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2002 KIA OPTIMA

6 trims available · 18–21 MPG · 149–178 HP

Standout Trims

2002 HIGHLIGHTS

Best Value

LX

$14,899 MSRP

MyCar Score™66Look Up VIN →
Best Fuel Economy

SE

21 MPG combined

MyCar Score™66Look Up VIN →
Most Powerful

LX

178 HP

MyCar Score™65.6Look Up VIN →

Full History Report

Buying a 2002 Kia Optima?

3 recalls have been issued for this model year. Check its history before you buy.

A vehicle history report shows accidents, ownership history, and service records.

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Trim Levels

ALL 2002 KIA OPTIMA TRIMS

SE

Top Rated
MyCar Score™66

Body

Sedan

MPG

21

HP

149

Seats

5

MSRP

$16,549

Drive

front wheel drive

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LX

MyCar Score™66

Body

Sedan

MPG

21

HP

149

Seats

5

MSRP

$14,899

Drive

front wheel drive

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LX

MyCar Score™65.7

Body

Sedan

MPG

20

HP

149

Seats

5

MSRP

$15,749

Drive

front wheel drive

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LX

MyCar Score™65.6

Body

Sedan

MPG

18

HP

178

Seats

5

MSRP

$17,449

Drive

front wheel drive

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SE

MyCar Score™65.5

Body

Sedan

MPG

20

HP

149

Seats

5

MSRP

$17,399

Drive

front wheel drive

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SE

MyCar Score™65.4

Body

Sedan

MPG

18

HP

178

Seats

5

MSRP

$18,849

Drive

front wheel drive

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At a Glance

KEY SPECS

Body Type

Sedan

MPG Range

18–21 MPG

HP Range

149–178 HP

Seating

Up to 5

Fuel Type

regular unleaded

Drive Type

front wheel drive

Specs: NHTSA vPIC databaseSafety: NHTSA Complaints & RecallsFuel economy: EPAMyCar Score™: mycarneedsthis.com independent rating

Dimensions & Comfort

SPACE & COMFORT

Based on the top-rated 2002 Optima trim.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

186.2 in

Width

71.7 in

Height

55.5 in

Wheelbase

106.3 in

Interior Dimensions

Front Headroom

39 in

Front Legroom

43.3 in

Rear Headroom

37.6 in

Rear Legroom

36.2 in

Cargo & Capacity

Curb Weight

3,157 lbs

Safety & Warranty

PROTECTION & COVERAGE

Safety Ratings

2002 Kia Optima 4-DR

NHTSA Overall

Not tested by NHTSA

Frontal Crash

Not tested by NHTSA

Side Crash

Not tested by NHTSA

Side Pole

Not tested by NHTSA

Rollover

Not tested by NHTSA

Open Recalls

3 recalls

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. nhtsa.gov/ratings

Warranty Coverage

Basic Coverage

5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Drivetrain

10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Roadside Assistance

5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Family & Safety

IS THIS A GOOD FAMILY CAR?

Rear Seat Space

Comfortable

Rear headroom: 37.6

Rear legroom: 36.2

Car Seat Usability

  • Rear-facing car seat friendly

Always have car seat installation checked by a certified technician. Find an inspection station near you →

LATCH System

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is required on all US vehicles from 2003 onward.

Check owner's manual for LATCH anchor availability.

Common Questions

2002 KIA OPTIMA FAQ

How many recalls does a 2002 Kia Optima have?

The 2002 Kia Optima has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Always verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is the fuel economy of a 2002 Kia Optima?

The 2002 Kia Optima gets 18–21 MPG combined depending on trim level and drivetrain configuration.

What is the best 2002 Kia Optima trim to buy used?

Based on MyCar Score™ ratings, the SE trim scores highest at 66 out of 100, balancing value, fuel economy, and specifications.

Is the 2002 Kia Optima a good used car?

The 2002 Kia Optima has an average MyCar Score™ of 66 out of 100. MyCar Score™ weighs NHTSA safety ratings, recall history, fuel economy, and value. This is a competitive score for the segment.

How much does a 2002 Kia Optima cost used?

New MSRP for the 2002 Kia Optima ranged from $14,899 to $18,849. Used prices vary by mileage, trim, and condition — run a free VIN lookup to check a specific vehicle.