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:

    Kia Rio review
    The 2011 Kia Rio ranks 28 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 48 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Rio, and our analysis of reliability and safety ...

    Engine compartment
    Gasoline Engine (2.4L) 1. Engine coolant reservoir 2. Engine oil filler cap 3. Brake fluid reservoir 4. Air cleaner 5. Fuse box 6. Negative battery terminal 7. Positive battery terminal 8. A ...

    Interior features
    Cigarette lighter (if equipped) For the cigarette lighter to work, the ignition switch must be in the ACC or ON position. To use the cigarette lighter, push it all the way into its socket. When ...