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:

    Trailer towing
    We do not recommend using this vehicle for trailer towing. ...

    Using four-wheel drive
    Driving on snow- or Ice-covered roads (“4WD LOCK� for full-time 4WD operation) • Use snow tires. See “Tires� in this section for more information. • Keep an adequate distance between ...

    Climate control air filter
    Filter inspection The climate control air filter should be replaced according to the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is operated in severely air-polluted cities or on dusty rough roads for a ...