First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima
Rivalries are a fact of life. When they are in the family, they can be troublesome. On the other hand, they can help to raise the level of game for both family members.
That’s the case Kia finds itself in with the 2011 Kia Optima.
First seen at the New York International Auto Show back in April, the Optima looked a stunning, almost Teutonic counterpart to the stylized and swoopy Hyundai Sonata. This wouldn’t much matter if the two cars came from separate automakers, but the Optima and Sonata are direct rivals offered by the same parent company.
At that point, the gauntlet was thrown, and all bets were off. It looks like Kia is not content to just play second fiddle anymore.
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Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is
the number used in registering your vehicle
and in all legal matters pertaining to
its ownership, etc.
The number is punched on the floor
under the fr ...
Manual transaxle
Manual transaxle operation
The manual transaxle has five forward
gears.
Press the clutch pedal down fully while
shifting, then release it slowly.
The gearshift lever must be returned to
the ne ...