The Optima has many appealing virtues for a very low price.
In the wake of higher fuel prices, family sedans are now in greater demand than has been the case in years. It is fuel economy that is driving their resurgence, but at the same time people are rediscovering their ride, handling and comfort.
For buyers who have been out of the sedan market for a while, there are many new players to consider. Manufacturers that might not have demanded attention a few years ago now do.
Among them is Kia, maker of the Optima sedan.
A week spent with a four-cylinder EX model, loaned to us by Kia, proved that the Optima has many appealing virtues.
For its price it is surprisingly roomy, rides nicely, handles quite competently, is nicely assembled and, in our tests, managed to score fuel economy results in the mid-20 mpg range when equipped with the four-cylinder engine.
Two models, two engines and two transmissions are offered. Base Optima buyers end up with the nicely equipped LX model, whose standard features include air conditioning, heated power mirrors, power windows and power locks. Standard safety equipment includes dual front, front side and side curtain air bags, along with active head restraints.
The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor with the driver's choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Buying the LX with the automatic also adds a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and remote keyless entry to the list of standard features.
The LX is also offered with a 2.7-liter V-6. This engine comes only with the automatic transmission.
EX buyers also choose between the inline four-cylinder engine and the V-6.
However, EX buyers have no choice when it comes to transmissions. The automatic is the only unit offered. The EX model also has standard leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver's seat, fog lights, alloy wheels and automatic climate control. All Optimas are front-wheel-drive vehicles.
"Most people buy the LX," reports Dan Leonard, general manager of Crowley Kia in Bristol. "We sell a mix of fours and V-6s, but right now, the car is in short supply."
The EX, which we drove, has two options packages.
One included power-adjustable pedals, a power passenger's seat and heated front seats. The other consisted of electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and brake assist. This final feature recognizes when the driver is stopping for an emergency and applies full braking pressure, right up to the engagement of the anti-lock feature.
"Buyers who want the EX often go for all the options," Leonard said. "They want the leather, the sunroof. LX buyers are happy with the standard features - the power windows and mirrors. They sometimes fuss over the color, though."
As appealing as the long list of standard features on the Optima may be, it is the solid performance in daily driving that makes the Optima one of the best buys in its class. The car accelerates with competence, rides nicely over most surfaces and handles quite well.
Acceleration is an interesting aspect of the Optima's performance. Having had the chance to review a V-6 version and now a four-cylinder model, the performance numbers have turned out to be surprisingly similar.
That, despite a 23 horsepower spread in the ratings. Our zero-to-60 time with the four was 8.7 seconds. With the V-6 it was 8.3. Most drivers would feel little difference based on acceleration and power. Rather, the V-6 comes across as the more refined engine of the two.
Regardless, the transmission does a generally fine job of shifting, though some downshifts can be just a little late in coming.
The ride is smooth and handling is good. The Optima is no sports sedan, nor does it pretend to be one. Still, it is competent and, with the optional stability control, quite secure in simulated emergency maneuvers.
The leather upholstery helps make the Optima EX feel a bit more luxurious than its price suggests it should be. Front-seat room and comfort are good. The back seat accommodates two adults and the trunk is reasonably roomy. The back seat is split and folds, with release levers in the trunk for added security.
One aspect of the Optima, and all Kias for that matter, that generates buyer enthusiasm is the warranty. In addition to a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, the drivetrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Price, performance and warranty protection make up a package that many buyers find appealing.
"Most buyers are people who have also looked at the Accord and Camry, and come to the Kia because it costs $7,000 less," Leonard said. "The buyers love it. You can't beat the car for the money. They love the ride and handling and the safety with six air bags."
PAULA SAYS...
Even a brief drive in the Kia Optima should serve as a reality check. This midsize family sedan turns in a perfectly acceptable performance for a price that undercuts many compact cars. The Optima is comfortable, drives nicely, has all the pep anyone needs with the four-cylinder engine - and has the safety and convenience features people want.
Granted, the review car was the top-of-the-line EX with options that pushed the sticker price to just over $21,400. But the important extra - the electronic stability package with its anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control and brake assist - is also offered on the base model for the same $600 it costs on the EX.
The price for an LX model with the automatic transmission and this package of safety equipment would be less than $19,000.
As for other aspects of the Optima, the power seat, another EX exclusive, manages to lift a shorter driver up to the point that visibility ahead is quite good.
With the seat moved to its highest position, the view to the left at intersections is only partially blocked by the outside rearview mirror. The power-adjustable pedals and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel also help fit the car to the driver.
By JIM MACPHERSON
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