2006 Kia Optima: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Kia's midsize sedan is based on the 2002-2005 Sonata produced by Kia's corporate parent, Hyundai, and receives only minor changes for 2006. A redesigned '06 Sonata went on sale in spring 2005; a similarly redesigned Optima is due as an '07 model in mid 2006.

Optima comes in LX and EX models with either a 4-cyl or V6 engine. With the 4-cyl, manual transmission is standard, an automatic with a manual-shift feature optional. The V6 comes only with the automatic. Front side airbags are standard, but no curtain side airbags are offered. All Optimas have 4-wheel disc brakes, but ABS, previously available on both V6 models, is now optional only on the EX V6. No traction control or antiskid system is offered. Four-cyl models have 15-inch wheels, V6 models get 16s. Leather upholstery is optional on EX models. Optima offers warranty coverage of 5-years/60,000-mi. basic, 10/100,000 powertrain, and 5/60,000 roadside assistance.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.