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.

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    Storage compartments
    These compartments can be used to store small items. CAUTION • To avoid possible theft, do not leave valuables in the storage compartment. • Always keep the storage compartment covers close ...

    Door locks
    Operating door locks from outside the vehicle • Turn the key toward the front of the vehicle to unlock and toward the rear of the vehicle to lock. • If you lock the driver’s door with a k ...

    Air cleaner
    Filter replacement It must be replaced when necessary, and should not be washed. You can clean the filter when inspecting the air cleaner element. Clean the filter by using compressed air. 1 ...