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:

    Power steering fluid
    Checking the power steering fluid level With the vehicle on level ground, check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir periodically. The fluid should be between MAX and MIN marks on th ...

    If the engine will not start
    If engine doesn't turn over or turns over slowly 1. If your car has an automatic transaxle, be sure the gear selector lever is in N (Neutral) or P (Park) and the emergency brake is set. 2. Check ...

    Storage compartment
    NOTICE • To avoid possible theft, do not leave valuables in the storage compartment. • Since stored items may move while driving, be sure to position them in the storage compartment so that t ...