Kia Optima debuted in the United States in 2001. Before the launch of the Optima, Kia was selling only the subcompact Sephia sedan and the Sportage SUV. In 2000, Kia expanded its range with the introduction of the Spectra sports sedan and the Rio four-door sedan. But the vehicle that fuelled the sales growth for Kia is Optima. With Optima, Kia has been able to be at a par with Toyota and Honda.

Kia introduced Optima in two trim levels - the LX and SE. With Optima, Kia tried to consolidate its position in mid-size market. The mission involved putting tough competition before Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord that had already been ruling segment.

Optima is available as a 4-door mid-size sedan. The sedan is equipped with front wheel drive 2.4 inline 4 instrumental in delivering 161 horsepower at 5800 RPM and 164 lb-ft of torque at 4250 RPM. The engine is ably supported by 5-speed manual transmission system. Add to that its exquisite fuel economy. The Kia Optima offers 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Irrespective of its resemblance with Hyundai Sonata, the Optima has been able to impress consumers with its fabulous interior design, muscular, quiet 4-cylinder engine and an extensive range of transmissions. The vehicle incorporated side curtain airbags to offer safety to its occupants. The 2005 edition of Optima is quite different from Sonata.

However, absence of antilock brakes and skid control in base model could pinch Kia quite hard. The performance of the manual transmission system is not quite up-to-the-mark. Nevertheless, its spaciousness and satisfactory drive comfort will take the attention away from those shortcomings. Kia Optima is offering more features at a lesser price.