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.

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    Hood
    Opening the hood: 1. Pull the release lever on the lower left side of the instrument panel to unlatch the hood. The hood should pop open slightly. 2. Go to the front of the vehicle, raise th ...

    IS BIGGER BETTER?
    While we’d certainly argue that when it comes to cars bigger isn’t always better, the wider and longer Optima is now in line with its main competitors delivering added interior space. Rear sea ...

    Before driving
    Before entering vehicle: • Be sure that all windows, outside mirror(s), and outside lights are clean. • Check the condition of the tires. • Check under the vehicle for any sign of leaks. ...