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.
2011 Kia OptimaThe Kia Optima received a badly needed re-design for the 2011 model year, which saved it from the bottom of the heap in the affordable mid-size car class and turned it into a solid competitor with like models. The Optima has an MSRP range of $19,200 to $26,200 and gas mileage rated at 24 city and 35 highway. Overall, it's a near perfect mix of performance, efficiency, and style, with a lengthy list of standard features including Bluetooth and a USB port.
The favorites in the class are the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and both the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata are also models to consider. (Don't forget that Hyundai owns Kia.) Given the state of the economy and the new trend toward buyer caution, drive them all if you can. Some people may have to make a mental leap to go with the Kia, but it's a beautifully well done sedan that just might have the competition looking over their shoulders.
There are two engine options for the 2011 Optima, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 200 hp and a turbo-charged version that ups the power to 274 hp.
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2010 Kia OptimaThe 5-passenger, front wheel drive 2010 Kia Optima is a tough competitor in the midsized sedan market one of the most versatile in the entire automotive industry.
2009 Kia OptimaThe 2009 Kia Optima has been slightly redone in an effort to improve upon last year's model. The Optima is a mid-size sedan whose main competition includes the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
2008 Kia OptimaKia tends to cater to budget minded automotive consumers. Most of their vehicles are priced below the competition and are typically representative of a good value for your hard earned dollar.
2007 Kia OptimaThe 2007 Kia Optima sedan starts at $16,955 and may be equipped with either a 2.4-liter engine generating 162 horsepower or a 2.7-liter V6 producing 185 horsepower.
