Ride Report - '07 Kia Optima
Apr 9, 2007 | 1:42 am
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Ride Report - '07 Kia Optima
This has been one of Hertz's newest additions that has eluded me for a while, but I finally scored one at IAD last week... 
http://www.kia.com/optima/
This particular Optima EX had no options, for a surprisingly low MSRP of $18,250.
Powertrain: This Optima had the standard 2.4L four-cylinder with 162 hp, which is shared with DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi. As in the Chrysler Sebring, the motor is reasonably powerful, but unlike the Sebring, it's less buzzy at the higher end of the rev range. The five-speed automatic (one-up over the Chrysler) helps out with smooth upshifts and prompt downshifts. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated 24/34 mpg city/highway, and in mixed driving I saw about 27 mpg.
Ride/Handling: This will be the biggest surprise for those who have had the previous-generation Optima from Hertz. With Kia now the "sportier" brand of the Hyundai family, the Optima doesn't disappoint, with well-sorted handling and responsive steering. It's not necessarily up to Mazda 6, Subaru Legacy or Altima levels of sportiness, but it is more enjoyable than the Camry or Sonata. Ride quality and road/wind noise are also free of harshness. Brakes are OK, but ABS and traction control seem to be glaringly missing.
Interior: The new Kia's interior is another example of parent company Hyundai's attention to quality as of late. Tactile and build quality are excellent, and materials quality is similarly at the top of the class. Space is good throughout the cabin, and cargo room is on par with other midsize sedans. Seats are comfortable, though may not have enough support for spirited driving. With the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, finding an optimal driving position isn't a problem.
Design: While the interior has a pleasing design and very easy-to-use controls, the exterior is IMO, quite generic. It's a clean profile, but doesn't have any clear brand direction and it's too plain for a capable and reasonably fun-to-drive car like the Optima.
Features: The Optima had the normal amenities for a base family sedan, except for the aforementioned safety features.
Value: The new Optima is predictably classed as a C, and is overall a solid product. While it isn't as sharp as the 6 or Altima, it's definitely more entertaining than its predecessor, and other more yacht-like midsizers.
To sum it up:
The Good
High-quality and comfortable interior
Surprisingly-good driving dynamics
The Bad
No standard ABS and stability/traction control
Bland styling
http://www.kia.com/optima/
This particular Optima EX had no options, for a surprisingly low MSRP of $18,250.
Powertrain: This Optima had the standard 2.4L four-cylinder with 162 hp, which is shared with DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi. As in the Chrysler Sebring, the motor is reasonably powerful, but unlike the Sebring, it's less buzzy at the higher end of the rev range. The five-speed automatic (one-up over the Chrysler) helps out with smooth upshifts and prompt downshifts. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated 24/34 mpg city/highway, and in mixed driving I saw about 27 mpg.
Ride/Handling: This will be the biggest surprise for those who have had the previous-generation Optima from Hertz. With Kia now the "sportier" brand of the Hyundai family, the Optima doesn't disappoint, with well-sorted handling and responsive steering. It's not necessarily up to Mazda 6, Subaru Legacy or Altima levels of sportiness, but it is more enjoyable than the Camry or Sonata. Ride quality and road/wind noise are also free of harshness. Brakes are OK, but ABS and traction control seem to be glaringly missing.
Interior: The new Kia's interior is another example of parent company Hyundai's attention to quality as of late. Tactile and build quality are excellent, and materials quality is similarly at the top of the class. Space is good throughout the cabin, and cargo room is on par with other midsize sedans. Seats are comfortable, though may not have enough support for spirited driving. With the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, finding an optimal driving position isn't a problem.
Design: While the interior has a pleasing design and very easy-to-use controls, the exterior is IMO, quite generic. It's a clean profile, but doesn't have any clear brand direction and it's too plain for a capable and reasonably fun-to-drive car like the Optima.
Features: The Optima had the normal amenities for a base family sedan, except for the aforementioned safety features.
Value: The new Optima is predictably classed as a C, and is overall a solid product. While it isn't as sharp as the 6 or Altima, it's definitely more entertaining than its predecessor, and other more yacht-like midsizers.
To sum it up:
The Good
High-quality and comfortable interior
Surprisingly-good driving dynamics
The Bad
No standard ABS and stability/traction control
Bland styling
