2002 Kia Optima Trims and Specs

A new engine and features are found in the 2002 Kia Optima LX sedan, the base model for this mid-size. A 2.4-liter DOHC I4 puts out 149-hp and is matched to a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. The 2002 Optima LX also gets an upgrade to 15-inch tires. Full power features, split-folding rear seats, air conditioning, intermittent wipers, and a cassette player are all standard in the base LX. It is also well equipped for safety, with dual front and side airbags. ABS brakes are not available to replace the disc brakes.

There are few options for the 2002 Optima LX, but you can get a CD player, cruise control, and a power driver's seat. Fuel economy is so-so on the mid-size sedan, ranging from 20/28 mpg. Owners seem to like all the standard features for such an affordable car, as well as the overall smooth handling. Poor acceleration with the I4 is a problem, but doesn't seem to be that significant.

The 2002 Kia Optima SE is a more fully equipped version of the roomy mid-size family sedan. It comes with a 2.4-liter, 149-hp DOHC I4 and choice of standard 5-speed manual or 4-speed Tiptronic transmission. This year it receives a 4-way power passenger seat to go with the standard 8-way driver's seat, and automatic headlights.

Other highlights of the 2002 Optima SE include a sunroof, foglights, remote entry, heated mirrors, a CD player, and leather trim for the shifter and steering wheel, making the SE seem more elegant than the base Optima. Dual front and side airbags are standard, as is a security system not offered on the LX. ABS brakes are not offered with the I4 Optimas, but you can get leather seats for the 2002 Optima SE. For a relatively low price tag, owners like how many standard features come with the SE, but the I4 engine can feel labored. Overall leg and shoulder room is generous for four passengers. There have been problems with the power windows getting stuck.

Aside from a bigger and more powerful engine that gains a boost this year, the 2002 Kia Optima LX V6 is little different from the base LX sedan. A new 2.7-liter, 178-hp DOHC V6 powers the mid-size family car, with a 4-speed Tiptronic transmission. No manual transmission is offered. Like the base LX, the 2003 Optima LX V6 has intermittent wipers, full power features, a tachometer, 15-inch wheels, and dual front and side airbags. The LX V6 adds cruise control and metallic interior accents, for a more upscale feel.

A CD player and power driver's seat are available options, and unlike the base LX, the LX V6 can be equipped with ABS brakes. Rear seats do split-fold for more trunk room. With the bigger engine, fuel economy decreases somewhat on the 2003 Optima LX V6. This roomy sedan is a big hit with owners, who say the interior is spacious and comfortable even for backseat riders. The engine is powerful and the handling easy. Complaints mention the low fuel economy and the non-transferable warranty.

The top of the line model for this mid-size sedan, the 2002 Kia Optima SE V6 keeps a low price tag while still offering plenty of standard features and a more powerful 2.7-liter, 178-hp V6 engine. Also new this year are standard 15-inch tires.

The 2002 Optima SE V6 comes only with a 4-speed auto tran with sport shift, but like the 4-cylinder SE, it features full power accessories, including a power driver's seat, a sunroof, remote entry, leather trim for the steering wheel and shifter, heated mirrors, cruise control, a security system, and a CD player. Alloy wheels are complemented by the alloy accents inside the cabin. Foglights and dual front airbags are also standard. Leather seats and ABS brakes are only offered as options on the 2002 Optima SE V6. The front-wheel drive sedan gets a so-so 19/25 mpg. The gas mileage is the biggest complaint for owners, though they would like more horsepower as well. Generally, they love all the standard features you get at a reasonable price.