2008
Kia Optima

Starts at:
$20,900
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New 2008 Kia Optima
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn I4 Man LX
    Starts at
    $16,755
    21 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn I4 Auto LX
    Starts at
    $18,150
    21 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn V6 Auto LX
    Starts at
    $19,845
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn I4 Auto EX
    Starts at
    $19,895
    21 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn V6 Auto EX
    Starts at
    $20,900
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2008 Kia Optima 2008 Kia Optima 2008 Kia Optima 2008 Kia Optima 2008 Kia Optima 2008 Kia Optima 2008 Kia Optima 2008 Kia Optima

Notable features

Four-cylinder or V-6
Side-impact and side curtain airbags
Impressive warranty
Optional rear sunshade
Optional adjustable pedals

The good & the bad

The good

Price
Ride and handling
Strong engines
Interior fit and finish

The bad

Awful new-car smell
Uncomfortable cloth front seats
Highway tire noise with 17-inch tires
Small trunk pass-thru
ABS is optional
See all specifications

Safety review

Based on the 2008 Kia Optima base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2008
    4.3
    Kia Optima
    Starts at
    $16,755
    21 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
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  • 1994
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    -
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  • 2012
    3.8
    Kia Optima Hybrid
    Starts at
    $25,800
    34 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2007
    4.6
    Toyota Yaris
    Starts at
    $11,150
    34 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
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    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
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  • 1999
    4.4
    Acura TL
    Starts at
    $27,950
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2002
    4.4
    Kia Optima
    Starts at
    $14,899
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2019
    Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
    Starts at
    $35,390
    29 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2012
    4.4
    Hyundai Elantra Touring
    Starts at
    $15,995
    23 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

88% of drivers recommend this car
4.3 / 5
Based on 35 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.5
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

By Ambz
Owns this car
July 11, 2024

One of the most reliable cars I've ever had.

One of the most reliable cars I've ever had. I brought it with a Savaged Title in 2020 due to a front end collison but someone rebuilt it very well. I got 4 years of use with NO PROBLEMS. When I say that car never broke down or needed parts replaced I mean it. Until the transmission went out after 4 1/2 years. Replaced it with a used one for $577 on 6/7/2024. Then on 7/6/2024 I was rear ended and hit so hard it locked the transmission. Not going to put more money into this car, but she was great while she lasted. Long story short, I'd highly recommend this budget car
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 5.0
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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By AaronW from Cartersville Georgia
Owns this car
January 30, 2020

A very reliable steed

The optima is a really reliable car, pushing 12 years its been on the road a lot with me. It does what a car should do which is the most important feature
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 3.0
Reliability 5.0
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all reviews

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2008 Kia Optima?

The 2008 Kia Optima is available in 2 trim levels:

  • EX (2 styles)
  • LX (3 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2008 Kia Optima?

The 2008 Kia Optima offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2008 Kia Optima?

The 2008 Kia Optima compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2008 Kia Optima reliable?

The 2008 Kia Optima has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2008 Kia Optima owners.

Is the 2008 Kia Optima a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2008 Kia Optima. 88.6% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 35 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.5

Kia Optima history

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