2006.5-2008 Kia Optima: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2006 Kia Optima
2008 Kia Optima
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2006.5-2008 Kia Optima ▼

  • Price Range:  $9,500 - $13,800
CG Rating

58

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2006.5-2008 Kia Optima and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Front seat room and comfort
  • Ride
  • Quietness
  • Control layout and materials

Cons

  • Acceleration (4-cyl)

Vehicle Highlights

Midway through the 2006 model year, Kia issued a redesigned version of its midsize sedan. Redesigned for what Kia tabbed a "2006.5" model year, the front-wheel-drive Optima shared its basic design with the Sonata produced by Kia's corporate-parent Hyundai, which was redesigned for 2006. Lengthened in wheelbase, the 2006.5 Optima had a wider track (distance between left and right wheels) and short overhangs. Kia claimed more interior volume than most midsize sedans, including the Accord, Camry, and Altima. Competing against the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry, Optimas came in LX and uplevel EX models. Each offered a choice of a 161-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 185-horsepower V6. Both engines gained power and promised improved gas mileage. Output of the four-cylinder was 15-percent greater than in the prior Optima model. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on the four-cylinder LX. Five-speed automatic with a gated shifter and Sportmatic operation was optional for that model, and standard otherwise. All Optimas included front side airbags and curtain side airbags. EX sedans added alloy wheels, foglamps, solar glass, an eight-way power driver's seat, automatic temperature control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Antilock braking and traction/antiskid control were available in an option package for LX V6 and EX models. Leather upholstery and heated front seats were optional for EX models, as were power-adjustable pedals. A new Appearance Package included Michelin 17-inch tires, a blacked-out grille and headlights, aluminum interior trim, and Supervision meter cluster.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Kia Optima LX 4-cyl. w/auto. Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 58
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2006.5-2008 Kia Optima. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2006.5-2008 Kia Optima.

Year to Year Changes


2007 Kia Optima: Little changed for 2007 on the redesigned Optima, following its first half-season on the market. Optima earned five-star ratings all around in crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2008 Kia Optima: The 2008 Kia Optima was largely unchanged.

Our road test for the 2006.5-2008 Kia Optima includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006.5-2008 Kia Optima and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006.5-2008 Kia Optima is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Four-cylinder acceleration matches the feel of the V6 in around-town driving, but strains to provide highway-passing power. A test four-cylinder with automatic transmission accelerated to 60 mph in a rather leisurely 8.6 seconds. Kia's V6 offers stronger passing power. With either engine, the automatic transmission's upshifts are occasionally lazy, and downshifts tardy. Fuel economy is adequate but less than frugal. Test four-cylinder LXs averaged 19.5 mpg with either transmission. A test EX V6 averaged 19.7 mpg overall, or 24.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Optimas capably absorb most road imperfections, though sharp bumps may trigger some float and wallow. Expect a slight ride penalty with 17-inch tires in the optional Appearance Package. No sport sedan, the Optima is a bit more athletic than Hyundai Sonata. Mostly composed in quick directional changes, but Optima suffers some body roll. Steering is responsive, but feels numb on-center. Some testers have called it overboosted. Available 17-inch tires provide slightly sharper moves than the standard 16s. A tight turning circle enhances parking-lot maneuverability. Wind rush is well muffled, but intrusive rough-surface tire roar occurs at highway speeds. Four-cylinder engines emit a thrashy groan at full throttle. The V6 is noticeably quieter, but less refined than the Toyota Camry's V6. Both engines are subdued while cruising. Gauges are legible and unobstructed, and the large, well-marked controls fall readily to hand. Optional leather upholstery lacks richness, but looks nicer than standard cloth. Other interior materials are serviceable and attractive, but otherwise nothing special. Expect sufficient legroom up front, with adequate headspace for tall drivers. Seats are comfortable, but offer little lateral support in turns. The driving position is pleasant and upright, though telescopic steering-wheel adjustments would be a welcome addition. Visibility is fine in all directions. Backseat room and comfort are adequate for two adults, but knee space grows tight if front seats are more than halfway back. Mediocre headroom is diminished further by the optional sunroof's housing. Trunk space is decent, and lid hinges don't intrude. Split folding rear seats release via trunk-mounted handles. Sufficient cabin storage includes an ample glovebox, door map pockets, and an armrest console.
Value for the Money
Like the related Hyundai Sonata, Kia's Optima delivers a high level of features per dollar. On the whole, though, it falls short in overall refinement and materials quality, versus such class benchmarks as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Promising a more sporting character than Hyundai's Sonata, the Optima had lower starting prices when new. But ABS cost extra, as did traction/antiskid control--important safety features that we strongly recommend. Kias tend to depreciate considerably faster than their major competitors, so used-car prices can be appealing.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Kia Optima LX 4-cyl. w/auto. Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 58

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Kia Optima includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Kia Optima .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Check-engine light: Some early production cars with the 2.4L engine may illuminate a check engine light and set a trouble code for an oxygen sensor that does not exist requiring reprogramming of the engine control module. (2006)

Electrical problem: The CD changer may malfunction and not play, load or eject requiring resetting the audio system. (2006)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $390
Alternator $325
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,315
Brakes $475
Constant Velocity Joints $890
Exhaust System $455
Radiator $555
Shocks and/or Struts $665
Timing Chain or Belt $610
Our price chart for this generation Kia Optima details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Optima EX $13,700-15,200 $12,500-13,800 $8,200-9,100
Optima LX $12,500-14,500 $11,300-13,100 $7,100-8,300
2007
Optima EX $11,400-12,400 $10,300-11,200 $6,300-6,800
Optima LX $10,500-12,500 $9,500-11,300 $5,600-6,600
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Kia Optima include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 107.1
Overall Length, in. 186.4
Overall Width, in. 71.1
Overall Height, in. 58.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3142
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 14.8
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 16.4
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.7
Rear Head Room, in. 38.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Optima offered a choice of two engines: a 161-horsepower four-cylinder or a 185-horsepower V6. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on the four-cylinder LX. A five-speed automatic was optional for that model, and standard with V6 power.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.4 / 144 161 163 5-speed manual: 24/34
5-speed automatic: 24/34		 5-speed manual: 19.5
5-speed automatic: 19.5
dohc V6 2.7 / 163 185 182 5-speed automatic: 22/30 5-speed automatic: 19.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Kia Optima include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2007 Optima
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.


No Recall History is available at this time.


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