2006 Kia Optima
Far more buyers of reasonably priced economy-oriented cars are likely to notice the much-improved revamped 2006 Kia Optima midsize sedan.
The new Optima has slicker styling, more power and added safety features. And prices for the slightly larger, more refined new Optima are close to those of the often overlooked 2001-2006 version.
Low prices, lots of standard equipment and an impressive warranty have drawn many to Kia showrooms. For instance, Optima rivals such as the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 start with similar prices and come with a standard automatic transmission, but lack the Optima's standard safety features.
Such features include no less than six airbags, including front-seat side airbags and newly standard side-curtain airbags. There's also a tire-pressure monitor and anti-whiplash front head restraints.
See also:
Keys
Record your key number
The key code number is
stamped on the bar
code tag attached to the
key set. Should you lose
your keys, this number
will enable an authorized KIA dealer to
duplicate the ...
Automatic transaxle
Automatic transaxle operation
The automatic transaxle has 4 forward
speeds and one reverse speed. The individual
speeds are selected automatically,
depending on the position of the shift
lever. ...
On the Road
During our seat time in and around Seattle, we test drove an EX with the Fuel
Economy Package and an SX version.
We found the EX's 5-speed automatic a bit annoying in its rush to get into
fifth ...