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:

    Explanation of scheduled maintenance items
    Engine oil and filter The engine oil and filter should be changed at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. If the car is being driven in severe conditions, more frequent oil and fi ...

    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, whic ...

    Airbags - advanced supplemental restraint system
    (1) Driver’s front air bag (2) Passenger’s front air bag (3) Side air bag* (4) Curtain air bag* * : if equipped WARNING Even in vehicles with air bags, you and your passengers must alway ...