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2008 Kia Optima
Date Published: 4/30/08

2008 Kia Optima
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MSRP:
$16,355 - 20,500

Invoice:
$15,435 - 18,985

Class:
Midsize Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2008 Kia Optima
Expert Rating Summary
Category LX 4-cylinder, manual Rating (See All
Ratings)
Midsize Car Average Rating
Acceleration 5 5.6
Fuel Economy 5 5.5
Ride Quality 6 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 6
Quietness 6 6
Controls 8 6.3
Details 6 5.6
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 6.7
Room/Comfort (rear) 5 5.2
Cargo Room 3 4.1
Value within Class 6 6.2
Total Score: 63 63.2
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2008 Kia Optima Review
The 2008 Kia Optima is largely unchanged. Optima shares its basic design with the Sonata produced by Kia's corporate parent, Hyundai. Optima comes in LX and uplevel EX models with a choice of a 162-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 185-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the 4-cylinder LX. A 5-speed automatic is optional for that model and is standard otherwise. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Leather upholstery is standard on EXs. Options include heated seats, sunroof, and power-adjustable pedals.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.

News
This just-redesigned Kia should see few near-term changes of note. A possible exception: adding sister Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 to the options list.
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