2006 Kia Optima Review

PROS
Passenger and cargo room, Sporty but comfortable ride, Lots of goodies for the price

CONSTardy automatic transmission, Too much road noise 

Identity Crisis No More
South Korean automaker Kia started selling cars and trucks in the United States in 1994. Despite 12 consecutive years of record sales and arguably the industry's best warranty program, many consumers still don't consider Kia still a major player in the new-car marketplace. Stereotypes of lagging resale values and poor quality haven't helped Kia's image, but the automaker is hoping a flock of new vehicles will.

Since 2004, Kia has completely revamped its showroom, introducing four sedans, two SUVs, and a minivan. In addition, the automaker has shown a commitment to safety by making front, front side, and curtain airbags standard on all models. All the while, Kia maintained its position as a value leader in the low-price marketplace.

The front-drive Optima comes in two trim levels LX and EX. Standard engine is a 2.4-liter four cylinder that makes 161 horsepower. Optional is a 2.7-liter V6 boasting 285 horsepower. The four mates to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with a manual shift gate. The six comes only with a 5-speed automatic.

Standard safety equipment includes front airbags, front side airbags, and, new for '06.5, curtain airbags. Antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control are optional on all but the 4-cylinder LX.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, split-folding rear seats, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. Popular options include leather upholstery, power sunroof, and an Appearance Package that includes leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum interior trim, trip computer, auto headlights, fog lights, and alloy wheels.

Get up and Go
Optima's V6 is a little small in both size and output when compared to competitors' midsize V6 offerings. So in terms of raw acceleration, the V6-powered Optima can't match Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Toyota Camry. Still, it's no slouch off the line and has plenty of power in city driving. Highway passing punch is also more than adequate.

One upside to being slightly down on displacement compared to competitors' is improved fuel economy. The V6-powered Optima is EPA rated at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. That's slightly better than Accord and Altima and on par with the brand-new Camry. In routine driving expect Optima to average about 25 mpg--perhaps 27 mpg on the highway. Kia has also tuned the Optima V6 to run on less-expensive regular-grade fuel, which saves 10-20 cents per gallon compared to engines that are required to run premium-grade fuel.

On the Road
Kia tuned Optima's suspension to deliver a sporty, yet controlled ride. Where the previous model bobbed and wallowed on bumpy roads, the '06.5 Optima rides with confident poise. Occupants still feel the bumps, but gone are secondary motions and bouncing. The suspension also feels quite refined over the rough stuff. If you are a fan of Euro-tuned suspensions that are so popular on cars today, you'll feel right at home in Optima. If you favor a traditional floaty, American ride, the Optima might take some getting used to.

Drivers will immediately note Optima's newfound confidence on the road. The firmer suspension gives Optima a more planted and balanced feel when compared to the previous model. The tires have more than adequate grip and there seems to be considerably less front-drive plow in sharp turns. Also gone are the uncontrolled body motions of the previous model. There's modest body lean in fast turns and little nosedive in hard stops.

At highway speeds there's little wind rush and the engine note is subdued. However, the sport-tuned tires kick up quite a ruckus. On coarse surfaces, road noise borders on unacceptable and requires turning the radio up more than a few notches. A bit more sound insulation would probably help the situation considerably.

All-in-all, the new-for-'06.5 Optima feels much more athletic than the previous model. It's no sports car, but it's competitive with other midsize sedans and a huge improvement over the previous model.

Behind the WheelKia clearly did a little homework before designing the interior of the new Optima, which is upscale but not overstated or overstyled. Gauges are well lit, clearly marked, and easy to read. Most controls fall close to hand. Radio and climate controls are mounted high in a center console that's carefully canted toward the driver. It's subtle, but it makes the rightmost controls much easier to reach without tuning out passenger access.

Materials are what you'd expect in this class, but nothing is fancy or overdone. Fit and finish were better than expected for a first-year car, and there was nary a squeak or rattle from the interior, even on bumpy roads.

Front leg room is good, but head room is only adequate. Seats are comfortable, if a little flat and unsupportive in fast turns. Driving position is relaxed, but a telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable pedals would be appreciated. Visibility is excellent to all directions, with the outside mirrors being exceptionally large and helpful in lane changes.

The rear bench seat is surprisingly supportive and comfortable. There's decent head and leg room, but knee and foot space grows tight is the front seats are pushed more than halfway back. There's not enough width to sit three adults across, but kids will be more than happy to sit on the slightly raised middle seat.

The trunk matches most of the competition in terms of roominess, and its large lid sports expensive hinges that don't intrude on cargo space. Split-folding rear seats greatly increase cargo capacity and can be released via trunk-mounted levers. Cabin storage is ample with lots of open and covered bins and useful map pockets.

Bottom LineOptima used to be a run-of-the-mill midsize car without a clearly defined identity. That's not the case any more. Kia aimed the new Optima at sporty cars like the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima and lets stable-mate Hyundai Sonata do battle with more traditional-riding vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Toyota Camry. Optima offers a composed ride, reasonable performance, and low prices. It doesn't pretend to be a luxury car, nor does it pretend to be a sports sedan.

Any Kia offers consumers a lot of content for the money. Its vehicles are well equipped, have exceptional warranties, and low base prices. The Optima is an excellent alternative for shoppers who are looking for a dash of sport in a midsize sedan but aren't willing to give up too much comfort or cash.