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The Optima haa the better transmission choices and it has auto climate control. However, you have to take black in order to get the highest grade interior. A two tone interior just looks better to me. So, I don't know. No clear winner for me off the bat. I would drive them both and see which was the best deal.
The Sonata has the climate control if you get the top of the line model.It also has a compass and an MPG feature on it's computer.
The Optima doesnt have to have a black interior to get the highest grade.Check out the leather package.That is a leather interior with heated seats both of the front are powered.I think there are three color choices.Mine is gray,with the trim on the doors and dash being two tone.
I personally think the Sonata is a superior car.
Ha, ha, ha - thank you for your definitive and unimpeachable assertion. And you know this, how? Do you per chance have names to go with your unidentified, but otherwise reliable sources? I got my information (evidently wrong, apparently) from the enthusiast magazines, Car & Driver, Road & Track, and Motor Trend at the time the newly rebodied Sonatas went on sale in the States. Apparently their itinerant hacks, living high off their respective employers' expense accounts, were totally off-base.
Also, everyone... stop bickering. According to consumer reports, Motor Trend, Automobile, Car and Driver, Edmunds, and Vehix and Cars.com, and Canadian driver, the new optima and sonata are not on the same platform, but rather on two entirely different platforms. As odd as this may seem, its true. Do a little research before getting all quippy.
Great advice. And, I've got the perfect solution to avoid future bruhahas.
Appearance package, add on leather, $16.1K. Dark gray, 4-cylinder.
Took the Optima over the Sonata primarily because of previous experience with the Hyundai dealer when I owned an Elantra.
As far as platforms, I think the whole question of what constitutes a "platform" is getting more and more confusing. Remember trying to figure out of the new Spectra was based on the 01 Elantra platform or the 07 Elantra platform. In truth, I'm not sure whether or not these things get incrementally changed anyway.
I do remember some discussion as to whether the new Elantra platform was going to share some components with the Optima (obviously shortened).
I'm just happy that Kia and Hyundai have decided to separate the Sonata and Optima rather than producing the same car with different end clips.
My other car is a Malibu Maxx-- which I like a lot. The Optima is certainly a better looking vehicle but I do like large hatches-- something that's all too rare. The Optima does lack some amenities of the Maxx, more rudimentary drivers information computer without an oil life monitor or average mpg, adjustable pedals, and a power seat. On the other hand I was able to get leather on the Optima (dealer installed but looks pretty good) for essentially the same price $16K for the Maxx, $16.1 for the Optima.
I expect MPG for the Optima 4 to be about the same as the Maxx V6-- 32 mpg on the highway and about 24 mixed. Is this in line with everyone's experience?
If the car is like my 01 Elantra I'd expect gas mileage to be a bit low for the first five thousand miles or so. Interesting that the car doesn't have the new jointly produced Chrysler/Mitsu/Hyundai four. Frankly I test drove a new Chrysler Sebring and found the Kia engine to be smoother and quieter. Not sure if this was the engine or the car.
Wikipedia lists Chrysler as the only manufacturer using it at present:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Engine_Manufacturing_Alliance
FWIW-- I did read tonight in the Consumer Reports automobile guide that the Optima's platform was the same (although lengthened) as in the Elantra, not the Sonata. I don't believe the Sonata has simple struts up front, right?
Chrysler Corporation produces a modified version of Theta, dubbed World Engine, in Dundee, Michigan. Theta and World Engine share the same basic cylinder head and enigne block design. Chrysler engineered their own air intake system and exhaust manifold which is made of gray cast iron.
The World Engine also differs in the EMS as it measures the amount of intake air indirectly using a MAP sensor, another cost-saving feature of the Chrysler-modified engine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Theta_engine
I think Sonata has a wishbone suspension up front. Yet it is possible to bolt different suspension pieces onto a basic platform. I would not be surprised if the Optima is based on either the Elantra or Sonata platform; the idea of it having its own unique platform doesn't sound economically sound.
Also, it you look at EPA interior volume, the Elantra and Optima are both "midsize"...although the Optima definitely has more volune. The Sonata and Azera both have "full-size" interior volume.
It is interesting though that the Optima, with a shorter wheelbase, has fractionally more leg room than the Sonata.
1. Sonata: Larger, more sophisticated front suspension, more sophisticated traction control in base car.
2. Optima: 5 speed rather than 4 speed transmission, more airbags in base car.
I do think the Optima is much better looking than the Elantra, although giving the Hyundai larger wheels-- I've only seen the base car-- might improve things somewhat.
100 miles on the Optima and here are my early impressions--
1. Definitely less comfortable than my Maxx, although my wife likes it just fine. My problem is the shortness of the seat.
2. Handles better than the Maxx, something you'd expect given the Maxx's electric steering and the Optima's optional 17 inch wheels.
3. One tank of gas doesn't mean much, especially given my Hyundai Elantra's increasing mileage as it loosened up, but the first fill (maybe the dealer didn't really top off at delivery) indicated under 20 mpg. If this is true it's well below the Malibu 3.5 six in terms of gas mileage. The 'Bu actually meets or exceeds its 22/30 EPA figures-- I'd be delighted if the Kia did. Also expect maintenance costs to be higher since the 'Bu's oil life monitor indicates 7K oil changes (plus no timing belt to worry about).
4. For a four, the Kia engine seems very smooth and powerful. Some of the early road test figures would put 0-60 time less than that of the last gen. Elantra (which I owned)-- seems as good to me, given I'm driving an automatic. Given Backy's response and my experience test driving a Sebring, it looks like Chrysler cheapened up the engine. Can't see why anyone would pay extra for the underpowered Kia V6.
5. Not looking forward to replacing those Michelin 17 inch tires, but I should have known that when I got a good deal on the appearance package (BTW-My $16.1 also included a spoiler, not important at all as far as I'm concerned)
6. The basic fabric, while not great is better (but maybe less cleanable than my 'Bu-- which is quite ugly but durable).
The fabric is being replaced by dealer installed leather after the first of the year.
2.Altima
3.Optima
4.Aura (6 cyl ohv)
5.Camry
6.Seibring
C&D praised the Optima's construction quality (much better than the flawed Camry) and front seat confort (somewhat disagree, prefer my other car the Maxx). Very strong showing-- hopefully Kia will begin to sell more than the few thou. a month-- they need to market this car!
"...there's nothing cheap or flimsy to be seen in the Optima. Tasteful titanium-hued accent plates lock together with the rest of the interior trim with aircraft accuracy..."
The Camry--
"A few trim pieces hung loose. Some dash panels didn't match up. The rear seat armrest cup holder fell out with only the slightest persuasion, leaving behind a ragged hole in the fabric. If fit and finish ceases to be Toyota's obsession what will define the company's products? We shudder to imagine"
The Car and Driver article scored by vehicle, powertrain, chassis and experience. In the vehicle catagory the Optima scored first with 83 points, runner up was a tie between the Accord and Aura with 76.
I did read the MT January issue...
This new Optima from Kia has really got my attention. It is scoring very well with magazine reviewers. Kia just keeps improving year after year. Our '01 Kia Sportage 4x4 has been a solid and economical to run little SUV.
I like this new Optima's headlamp cluster. It's huge and oddly-shaped, but in a good way. Sort of reminds me of the new Rio headlamp shape-I think Kia designers are going for a European look with their new headlamps. It's an intelligent design-one that invites more visual study. Great designs will do that and I think this is a great one for Kia.
The back of the Optima looks great. 24 city and 34 highway are great mileage numbers, too.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
A low of 20.3 MPG and a high of 31.7 MPG.
This on a 2006.5 Optima EX with a 2.4 and a 5 speed auto.Present miles, :shades: 2,850.
I haven't checked the Optimas lamps. Hope they're not the expensive and fragile H7's that my Elantra had. Of course the front bulbs were covered by warranty. The back lamps were the only car that I've ever had that I couldn't figure out how to replace. Dealer charged me $120 to replace three bulbs. $3 for the bulbs and almost one twenty for labor. Guess I need to carefully check my owners manual to see if things have improved since 2001.
I can see why the 'Bu seems larger despite having approximately the same cubic feet. The Optima has a lot more head room in the front. However the 'Bu was perfectly good in this regard-- kind of like whether or not you want 2 or 4 inches over the top of your head. I'm 6'3+ and could easily have a moon roof in the Optima without hitting my head.
Also, has board creation been limited to hosts? If so, how about "prices paid" and "MPG" forums like other cars have?
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As far as rear bulbs, I guess I was too stupid to figure out how to get in there. Not covered under warranty and I'd never replace the $120 experience. I know Wal-Mart will install lamps for the cost of the part. The dealer stated that it took almost 2 hours of labor.
Anyhow, I'd find another place besides WalMart to replace rear lamps, though. Don't really think they'd get your job done correctly. Then again, the price is right though, so, who knows?
Can't see the likeness of the 'Bu and the '06.5 and/or '07 Optima headlamp cluster. I know this, I like the new Optima headlamp cluster, and I still say it invites further study. Like the Scion tC and '07 Suzuki SX4. That car is really catching me eye now, along with the cool new Kia Optima. I looked at the '01 Kia Optima when I lived in the Seattle area but never even test drove it.
How's the legroom and general seating room in the back of your '06.5 or '07 Kia Optima's? That question is open to anyone who's purchased one of the New World Order Kia Optima's. :shades:
Oh, csandste, do you have the automatic tranny?
Very, very nice rig.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
The car has an automatic (my wife had a nasty leg break last year and didn't want to risk a clutch). There's been some hesitation/flare complaints about Hyundai transmissions, but I notice nothing negative.
I get the leather put in tomorrow, then the deal will be complete and I'll take final "official" possession of the vehicle with all contract items.
I recall that I took rural Highway 9 south towards the Everett Boeing plant I worked at instead of horrendously busy I-5. I-5 is so crowded the road is a real, real dangerous freeway anymore to drive. I can't stand having to tap your brakes so often, and, sometimes you have to slam on your brakes. I don't have to go through that anymore in rural SE Arizona where we now live. However, driving through Tucson or, of course, way up north in Phoenix, we are treated to some of that nasty Seattle-type traffic again. Yikes I hate city driving! :sick:
The more I read about the 2006.5 and 2007 Kia Optima the more I like the car.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Have an EX V6 while the leather is being installed. I think the four is a smoother, newer engine with almost as much power (again, I'm taking it real easy with my car so that's a bit hard to judge at this point). The fours are getting 80% of the market for a reason, had I gone to a six I would have taken the Sonata.
I'm probably the only one here with both cars. Both cost the same $16-16.1.
Optima--
1. Handles better-- with 50 series tires and hydraulic (not electric steering).
2. Has leather.
3. Nicer dash especcially lighting.
4. Prettier car all around. The Maxx is strange, the Malibu 4 door sedan is ugly in the C-pillar IMHO.
Maxx--
1. More flexibility.
2. More stuff on car--fancier audio, better information center, adjustable pedals, power seats on base car (LS v.LX).
3. Lower maintenance costs, more dealers.
4. More comfortable (for me), but seating material is ugly.
5. Slightly more power, smoother engine than Optima V-6 but rougher than Optima 4. Gets 30-32 on highway-- comparable to Optima 4?
6. More room despite similar cubic footage, Optima gives more headroom. I'm 6'3+ and both have more than enough head room so who cares if there's 2 or 4 inches of overhead space?
I would think a long time before getting rid of 6.5 or 07 Optima. You'll take it in the neck for depreciation. I find both the Optima and Malibu very nice vehicles, but I frankly like the base Optima better than the dealer loan EX-- prefer the engine.
The Malibu is a softer (but sloppier) riding car than the Optima but this is mostly 60 v. 50 series tires and the electric steering. For 07 steering is hydraulic on the Maxx with a resultant decrease in mileage.
55 might get you killed on a freeway, but I do try to keep the revs under 2K (no more than 61 or 62 mph). On the four cylinder cars, I think the Optima has a 5 speed and the Optima 4 so I suspect the final engine speed is slightly lower.