Some drivers might think you'd have to be optimistic to buy a Kia Optima, since the early years of this mid-size luxury sedan were riddled with problems, including power locks and window failures. Owners also mention that unhelpful dealers had to be pushed to honor the Kia warranty. But aside from these problems, the 2002 Kia Optima is an affordable family car that offers a lot of comfort and convenience for the price, if not a lot of power.
There were few changes from its inaugural year, but the 2002 Optima did get a new 2.7-liter V6 engine that puts out 178-hp, a gain of eight over last year. The 2.4-liter I4 remains the same at 149-hp. A 5-speed manual is standard on the I4, with an optional 4-speed automatic. The V6 engines come only with a Tiptronic. The base LX sedans also got bigger 15-inch tires this year, to match those on the SE. The more luxurious SE gets automatic headlights and adds an optional 4-way power passenger seat to the standard 8-way driver's seat. Even as a base model, the LX is nicely equipped with power features and dual front-side airbags. The SE adds a sunroof, faux wood trim, foglights, and gaudy chrome interior and exterior trim. Leather seats and trim are optional on the SE, and ABS brakes are optional with the V6 engines only.
The 2002 Kia Optima hopes to compete against the Camry and Accord, and definitely wins in the price and roominess categories. Owners are surprised at the amount of legroom and the large trunk. Despite being underpowered and struggling on acceleration, the Optima handles well and provides a smooth and very quiet ride. Drivers like all the standard features on the base model and the overall style, which makes it look more expensive than it is. Along with the repair woes and engine weakness, downsides to 2002 Kia Optima ownership include less than expected gas mileage.
We have lost the key fob for our 2002 Kia Optima. We can get into the car with the other key. We tried turning the key to the on position and waiting 30 seconds. This disabled alarm but it won't start
I no longer have a key available for my 2002 kia optima Is there a way to have a key made .. or punch the ignition? There i a chip in the key and I do not have a spare or anything
I bought a car that has say for 4 years so I drained the fuel pump and into the tank and check the wiring on the pump put it back together put new gas in it and it won't start what am I not doing
2002 Kia optima 6cyl sparkplugs installation doing it at home
How many miles can you put on a 2002 Kia Optima?
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: trunk release · 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: trunk release · 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