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:

    Cruise control system
    1. Cruise indicator 2. Cruise set indicator The cruise control system allows you to program the vehicle to maintain a constant speed without pressing the accelerator pedal. This system is desi ...

    Restyled with Kia's evolving DNA for a stronger presence
    The 'new look' Kia cee'd has been thoroughly restyled in order to keep the brand's best-selling model in Europe 'fresh' and maintain its strong appeal to consumers. Working under the direction o ...

    Two Hearts for the Soul
    The five-place “urban crossover vehicle” goes on sale here in March. Two engines will be offered: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter f ...