2001 optima brake lights stay on
the brake lights will not go off
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2001 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Having relied on the compact Sephia and Sportage SUV as its primary offerings, Kia is starting to branch out into other segments, and the 2001 Kia Optima is its entry into the mid-size sedan market. Based on the same platform and sharing engines with the Hyundai Sonata, the first year for the Optima was fraught with numerous mechanical problems, however, and many owners complain of repeat visits to the repair shop, most notably for a power window failure.
The first year for a new car is always filled with kinks, however, and what the 2001 Optima does offer is a roomy, comfortable sedan with easy handling and an attractive price tag. It has a bigger cabin than the Altima, with lots of leg and headroom for both front and backseat passengers. Rear seats split-fold to expand the 13.6 cubic-foot trunk. The 2001 Altima comes in the base LX and SE trims, each offered with either a 2.4-liter, 149-hp I4 or a 2.5-liter, 170-hp V6. A 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed is offered with the I4s, while the V6 Optimas come only with a 4-speed Tiptronic.
The exterior of the 2001 Optima is distinguished by chrome trim, which is carried into the interior of the SE. Dual front-side airbags are standard, but ABS brakes are optional only on the V6 models. While the base LX features full power accessories, the SE ups the ante with a power driver's seat, heated mirrors, a CD player, sunroof, cruise control, and real wood trim. Leather seats are optional only on the Optima SE. The Kia does not rate well with owners in terms of overall quality. Besides the maintenance issues, drivers complain of poor acceleration, low gas mileage, noticeable understeer, and dealers not honoring the famous warranty. On a good note, they do like the handling, roomy cabin and trunk, smooth ride, and the quiet engine.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Kia Optima
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by Jeffrey S
Jul 04, 2010
Some reliability issues as it ages. All of the steell lines(brakes and steering) have rotted. not bad for 140k. Alternator and brakes have been done. Too bad no one can build a car with reliable rear brake calipers. Good bang for the buck.Jul 04, 2010
by Kristin W
Aug 12, 2009
it has a spacious interior, adequete acceleration, good on the gas mileage, and fun to drive. The handling is smooth and the maintenance is relatively light if the car is newer and wasn't previously owned by a columbian drug dealer.Aug 12, 2009
by Brian C
Oct 08, 2008
so so.
reasonably well built for its age
good appearance overall. some really good features included
low maintenance. goes well for its age. not a racing car in any way.
Great for touring the country side or packing the family in for a day out.
nice driving down country roads, handles fairly well.Oct 08, 2008
User rating:
by Jeffrey S
Jul 04, 2010
Some reliability issues as it ages. All of the steell lines(brakes and steering) have rotted. not bad for 140k. Alternator and brakes have been done. Too bad no one can build a car with reliable rear brake calipers. Good bang for the buck.Jul 04, 2010
by Kristin W
Aug 12, 2009
it has a spacious interior, adequete acceleration, good on the gas mileage, and fun to drive. The handling is smooth and the maintenance is relatively light if the car is newer and wasn't previously owned by a columbian drug dealer.Aug 12, 2009
by Brian C
Oct 08, 2008
so so.
reasonably well built for its age
good appearance overall. some really good features included
low maintenance. goes well for its age. not a racing car in any way.
Great for touring the country side or packing the family in for a day out.
nice driving down country roads, handles fairly well.Oct 08, 2008
by Mike R
Sep 13, 2008
I have been rather pleased with the overall experiance. I would recommend a KIA to anyone I know. I would also recommend a V6. I have a 4 and it is powerfull enough but the gas mileage actually is worse with a 4. I think its because it has to work harder than a V6. I had to replace the timing belt at 50000, but most models need something.Sep 13, 2008
by Jason H
Jul 02, 2008
the kia optima is a great car. it is a very reliable car that makes for a good everyday driver. the car has a good suspension set up for a 4 door sedan. the ride is smooth but not overly loose. i have noticed the car tends to understeer when pushed to its limits but other than that the car handels nicely. i have had no problems with the engine or trany. the four speed automatic delivers smooth shifts at a decent speed. Kia has made an outstanding car for the price. Jul 02, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2008
Great on gas milage got me where i needed to go with no problems i done put close to 75000 miles on it and i am the second owner parts a little much most you have t get at dealership that bites but pretty good carFeb 23, 2008
What users have asked
why does my car run for 2 seconds then die
how can i keep my car running?
258 views
2001 Kia Optima Stuttering and Shutting Off
Hello, I have a 2001 Kia Optima with just under 133000 miles on it. During the last few weeks, I had been noticing that the oil light would flicker on for a split second a couple of times a week. My oil change was coming up and the car has had electrical issues (air bag light stuck on, clock only displays intermittently) so I just decided to monitor it. A couple days ago, it started stuttering briefly while I was driving. The next morning it appeared to be running smoothly. I got to work about 20 miles away and as I pulled into my parking space, the car stuttered violently and shut off. I was able to start it up and move it enough to get it towed and it still starts and seems normal until I put it in drive or reverse. Then it stutters a lot and sometimes shuts off. The oil light has been coming on and staying on longer while this is going on. This car has had many issues the past year so I'm going take it in to have it assessed but was hoping someone might have an idea of what it could be (if my description is not too broad). It might just be time for a new car. Thanks in advance for any info!
60 views
2001 Kia Optima LX Stutters and shakes in the rain
Hello, I have a 2001 Kia Optima. It has 127,000 miles on it. I had noticed a couple of years ago that when it rains, the car stutters a little while driving. I brought it in to my mechanic and they were not able to recreate the stuttering and there were no codes displaying when they scanned so they said to wait and see if it continued. The stuttering continued every once in a while, usually only in the first 5 minutes of driving while it was wet. I bring it in for maintenance pretty often and there was evidence that there was a problem, at least one my mechanic could see. A couple of days ago, I was driving up a hill, like I do every day and the car stuttered and then turned off. It started immediately afterwards but seemed to run a little "weak" like it wasn't at full power. I tested it again that night and it seemed fine. It rained again today and I started the car and it immediately started stuttering. I put the car in drive and it got worse and then the check engine light came on. I turned it off because the stuttering did not subside, and it shook worse than it ever had before. I don't plan on using it again until I can get it checked out, but I was hoping someone out there might have an idea about what's going on and how costly it would be to fix. Any information would be very much appreciated!
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2001 Kia Optima Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,794 to $20,444Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent