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:

    Warnings and indicators
    Warning lights / audible indicators Checking operation All warning lights are checked by turning the ignition switch ON (do not start the engine). Any light that does not illuminate should be che ...

    Tires and wheels
    Tires care For proper maintenance, safety, and maximum fuel economy, you must always maintain recommended tire inflation pressures and stay within the load limits and weight distribution recomme ...

    Luggage net
    To keep items from shifting in the cargo area, you can use the four rings located in the cargo area to attach the luggage net. NOTICE Do not put fragile, bulky or an excessive quantity of item ...