THE VERDICT
Kia won’t release pricing for the Optima for another few weeks, but we’re assured it will come in at under $20,000 to start and we expect it to undercut (slightly) the Sonata, which starts at $19,195. At that price, with the quantity of features, quality of the package, as well as class leading fuel economy and power, the Optima has leapfrogged much of the competition to establish itself as a front-runner in the mid-size sedan category. And that’s before you even begin to consider the emotional side of the equation – something that’s never really been much of a factor before when purchasing a mid-size sedan.
Targeted at Generation X, the Optima was built to out-do its competitors when it comes to sensible family-sedan characteristics, making it a car you should buy. And by packaging it in dramatic sheetmetal it’s also something you’ll want to own. Kia then tosses in some class-exclusive options and is certain to slap a sticker price on the window that won’t leave much room for argument.
See also:
Automatic transaxle
Automatic transaxle operation
All normal forward driving is done
with the shift lever in the D (Drive)
position.
To move the shift lever from the P
(Park) position, the brake pedal must
be d ...
A COMFORTABLE AND SOFT RIDE (TOO SOFT)
Behind the wheel of the new Optima it’s easy to point out several more faults
– although there are certainly some positive aspects to the driving experience
as well.
On the down-size, the ca ...
Seat belts
Seat belt restraint system
WARNING
• For maximum restraint system
protection, the seat belts must
always be used whenever the
vehicle is moving.
• Seat belts are most effective
when seatbac ...