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:

    Tailgate
    Opening the tailgate • The tailgate is locked or unlocked when all doors are locked or unlocked with the key, transmitter (or smart key) or central door lock switch. • If unlocked, the tail ...

    Homelink wireless control system
    Your new mirror comes with an integrated HomeLink Universal Transceiver, which allows you to program the mirror to activate your garage door(s), estate gate, home lighting, etc. The mirror actu ...

    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 ...