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 ...

    Comfort
    While the front cabin in the Rio offers a bit more head room than the typical sedan, there honestly isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the typical sedan provides a bit more head- and le ...

    Towing
    If emergency towing is necessary, we recommend having it done by an authorized Kia dealer or a commercial tow-truck service. Proper lifting and towing procedures are necessary to prevent damage ...