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:

    In case of an emergency while driving
    If the engine stalls at a crossroad or crossing If the engine stalls at a crossroad or crossing, set the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position and then push the vehicle to a safe place. If you ...

    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 ...

    Remote keyless entry
    Remote keyless entry system operations Lock (1) All doors (and tailgate) are locked if the lock button is pressed. If all doors (and tailgate) are closed, the hazard warning lights will blink ...