Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

mickeyrom · January 2007

Why do you like the base Optima better than the EX?Is it the V6 as opposed to the 4?My EX has a 4 and the mileage is a bit disappointing,I do miss the softer ride I had on my Sonata,thats why Im asking about the Maxx.
PS Why is the maintenance cheaper?

mickeyrom · January 2007

Exterior lights?Are you speaking of the headlights?

mickeyrom · January 2007

What are your thoughts on this fellow KIA owners?Are they right or is it just more pro-Japanese prejudice? :surprise:

imacheapsk8 · January 2007

Where did you read that? I can't find it anywhere. Was it about the 2006.5-07 Optima? Can you post a link? If anything, I would say JD Power has been good for Korean car companies (Hyundai at least), as they've ranked very high for "Initial Quality". I personally feel the quality is on par with Honda and Toyota... I know that may sound ridiculous those who havent been in the new Hyundai/KIA products, but check them out, and then decide.

mickeyrom · January 2007

I found it on Yahoo under new sedans.They compared a KIA Sedona,A Toyota Camry and a Ford Fusion.The quality ratings indicated by stars,was 2 which is less than average.I cant find the site again,sorry to say.I didnt look for a Hyundai,so I cant say what their view of that car is.
BTW I own a new Optima and think its a pretty nice car,but not as nice as a Sonata.I would rate it higher than JD Powers does.Keep looking,maybe you'll find it.

mickeyrom · January 2007

According to KIA corporate,the 2.4 engine does NOT have a timing belt.It has a timing CHAIN.No maintenance is needed.That is why,if you look at your maintenance schedule,you will note that the timing belt replacement schedule specifically says 2.7 engine.

imacheapsk8 · January 2007

I think that review must have been referring to the last generation Optima... To my knowledge they haven't evaluated the 2006.5-07 Optima yet. But, I may be wrong.

imacheapsk8 · January 2007

No information yet according to their website:
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/kia/new-optima/2007

mickeyrom · January 2007

I have a 2006.5 EX but with a 4cyl engine.I have noticed the same lighting problem.I find this very annoying.
:lemon:

csandste · January 2007

I just think that it's not worth paying the extra cash in terms of upfront or gas mileage to get the six. It's older, not much bigger and not much power. If I was sold on a six I'd get a Sonata.

I find the four slightly smoother and quieter than the v6 on my loaner EX, but it should be it's a far newer engine.

Malibu=
1. 30+ mpg on the highway, 24 mixed. Pretty good for 200 hp.
2. No timing belt.
3. 7000 mile oil changes. Nothing is easier on oil than a GM OHV V-6.
4. Many more Chevy dealers. Engine and power train are a far more known quantity to average mechanic meaning I'd probably go outside for many repairs. On the other hand I'd probably take back to dealer for steering problems or front end work.

I do remember the last gen. Sonata being softer riding than the Kia. This brought criticism from road tests complaining about soft suspension. I think Hyundai and Kia were trying to become more Japanese because that's where the competition is.

I remember thinking that my Elantra was almost French in suspension. Koreans liked soft suspension.

I think the Malibus are softer riding despite the Opel/Saab heritage but this might be the difference in steering and tires.

Again, I would never deal a Kia off after a year in order to move to a slightly better car (and after a week of ownership, I'd certainly not call the Kia inferior overall to a Malibu). They're better in the depreciation department than five years ago but you'd still take it in the neck.

mickeyrom · January 2007

I had posted this before,but now I have corroborated this fact on the official KIA site.Im surprised,even shocked that the service managers,and sales managers didnt know this rather important fact.Matter of fact,when my sales manager went over the maintenance schedule with us,he especially impressed the importance of changing the timing belt at 60,000 miles.It seems that he was not very well informed.Does make one wonder how expert these people really are. :sick:

iluvmysephia1 · January 2007

how expert they are or that they just picked mechanic as the job they had to pick just because they need a job. Not because they have a particular talent in that area. I think we enthusiasts really start having an edge in these matters because the cars are ours and we have a financial stake in them and a love for them as well.

csandste-keep those comments coming on the '06.5 and '07 Kia Optima and the 'Bu, they are not falling on deaf ears and we're all learning from them. I think that Hyundai and Kia have risen of late in JD Power ratings. Keep checking for the latest and greatest JD Power results and information.

Question: if I were to buy a 2007 Kia Optima LX 2.4L 4 cyl in 5-speeds and Ruby Red(or whatever color I wanted, I just love their Ruby Red color)would I automatically get the 50 series tires that cssandste is talking about on here? The ones that give better handling? Everyone gets the hydraulic steering, I would think.

So far nothing I've heard about this new world order Kia Optima would turn me away from it. One thing that is also really nice about the 4 cyl '07 Kia Optima: the timing chain and not timing belt. I just had my '01 Kia Sportage 4x4's timing belt replaced and the water pump at the same time and an oil change IIRC and the bill was just a tad over $500. Yikes. You don't have the option of skipping it, though! Gotta have it done. The Sportage 4x4 is running like a champ with 124,900 miles on it. Soon we'll be without a car payment(around June '07 the Sportsman will be all paid off)so it will take a great rig to get me to trade in the Sportage 4x4. Not having a payment is gonna be too nice to give up, me thinks! :P

My two favorites to replace the Sportage 4x4 are the 2007 Kia Optima LX, 2.4L 4 cyl with 5-speeds and Ruby Red color, no other options and the 2007 Suzuki SX4 sport crossover, with 5-speeds, Bright Red color, and optional armrest as the only option. The Suzuki retails for only $14,999 plus the armrest($125.00),plus T&L. A great deal just like that IMO. The Optima looks to be around $16,400 or right in that range. Is that close on the Optima pricing for the model of Optima I'm describing, csandste?

csandste · January 2007

I haven't checked the Kia site and my car is still getting leather so no easy check of manual, but Edmunds has this listed at 105K.

Edmunds hosts, if this is wrong and there's a chain you might want to change your maintenance schedule. Isn't 105K the California mandated warranty for timing belts?

Part Description Part Cost
Emissions hoses & tubes $ 10.00
Engine oil $ 11.00
Oil filter $ 8.80
Timing belt $ 103.40
Total Estimated Parts Cost $ 133.20

csandste · January 2007

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Theta_engine

"BorgWarner Morse TEC supplies the complete set of timing system that uses the company's proprietary silent timing chains. CVVT(Continuously-variable valve timing) works on the intake side."

I assume the Edmunds schedule is false and there's no possibility that the timing chain has to be changed at 105,000 miles-- right?

csandste · January 2007

Iluv...

My car has a 5 speed automatic, a $250 spoiler, a $1000+ add on leather kit and a $1000 appearance package with the 50 series tires. I paid $16,100 and that's with more than three thousand in add ons on the base car. (I got $6000 off on my 'Bu in 05 but that was when Chevy was into BIG rebates).

However it did include a $1500 competitive rebate=Malibu, but I think there's a lesser Kia loyalty rebate.

I think you should be able to get somewhere in the fourteens easily with the base car.

I assume there's a Seattle auto-show coming up. I got quite a large rebate on my Malibu during the St. Louis auto show, you might want to check on that one as well.

mickeyrom · January 2007

I have gone over my owners manual with a fine tooth comb and there is absolutely nothing,NADA,about the timing chain.I have never changed a timing chain as a preventive measure.Once on rambler American,I had one break,and it did no damage other than to itself.I also had a timing belt break on a 1987 Chrysler Le Baron Coupe,2.5 engine and again it didnt damage the engine.That was at around 100,000 miles.

pat · January 2007

The hosts aren't the right people for this. Use the Help link at the very bottom of the page to get to the folks who can change the maintenance schedule.

mickeyrom · January 2007

csandse,
This is completely off subject,but when you mentioned Opel,
it really brought back memories of my childhood.In the 40s,I remember German Wermacht cars that were Opels.Mostly Cadets and Capitans.There was an Opel Admiral,but that was for the [non-permissible content removed] big wigs.I can stil see a shiny Opel Admiral with the swastika flag in the rear window.Just a bit of history.

csandste · January 2007

I assume there's also nothing about a timing belt at 105K. I'll try to contact the maintenance schedule people-- it must be a carry-over from the previous 4 cylinder engine, but in the case of my Elantra the change was at 60,000 miles.

The Opel Kadett (Mk3) according to Wikipedia was on my short list for cars back in the early seventies (along with the late 60's Saab 3 cylinder 2 stroke). You may remember that Buick substituted an Isuzu for the real German Opel (calling it the Buick Opel if I remember right)-- probably mid- late 70's. Car and Driver called it the Japel and bemoaned the loss of real German iron.

Here's the Wikipedia link to the Buick Opel (Isuzu Gemini)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Gemini

Enough of this reminiscing, not worth opening up another Isuzu or Opel thread... back to Optima business.

iluvmysephia1 · January 2007

wow, I can get a Kia college grad rebate of $500, too, for bargaining. A '07 Optima w/5-speeds and an LX model for something in the 14's or 15's would be a lot of mid-size car for the money.

It's on my list of about 4 cars that I want next.

Keep the Kia Optima information coming!

csandste · January 2007

Just remember with this car when you say 5-speeds, they're all 5-speeds: manuals and automatics alike.

csandste · January 2007

While you're at your Kia dealer check out the Rondo. One of the most pleasant Kia offerings in some time. If something happens to my Maxx that would be on a short list for a replacemt.

mickeyrom · January 2007

The Opel's I was referring to were in the 1940s.Wartime.WWII...remember?Just a bit of nostalgia.Has nothing to do with any modern cars.
This engine currently in my KIA has no timing belt.It has a timing chain.There is nothing about replacing a timing chain.Clearly in the owners manual the recommended timing belt change is for the 2.7(V6) engine.There are no other changes recommended,but logically if you have to change it at 60K you would need to do it again at 120K and at 180K.
Happy driving.

csandste · January 2007

Nah... I'm 61 years old and the only thing I remember about wwII is my uncle carrying me around the kitchen (must have been less than 2) in uniform. Car and Driver's condescending attitude towards the Isuzu's was surprising because according to Wikipedia, at least they were closely related.

Tried to figure out how to alert the maintenance moguls at Edmunds about their timing belt error but couldn't figure it out. My car is still getting leather (hopefully today) and the EX loaner doesn't have an owner's manual.

Glad to know about the chain because belt changes on the Elantra were expensive. Think my 60 thou. service (only one I did at the dealer) ran about $800. For comparison, my 30 thou. at an indee. shop ran about $35.

BTW-- Does Kia have any requirements for specific transmission fluids or coolant. Remember Butterfield (when he was Kia president) warning radio call-ins to use only Kia parts to protect warranty. E-mailed the radio program warning that he was clearly in violation of Magnusson-Moss.

mickeyrom · January 2007

I found nothing in my owners manual about using only Kia tranny fluid,or for that matter nothing about filters or other such things. :P

csandste · January 2007

I remember Hyundai used to specify their filters to eliminate start-up rattle. Suspect the rattling was in cars using Fram.

I used Super Tech oil and filters exclusively in my Elantra for the 80K that I owned it. Ran a used oil analysis at about 40 thou. (should be able to find it in bobistheoilguy if you search Elantra and Super Tech). Despite the oil's less than impressive additive count (about equal to Valvoline, less than Phillips or Pennzoil) I had almost no wear at 4000 mile change intervals.

I use ST filters and Pennzoil in my Maxx which is good for 7K oil change intervals. ST and most GM filters are now Champion Labs.

iluvmysephia1 · January 2007

fluids for the manual tranny, front and rear differentials, etc. done every 30,000 miles. Except I believe the first one was done at only 15,000 miles. I don't think we used genuine Kia filters or fluids but I've kept all the receipts along the way. The 120,000 service was completely thorough and at another shop I had the 120,000 timing belt w/water pump changed out. With an oil change it was a tad over $500. The thing is, that bill could have been much worse.

The little South Korean SUV is humming like a top and doing great at just short of 125,000 miles. I should go over 125,00 miles next outing.

Yeah, the Rondo looks good. I will give it a close look whilst perusing Kia's.

csandste-the new 2008 Chevy Malibu looks great. I must learn more about it. For instance, it has the 2.4L Ecotec 4 cyl motor but do they offer a 5-speed manual tranny or just automatic. Anyone know about that? The car looks good, real nice.

csandste · January 2007

The 'Bu is probably automatic only. I for one will miss the ohv engine-- great torque, no maintenance, 7K oil changes, the same mileage as a Kia 4 cylinder. Plus that hatch--I'll hopefully drive it into the ground.

New 'Bu looks good but like others, I think the rear looks too Diamante-ish. Wish they'd stuck with round lights.

While you're looking at replacements for the Sportage, keep an eye on the Kia Soul. It was shown at last year's Detroit show and is supposed to be a definite go.

Back to the Optima. We're still driving the EX loaner. Leather was supposed to take a day but it's going on seven. I took the Kia over the Hyundai because I didn't like the local Hyundai dealer. The Kia dealer is a Dodge subsidiary but they're not too fast on this one. Oh well, we're driving a more expensive car with power seats and automatic climate control. Shouldn't complain I guess. For some reason we never got a remote key fob and keying a car with no passenger-side lock is a pain.

pat · January 2007

Tried to figure out how to alert the maintenance moguls at Edmunds about their timing belt error but couldn't figure it out.

At the bottom (the VERY bottom) of this page on the right is the Help link. Click on that and then click the dark gray Contact Us tab at the top. It's self-explanatory from there.

mickeyrom · January 2007

Pat,
I think the error is in the individual dealers and service managers.The manual clearly states the replacement of the belt is for the 2.7 engine.Unfortunately there is no mention whatsoever of the timing chain in the 2.4 engine.If my salesman hadn't made such a big issue telling me to be sure to replace that timing belt(nonexistent)I would :sick: have simply read the maintenance schedule,seen the note about the 2.7 engine and forgot about it.The problem is that the KIA employees at the local level are not as well informed as they should be.

csandste · January 2007

The error is also posted on Edmund's schedule although the belt is 105K, not 60K. I did contact, although I wasn't sure what subject heading fit and just clicked miscellaneous. We shall see.

pat · January 2007

Good. Let us know what happens.

iluvmysephia1 · January 2007

overall, how do you like your Optima's interior? I haven't looked at many pictures of the '06.5 and '07 Optima interior shots. So far I haven't found much to dislike about the new Optima. And if I can indeed talk them down using a college grad.rebate, customer loyalty rebate, etc., I may get a price on a base LX model w/5-speed transmission for something in the low 15's somewhere. For that car I think that would be awesome. My wife doesn't want to trade in yet and doesn't want us to have a car payment once the Sportage is paid off(around June or July of '07), so she will need some strong persuasion come trade-in time.

The list of cars I'd be interested in is 4 right now...the '08 Chev 'Bu(if 5-speed manual tranny is available, that is), '07 Kia Optima, '07 Suzuki SX4 crossover or sedan(if I like the sedan as much as the hatch-wagon) and the 'XX Dodge Hornet. Supposedly China's Chery Motors is going to build the Hornet for Dodge, I just don't know which model year will be it's first. I have to say that the '07 Kia Optima is now leading the short list but if Chevy prices the base model 'Bu competitively with the Optima I may be able to start a bidding war and drive down a decent price on a '08 Malibu for us. I've only seen that 2008 Malibu bodystyle for a day or two and I love it right off the bat. I think it's stronger looking in the front but I do like the rear end of it as well. I really like how they designed it. Looks like Chevy will offer a 5 year, 100,000 mile Warranty on the Malibu's powertrain, which is not too shabby, either.

To get back to the Optima, though, do you dislike the Optima's cloth interior material or did you get a great deal on a leather option, csandste?

csandste · January 2007

Wife wanted leather and I felt it was worth $500 at the time of the sale. Thought the base cloth was much better looking than my Malibu which is ugly but, so far, quite durable and cleanable.

The add-on leather kit was from Roadwire:

http://www.roadwire.com/

After a couple of hours with the interior my first impression is that it looks as good as the original leather. Asked for perforated-- didn't get it, but after waiting for six days when they told me it would take one, I'm leaving that one alone. I could have had heated seats for an extra $50. Dealer assured $500 was less than his cost (???).

The kicker on the heated seats is that they told me the passenger seat couldn't be heated because of conflicts with the air bag seat sensor. On second thought it might have been worth the extra fifty to get the driver's seat wired, but this was my first brush with leather. Wife really wanted it.

I've done numerous comparisons with my Maxx and the Optima so won't repeat here. I'm personally sold on the old-tech OHV engine, even with the four speed automatic. I guess Chevy finally got tired of hearing laughs and snickers about this power train so good-bye it goes (although Saturn base car keeps the ohv design-- maybe only for this year).

If I was buying the Malibu I'd probably go with the four cylinder engine on the new one. Too me it looks really sizable, especially with the same wheel base as my Maxx and a lot more overhang in the rear, so I hope it wouldn't be underpowered. I'm not sure if that engine requires (or prefers) premium, computers will compensate, but buying premium would be a turn off.

As far as getting my four cylinder back after a week with the 2.7 V-6, frankly I think I made the right decision with the four. Can't tell much difference, although I'm taking it easy with the four. Sweet engine to this point.

Personally I think Chevy has a stronger dealer network than Kia (my dealer is OK, combined with Dodge) but most of the other GM divisions have learned a thing or two from their Saturn experience. I've stated that my local Hyundai dealership was a bit too old-timey car dealer and that my experience wasn't the best with my Elantra-- although no real horror stories.

My experience with many Japanese dealerships is that they're arrogant. Looked at a Civic when we bought the Optima-- similar price, much less car. Real smarmy salesman. Toyota always seemed too busy to be bothered, and I'm troubled by the recent recalls, lawsuits, etc. I think it's a company ready for a stumble, even though my daughter drives a 91 Camry with 200 thou on it.

Drove the Suzuki but was not impressed. I guess it's OK if you're looking for four wheel drive. Frankly preferred the Aerio-- sorry it was replaced (not talking 4 door sedans here). I'm sure Chinese cars will be taking market share in five years, people shouldn't laugh at them. They already did that with Japanese cars in the seventies and Korean in the nineties.

To me, cars is cars, but I try to get the best deal I can. I'm a free trader and it means little to me if a car's Korean or American. When I bought my Maxx it was because it was the best car I could find that had a hatch and at 16K it was a screaming deal.

I'm delighted with both my Malibu and (so far) my Optima. After another week or so I'll give an evaluation of the car on Edmunds, but it's too early to score yet. That artificially low score (seven something) is quite a bit too low IMHO. At this point, I'm very impressed.

w9cw · January 2007

Re. the comment on the new Kia Rondo. This vehicle is known as the Carens in Europe, and the one we're getting here in the States is the 3rd Generation Carens. These types of cars, along with the Mazda 5, are very hot in Europe, but really haven't caught on here. BTW . . . Hyundai is coming out with their own version as well, but will have unique Hyundai styling, including high-mounted tail lights unlike the Rondo. From the spy pix I've seen on Hyundai's version, I prefer the styling of the Rondo.

micro99 · January 2007

I srongly agree with your comment that the 7.3 rating given by the reviewer on Edmunds is `artificiallly low`. This guy downgrades the car unrelistically given his `problem` with the airbag sensor on the passenger seat ( I`m not sure he even realizes that the sensor turns off if there is no adult in the seat !). Oh well. it takes all kinds, doesn`t it ? Just like some who downgrade the car because the door swings open too far ! ROFLOL .

mickeyrom · January 2007

Now now micro...Im not stupid.I know that the light goes on when there are no passengers.I didnt rate it 7.3,it was the cumulative rating that the computer came up with.I faulted the car on other things besides the air bag issue.The ride is too stiff, and I would like a bit better mileage.Other than that the car doesn't track as well as my Sonata did.I'm getting used to it,so will keep it,but please dont assume that someone with who you disagree is an idiot.I would really appreciate that.

micro99 · January 2007

Sorry, I meant no offense and will gladly apologize for being somewhat mean-spirited ! It`s just that I cannot comprehend how you can rate the car with 5.0`s in the areas of Comfort ,Build Quality,and Reliability given the types of issues you identify ! Since yours is the only rating of this car, it leaves a very unbalanced view on the largest ,most read Auto Forum on the internet ! Again, sorry if this observation offended you .

mickeyrom · January 2007

No apology needed.I couldn't rate the car any better because I had to return to the dealer 4 times already.I dont consider that very dependable.If I were looking for owner's impressions,I would appreciate the facts with all the warts.IMO, 7.3 isn't all bad.However its not outstanding either.I guess it depends what you expect out of a $23,000 car.I still wish I had bought a Hyundai Sonata Ltd. or the Elantra Ltd.
A feature that I really do like,is that like my Chrysler T@C,it plays cassettes in addition to CDs.Thats a nice feature if you have ton of old cassettes.While Im at it,I find that the sound of the stereo does not live up to it's advertised power and rarely do I notice the sub woofer.Having said all of that,my wife,the one who really matters...loves this car,or will if they ever solve the problem with the air bag.After all shes the one usually in the "death seat"

mickeyrom · January 2007

PS...I just reread my entire review and found it pretty fair.I had a bunch of 9s which isnt all bad.I also mentioned that reliability is hard to predict after only one month.I do wonder why my review is the only one there.

imacheapsk8 · January 2007

I don't want to sound like I'm ganging up on "mickeyrom", because I'm not:) But, I agree that the Optima's rep is being tarnished based on one persons preference for soft suspension. Just because the Optima is designed to be more sporty and better handling (thank god) than a "bu" it shouldn't get a poor mark.

mickeyrom · January 2007

Consumer guide rates the 2006.5 Optima as a 6,so Im not all that hard on it.I repeat,why aren't there more reviews?Im sure some will give it a 10 across the board.

ray_h1 · January 2007

)) "I found nothing in my owners manual about using only Kia tranny fluid..." ((

There should be an ATF listing in the back of your owner's manual in the "Specifications" section and, perhaps, in the Do-it-Yourself Maintenance" section elsewhere. Presuming you have an automatic, ALL current Hyundai-built automatic transaxles require "SP III", a highly friction-modified synthetic blend ATF that's the only approved fluid for top-up and service fill. It's only available through Hyundai, KIA, and Mitsubishi dealerships and there are NO aftermarket equivalents. Use of any other ATF will void your factory warranty on the transaxle. The specific brand is irrelevant - just be sure it's one of the three automaker brands I listed and that "SP III" appears on the label. And, yes, it's pricey. There's no user serviceable or replaceable transmission fluid filter on Hyundai automatics. There's a cleanable screen internally, but since Hyundai automatics have no pan (They're a split case design.), you'd literally have to remove the transaxle from the car and disassemble it - hardly a Saturday afternoon shadetree mechanic procedure. There IS a transaxle drainplug screwed into the aluminum case which takes a 24mm or 15/16" 1/2" drive socket - and a 6 pt. socket is preferred to avoid damaging it. A breaker bar would probably be advisable.

mickeyrom · January 2007

Are you saying that when a dealer changes the ATF they literally disassemble the trans axle?

iluvmysephia1 · January 2007

I am digging Kia's product so much lately. The new Kia Rondo appears to be a really nice new minivan/crossover/hatchback/wagon for the NA market now.I think Kia will sell many of them. I looked at the Kia Rondo advertising website today and took the "Rondo tour" on there. Very, very impressive new car from Kia. These guys are sharp, these Kia dudes. Very, very sharp. I just sorta "sensed" it as I accelerated in my '99 Kia Sephia. I loved that Sephia and I love my '01 Sportage 4x4. Built as solid as a rock. Didn't know this but read that the South Korean military uses Kia Sportages. Anyhow, one negatory thing I read about the Rondo. The only transmission offered is the automatic tranny! 4 or 5 speed automatic depending on which engine you choose, but, I could find no indication that Kia will offer a manual transmission for the Rondo buyer.

csandste...you test drove a 2007 Suzuki SX4 crossover/wagon? And you didn't like it? I can't wait to see the sedan come out and play.

As for Consumer Guide or Consumer Reports or whoever dissed the 2007 Kia Optima: don't read too much in to that review.They are pert-near eternally biased against Kia and maybe Hyundai as well. These two makers are getting so good it's starting to scare me. I flirted with getting a Scion xA or Toyota Yaris for a while and now believe that favorite Kia is a better expenditure of both my time and my money and it's very likely my next new car will be Kia for the 3rd time in a row.

mickeyrom · January 2007

I guessed I am one of those owners who "dissed" my Optima.I want to point out that 5 on a scale of one to 10 would be average,and my rating was 7.3.That means good,just not great.Its too bad that one cant go back and change the ratings,because if it turns out to be dependable,I would be very pleased to change the dependability from 5 to whatever is appropriate.
Im happy to hear someone who loves their KIA Because I have read several posts from KIA owners :surprise: who had many problems with theirs.

joe131 · January 2007

5 on a 1-10 scale would not necessarily be an average rating but only the numerical average of the rating choices. It may be that an average response would equate to a 2 or an 8.

mickeyrom · January 2007

You have changed the whole concept with that POV.If 1 is terrible and 10 is perfect...what is 5? :P

csandste · January 2007

Most cars tend to average in the mid eights to low nines's. Of course that includes a lot of new users who give their cars a ten in all areas less than a week after purchasing. Someone did post the 7 rating on Car and Driver board as proof that the Optima was a sub-standard car. (Not on an Optima subject, it was done as part of another discussion-- can't remember which one).

csandste · January 2007

Was an automatic hater until I got my Maxx. Wife wanted an automatic Kia because she had a nasty leg break last year. Gotta say that I no longer miss the manual transmission, something I don't think I would have said when I had my Elantra.

Found the Suzuki to be a totally different class of vehicle and frankly less satisfying than its predecessor. If you like it, buy it but there's been some bad comments about its lack of power. On the other hand it's probably the cheapest all wheel drive vehicle you can buy.

Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

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