Depends what you're looking for.
If you want a comfortable and extremely reliable ride I would definitely recommend the corolla. I own a 2010 model and have had no issues with it at all.

Refer to  http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml  for fuel economy numbers. Optima being a one class bigger ofcourse uses more gas. I'll suggest Mazda 3 new sky active engine too if you are cross shopping it with Cruze. If you are buying it from those three. I'd recommend Cruze. 

Infact Cruze project stated in GM's Korean owned division Daewoo. So if you prefer Korean cars like Nintendo Pie. That would be a plus. 

I don't think you're really going to get much of unbiased advice from anyone ...

Outside of my general suggestion to never buy a Dodge, cars have improved so much over the past couple of decades that you will likely be happy with whatever you buy; unless you are unfortunate enough to get a lemon (which is possible from all manufacturers).

actauly one piece of advice I can give you (not sure as its still valid with modern cars), is take it out for a drive on the highway and let it rip to the limit of the road.

About 5 years ago I tested some hyundai thing and once the car got on the highway (freeway) and reached over 100km/h, the stearing wheel started vibrating and when you let go, it would drift to one side haha.

Manufacturers always have mistakes, not just Kia.

I would go with a 2012 Ford Focus. Also the Kia Optima is not in the same class as the Corolla and Cruze the Kia in the same class a those two cars would be the Forte.

Just skip all those and get a 2013 Nissan Altima.

But if it has to be one of those disastrous choices might as well go with the Kia. The toyota will probably put you to sleep with how boring the car drives and the chevy, well it's unattractive as all hell. The kia is at least an all around alright car.

Well I've been the owner of an 08 Cobalt for 3 years and have never had a problem with it (the Cruze is the Cobalt's replacement) so I trust Chevy and would give them my word. So I'd say you can't go wrong with a Cruze.

I personally just don't like Toyota so I can't recommend you get anything made by them. But go ahead with a Kia, they seem decent but I don't know anyone who has one so I can't tell you if they're a good/reliable car. Maybe go with the Forte over the Optima, it's more comparable to the Corolla/Cruze (other cars on your list)

Optima or Corolla.

Optima will cost less with far more features and is mentioned by many car magazines and consumer reports as being very good.

Corolla is a Toyota and will be a great car.

The Mazda three feels like a 10 year old car when yoru in it. The Cruze feels like a high tech NEW car.