Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

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Comments

  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    In my view,the Sonata is a better car,but unfortunately they dont offer one with leather and a 4 cylinder engine.At this point Im wishing that I had bought one with a 6 and settled for a bit less mileage.Oh well,maybe I'll learn to love it (the KIa) :sick: eventually.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    Don't confuse bodies with platforms. The previous generation Sonata and Optima shared all but certain pieces of exterior sheet metal, grills, headlight and tailight assemblies, and bumpers. Otherwise, they were functional clones marketed through different company divisions. When Hyundai set forth to design the 2006 Sonata, the company's engineers did so with an eye toward the upcoming 2007 Azera, and Santa Fe and Optima replacements, too. Though measurements and certain stampings differ to achieve various body sizes for product differentiation, the four product lines do share a majority of key body pan stampings and powertrain/suspension carrier frame subassemblies. This "getting-the-most-bang-for-the-buck" design mentality is common to the world automotive industry as a whole. The economics of the world business model demand it. From the body pan up, though, things change radically among the four makes. No visible exterior sheet metal is shared.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Thank you Gregg,I agree that the cars(Optima&Sonata)are very similar,but not identical.Its obvious to me that the mother company chose to downgrade the stepchild( :surprise: Kia)to stay a bit ahead with the Hyundai nameplate.
  • I know all that and agree. However, my point was that now the Sonata and Optima share neither body nor platform. Hyundai and Kia consider them separate platforms. Why they did it is anyone's guess, because you are right...they could have made them as different as they are now (stylistically and dimensionally) while still using the same platform. Instead, they engineered what they consider two separate mid-size platforms.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Which do you like better?
  • It is hard for me to say. I like them both, but both are a bit more conservative in style than need be. The Sonata looks a lot like the pre-2006 Accord (before they changed the tail lights from horizontal to vertical). The Optima looks a bit more European in influence, but it is also plainer than it needed to be. Big improvement over the previous generation though.

    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.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Gregg,
    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.
  • Yes, it probably is. However, the Optima will give almost everything the Sonata has, but in a slightly lighter and smaller package. Both are pretty efficiently designed though.
  • spmrebelspmrebel Member Posts: 130
    Thats not correct. You need to order the appearance package (blacked out interior with leather) which is he highest grade option to get the trip computer (shows mpg average, miles to empty, etc.)
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Not true.Before I decided on the leather package,I drove one with the appearance package.It has the same computer as mine.EXACTLY.It has the following.Outside temperature,Trip A.Trip B,Average MPH(as if I care)Range(distance to empty).No MPG, on either package.My car has every option that KIA has, and I checked that out before I bought it.Look it up.The biggest difference between the appearance package and the Leather package is that the appearance package has 17" wheels and mine has 16" which is what I wanted.That plus the leather pack.includes two power seats,not one.It also has heated seats which the appearance pack.does not.Trust me on this,there is a 2006.5 KIA with the leather pack.in my driveway.I know the options quite well.What do you drive?
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "However, my point was that now the Sonata and Optima share neither body nor platform. Hyundai and Kia consider them separate platforms." ((

    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. ;)
  • Well...I don't know about any of that. What I do know comes from Hyundai-Kia via Autoweek and Automotive News. In any event, it is hardly important enough to make an issue of. Have it your way. I'm off base.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Im no expert,but I do know that My Optima(2006.5) is shorter than my 2006 Sonata.
  • imacheapsk8imacheapsk8 Member Posts: 31
    Yeah... I just got my Motor Trend. Pretty impressive! They also mentioned that they wouldn't be surprised when KIA finally does take the COTY award. I now have 1800 miles on my Optima, and it is perfect. I love it! I still can't believe I bought a KIA over a Honda or Toyota:)

    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.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    I still like the Sonata better,but its pretty close.Which one do you have.EX or LX?
  • imacheapsk8imacheapsk8 Member Posts: 31
    I have the LX... I was going to get a $23k Toyota Camry (had the papers signed and everything) then i saw an ad for the Optima decided to test it... neddless to say i was very impressed.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    I have the EX,but its with the small engine.Im a bit disappointed with the mileage so far,but maybe it will improve.I have approx. 1400 miles right now.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "Do a little research before getting all quippy." ((

    Great advice. And, I've got the perfect solution to avoid future bruhahas.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    for my wife.

    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.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The Optima does NOT have the same 2.4L I4 as in the Sonata? :confuse: Isn't the Sonata's I4 one of the new engines coming out of the partnership with Mitsubishi and DC, with Hyundai/Kia's tweaks? If it's not one of those new engines... what is it?
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    The engines on the Sonata and the Optima are both 2.4,but the Sonata's Hp is a bit higher.BTW on my 2006 Sonata LX,the hwy mileage was great.At least the EPA 33,and usually higher.The mileage in town was another story.Less than 15 MPG. :(
  • spmrebelspmrebel Member Posts: 130
    Both Sonata and Optima share the same 2.4L engine much like Elantra and Spectra share the same 2.0L engine. The 2.4L engine is rated at the same HP (162 hp @ 5800rpm) and same torque (164 lbs ft @ 4250rpm)
  • spmrebelspmrebel Member Posts: 130
    Sonata is rated at slightly lower highway mpg at 33 vs 34 for Optima with auto. The difference is probably due to 4-speed vs 5-speed auto of the Optima.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Backy-- I'm not sure where, but in the last couple of days I read that the Optima's 4 cylinder engine is not the same one in the Sebring. I thought that it WAS the same one that was in the Sonata.

    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?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    It appears they are not exactly the same, although related:

    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.
  • I believe it is a modified Elantra platform, not a Sonata-based platform.

    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.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Giving the Optima the Elantra platform makes sense. In this case, Kia and Hyundai have done a good job of differentiating their cars:

    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.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Too late to edit my last message-- my reference to "less" than the last gen Elantra meant slower...
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    1.Accord (what else?)
    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!
  • imacheapsk8imacheapsk8 Member Posts: 31
    What month's issue? Did you check out the MT COTY issue?
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    February.

    "...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...
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    post back liberally about your new '07 Kia Optima. Congratulations!

    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

  • imacheapsk8imacheapsk8 Member Posts: 31
    Not to sound like an idiot, but february '06 or did the feb '07 already come out?
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    My first 7 fillups have resulted in these numbers.
    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.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    '07
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Actually the Optima and my 'Bu have similar head light clusters. The Maxx just has an uglier front end, repleat with that (since corrected) big chrome bar running under the headlights. Over all front end styling is nothing alike but the light clusters are. The 'Bu just contains a third, amber, DRL bulb.

    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.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    how about getting it out of future cars?

    Also, has board creation been limited to hosts? If so, how about "prices paid" and "MPG" forums like other cars have?
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Moving it now! If you go to the top of the Kia Optima group, you can create any discussions that you think will be of interest. Go for it!

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • herotakesafallherotakesafall Member Posts: 103
    You had your dealer replace exterior lights? I live outside of Chicago and a gas station near my house does it for $3 a pop!
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    The H1/H7's in the Elantra took about an hour to replace (had to remove air cleaner assembly). Standard Sylvania bulbs cost about $8 per lamp at Wally World and lasted about six months. Hyundai front lamps were covered under warranty and bulbs lasted a lot longer-- never burned out. I discovered that after doing about two replacements myself.

    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.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    no, not you being stupid, I think manufacturers get their jolly's by making some of the taillight bulbs harder to get to than others. One of my cars gave me fits back there, it was either my beloved '99 Kia Sephia or my '97 Ford Escort, can't remember. May have been the Escort.

    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. :D

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Rear seat room seems good but haven't spent any time back there.

    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.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    does Kia say in your Optima manual to not exceed 50-60mph in your first 1000 miles? I remember when my Sportage 4x4 was new I tried to follow the manual about not driving over 60 mph. Wow, that is really hard to do in the metro Seattle area. You feel like you're going to get mowed right over!

    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

  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I haven't even checked that but have generally kept it no higher than the low sixties based on my experience with the Elantra. Hyundai engines are notoriously stiff when new. I've driven in Seattle and St. Louis is similar in that you will get mowed down at 55.

    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.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    What is a Maxx? :confuse:
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Malibu hatchback.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Thank you....would you say that its a better car than the Optima?Is the price comparable?I ask because Im am not quite happy with the stiff ride on my EX.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    The only caution I received from the dealer was to vary the speed.I.E.Dont use the cruise control for the first 600 miles.On the Sonanta I was toldnot to exceed 55MPH for the first 1500 miles.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I guess you're asking if the Maxx is better?

    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.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I've kicked the cruise on for a few miles at a time, but I agree that keeping the engine at the same RPM for long periods of time isn't good.

    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.
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