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:

    Battery
    For best battery service • Keep the battery securely mounted. • Keep the battery top clean and dry. • Keep the terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or t ...

    Four wheel drive (4WD)
    Engine power can be delivered to all front and rear wheels for maximum traction. Full-time 4WD is useful when extra traction is required on road, such as, when driving on slippery, muddy, wet, ...

    Engine compartment
    2.4L 1. Engine Coolant Reservoir 2. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir 3. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir* 4. Radiator Cap 5. Engine Oil Filler Cap 6. Engine Oil Dipstick 7. Brake Fluid Reservo ...