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:

    DRIVER-ORIENTED INTERIOR DESIGN
    With the 2011 Optima, Kia has made big strides forward in the use of cabin materials, while interior layout and design are also strong points. Much like how the exterior conveys a dramatic message ...

    SUPER PACKAGING POTENTIAL
    Kia expects the better-equipped next-step-up 2.0L Soul “+” model to represent the most popular choice. At $14,950, it squares off at the soul (sorry, had to) of the compact car market, as the ...

    Battery
    WARNING - Battery dangers Always read the following instructions carefully when handling a battery. Keep lighted cigarettes and all other flames or sparks away from the battery. Hydrogen, a h ...