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2001 Kia Optima Road Test
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2001 Kia Optima Review:
Our road test for the 2001 Kia Optima includes a full evaluation of the
2001 Kia Optima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2001 Kia Optima, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2001 Kia Optima help you decide if a 2001 Kia Optima is right for
you.
2001 Kia Optima Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Visibility | Automatic transmission performance |
| Ride | Rear-seat room/comfort |
| Brake-pedal feel | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
We haven't yet tested the 4 cyl, but our SE V6 did 0-60 mph in a reasonably brisk 8.5 sec. Manual shift feature helps make up for automatic transmission's tardy "kickdown" action that lengthens midrange passing response.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.9 |
We haven't yet tested the 4 cyl, but our SE V6 did 0-60 mph in a reasonably brisk 8.5 sec. Manual shift feature helps make up for automatic transmission's tardy "kickdown" action that lengthens midrange passing response.
Fuel Economy
One SE V6 averaged 18.7 mpg in city/freeway driving and performance tests. Another managed 20.2 mpg in gentler driving. Some rival V6s require premium fuel, but Optima's recommended grade is regular.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.4 |
One SE V6 averaged 18.7 mpg in city/freeway driving and performance tests. Another managed 20.2 mpg in gentler driving. Some rival V6s require premium fuel, but Optima's recommended grade is regular.
Ride Quality
Pleasantly composed on scalloped freeways, less impressive but comfortable enough on broken pavement. Floats a tad on large dips and humps.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.3 |
Pleasantly composed on scalloped freeways, less impressive but comfortable enough on broken pavement. Floats a tad on large dips and humps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Dynamically safe, predictable, helped by standard high-level Michelin tires, but noticeable body lean in hard cornering. Panic stops only class-average short even with ABS; test car's brakes also had dull pedal action and a slight lag before really grabbing.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.1 |
Dynamically safe, predictable, helped by standard high-level Michelin tires, but noticeable body lean in hard cornering. Panic stops only class-average short even with ABS; test car's brakes also had dull pedal action and a slight lag before really grabbing.
Quietness
No pain in the ear, but tire swish noticed except on the smoothest pavement, and V6 lacks the silky sweetness of rival engines. Test car had minor wind leaks around tops of front doors.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.2 |
No pain in the ear, but tire swish noticed except on the smoothest pavement, and V6 lacks the silky sweetness of rival engines. Test car had minor wind leaks around tops of front doors.
Controls
Ordinary design, but well executed, with most everything handy, intuitive, easy to see and use. Generic interior decor even in top-line trim, yet mostly nice materials, good detail finish.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 |
Ordinary design, but well executed, with most everything handy, intuitive, easy to see and use. Generic interior decor even in top-line trim, yet mostly nice materials, good detail finish.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Spacious in feel and fact, aided by low-rise dashboard and large windows that enhance visibility. Seats don't look special but seem long-haul comfortable. Decent head room even with test car's power moonroof.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.5 |
Spacious in feel and fact, aided by low-rise dashboard and large windows that enhance visibility. Seats don't look special but seem long-haul comfortable. Decent head room even with test car's power moonroof.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Comfortably wide enough only for two adults, who have marginal foot room, just OK head room, and must sit knees-up behind tall occupants. Entry/exit no problem despite narrowish door thresholds.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.1 |
Comfortably wide enough only for two adults, who have marginal foot room, just OK head room, and must sit knees-up behind tall occupants. Entry/exit no problem despite narrowish door thresholds.
Cargo Room
Flat-floor trunk has shallow opening that prevents stuffing in big boxes, but volume is good and hinges don't dip into load area. Interior storage consists of two covered cupholders, two-tier console box, dash bin, large glovebox, and map pockets.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.5 |
Flat-floor trunk has shallow opening that prevents stuffing in big boxes, but volume is good and hinges don't dip into load area. Interior storage consists of two covered cupholders, two-tier console box, dash bin, large glovebox, and map pockets.
Value within Class
Optima isn't Honda Accord agile or Toyota Camry refined, and its resale values are much lower, though even the V6 Optima beats their 4-cyl models on price and has a longer warranty. Basically a rather ordinary car that needs more engineering polish and a track record in the U.S.
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.8 |
Optima isn't Honda Accord agile or Toyota Camry refined, and its resale values are much lower, though even the V6 Optima beats their 4-cyl models on price and has a longer warranty. Basically a rather ordinary car that needs more engineering polish and a track record in the U.S.
Total Score
| Optima SE V6 | Class Average |
| 54 | 51.8 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 65 |
Also in the 2001 Kia Optima Review:
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