Impressive Warranty

Hyundai is Kia's corporate parent, so the Optima gets Hyundai's impressive warranty; it includes 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection and 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.

Kia is putting more marketing muscle behind the new Optima. Its predecessor received little marketing support, and most folks wanting a Kia sedan brushed past it in showrooms and headed for the automaker's Spectra model.

The front-wheel-drive Optima has quick steering and a decent ride, but the softness of an older Buick and thus just average handling. The brake pedal has a linear action to help provide smooth stops.

    See also:

    Engine coolant
    The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year round antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory. Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once ...

    Antenna
    Roof type antenna (if equipped) If your vehicle has an audio system, an amplifying antenna is installed in your vehicle. This antenna can be removed from the vehicle when you wash your vehicle. ...

    Washer fluid
    Checking the washer fluid level The reservoir is translucent so that you can check the level with a quick visual inspection. Check the fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir and add fluid if ...