Acceleration

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
4	4	6	5.9

Four-cyl matches feel of V6 in around-town driving, but strains to provide highway passing power. Test 4-cyl with automatic transmission did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time V6 version, which has stronger passing power. With either engine, automatic transmission's upshifts are occasionally lazy, downshifts tardy.

Fuel Economy

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

Test 4-cyl LXs averaged 19.5 mpg with either transmission. Test EX V6 averaged 19.7 mpg overall, 24.8 mpg in mostly highway driving.

Ride Quality

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Ably absorbs most road imperfections, though sharp bumps trigger some float, wallow. Slight ride penalty with 17-inch tires in optional Appearance Package.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
6	6	5	6.2

No sports sedan, but a bit more athletic than Hyundai Sonata. Mostly composed in quick direction changes, though some body roll. Steering responsive, but feels numb on-center and, to some testers, overboosted. Available 17-inch tires give slightly sharper moves than standard 16s. Tight turning circle enhances parking-lot maneuverability.

Quietness

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
6	6	7	6.2

Wind rush well-muffled, but intrusive rough-surface tire roar at highway speeds. Four-cyl emits thrashy groan at full throttle; V6 noticeably quieter, but less refined than Toyota Camry's V6. Both engines subdued at cruise.

Controls

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
8	8	8	6.7

Gauges legible, unobstructed. Large, well-marked controls fall readily to hand. Optional leather lacks richness, but looks nicer than standard cloth. Other interior materials serviceable, attractive, but no more.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

Sufficient leg room, adequate head room for tall drivers. Seats comfortable, but offer little lateral support in turns. Pleasant, upright driving position. Available tilt/telescope steering wheel a comfort plus. Fine visibility in all directions.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

Adequate room and comfort for two adults. Knee room grows tight if front seats are far back. Mediocre head room diminished further by optional sunroof's housing.

Cargo Room

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

Decent-size trunk has hinges that don't intrude into cargo space. Split folding rear seats release via trunk-mounted handles. Sufficient cabin storage with ample glovebox, door map pockets, armrest console.

Value within Class

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
6	6	7	6.3

Like the related Hyundai Sonata, Optima delivers a high level of features per dollar, but comes up short in overall refinement vs. such class benchmarks as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Optima has a more sporting character and lower starting prices than Sonata, but charges extra for ABS and traction/antiskid control, important safety features we strongly recommend.

Total Score

LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man.	LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto.	EX V6	Class Average
58	58	61	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69