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:

    Interior light
    CAUTION Do not use the interior lights for extended periods when the engine is not running. It may cause battery discharge. Room lamp Type A (1) Map lamp Push the lens to turn the map lamp o ...

    Interior car
    Interior general precautions Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume and cosmetic oil from contacting the dashboard because they may cause damage or discoloration. If they do contact the dashbo ...

    Climate control system
    1. Temperature control knob 2. Air conditioning button (if equipped) 3. Air intake control button 4. Mode selection knob 5. Fan speed control knob Fan speed control knob Four (4) adjustable ...