GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Car reviews - Kia - Optima - SE V6 sedan

Overview

Kia based the 2001 Optima on the 1998 Hyundai EF Sonata

7 Sep 2001

KIA has not been blessed with too much glory since it arrived in Australia in in the mid-1990s. The cars were cheap, but they were also shoddy and unimpressive to drive. Over time there's been a change for the better - not a dramatic one, but certainly noticeable - and the medium Optima is the best proof yet that Kia is getting its act together. In theory, Optima replaces the unloved Credos, but it's actually much better than that, benefitting from a technology share with owner Hyundai's Sonata sedan, including its 2.5-litre V6 engine. Given the malaise the medium sedan category is going through and Kia's low profile, the Optima is likely to remain well known too just a few of us.
Model release date: 1 May 2001 to 1 February 2003

Previous model

Kia Credos

Released: May 1998
Ended: April 2001
Family Tree: Optima

The Credos shared its underpinnings and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with the current Mazda 626, which was a promising start. It was well-priced and pretty well equipped, so things look even better. But the styling? This was one car which was belted severely with the ugly stick. Covered with lots of garish chrome, and with lots of overhang, it was like a Toyota Cressida gone wrong. The driving experience was mixed - good engine but the ride was choppy and the steering lifeless.

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

GoAuto can help you buy a new Optima

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

Optima pricing

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here