Leftlane’s bottom line

Kia Optima / Reviews / First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima / Leftlane’s bottom line

Kia is no longer content to be the butt of jokes or the car of last resort for those who may be fiscally challenged.

Although still very much a Hyundai rival, Kia finally has a design language and style of its own. The brand is making all the right moves, unlike a certain Japanese rival that seems to make all the wrong decisions these days.

This particular Korean firm is succeeding in their quest to become a tier-one import that won’t cause anyone to have to explain their purchases. Competing brands should do well to look over their shoulders for there is a new contender gaining on them.

    See also:

    Using four-wheel drive
    Driving on snow- or Ice-covered roads (“4WD LOCK” for full-time 4WD operation) • Use snow tires. See “Tires” in this section for more information. • Keep an adequate distance between ...

    Owner maintenance
    Owner maintenance schedule The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be performed by the owner or an authorized Kia dealer at the frequencies indicated to help ensure saf ...

    Wiper blades
    Blade inspection NOTICE: Commercial hot waxes applied by automatic car washes have been known to make the windshield difficult to clean. Contamination of either the windshield or the wiper bla ...