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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Powertrains and Performance
The standard engine on the LX is a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine. It
generates 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque and is mated to either a
five-speed manual transmission or a fou ...
Recommended lubricants and capacities
To help achieve proper engine and powertrain performance and durability, use
only lubricants of the proper quality. The correct
lubricants also help promote engine efficiency that results in improv ...
THE VERDICT
Just a few years ago, the Kia Optima would have been a genuine competitor to
the American sedans in the family car category. Unfortunately for Kia, companies
like Ford and General Motors have made ...