviews

4.4

72 reviews

5(63%)

4(25%)

3(8%)

2(3%)

1(1%)

See all 72 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

piece of &%$#......

joel29m, 10/19/2011

2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

ive been getting work done on this car since the first year we had it! problems: 2 batteries, timing belt, condenser, lights, 3 thermostats, motor mounts, valve cover gasket leaks, oem car stereo, air bag, tension pully, and rear seatbelt. bought it in 2005, and getting rid of asap!!! got into it with the dealer about the warranty, and it only has 89,000 miles and had more ##@# done to …

THE SMILING COBRA

alantalbot, 02/19/2012

2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

I bought it used from Enterprise Cars in Jan 2007, it had 40K miles on it then. Had it for almost exactly 5 years. In that span of time, nothing really ever went wrong with it. It drove great. I did all the required maintenance on it. Timing belt was done at 75K. After about 4 years, gas mileage started to decline. Took it in for fuel system cleaning and a few other things. Suddenly, …

Worth the money !

Kristen, 02/15/2016

2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Car got to 210,000 miles and the timing chain broke . No complaints at all, never had any other problems at ! Headlights needs replacing quick but that's my only complaint & that's a cheap fix . I'm gonna miss mine dearly !

After Head On Crash -- bought 2nd Optima!

Rachel, 10/18/2005

2005 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

I bought my first Kia Optima early 2004 & was in a severe head on collision December of the same year. The other party was going about 60-65mph while I was at a complete stop. I sustained severe injuries to my ankle, & my car was totaled from the impact. I felt so confident w/the outcome of the collision, that I immediately went back to the dealership to negotiate my SECOND Kia Optima. …

See all 72 reviews of the Kia Optima

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2005 Optima Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$16,195
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$165/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Optima include:

Alarm

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Poor
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Poor

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2005 Kia Optima Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale nearby

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Kia Optima Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

piece of &%$#......

THE SMILING COBRA

Worth the money !

After Head On Crash -- bought 2nd Optima!

2005 Optima Highlights

Safety

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2005 Kia Optima Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale nearby

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Kia Optima Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

piece of &%$#......

THE SMILING COBRA

Worth the money !

After Head On Crash -- bought 2nd Optima!

2005 Optima Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2005 Kia Optima info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Kia

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}