2006 Kia Optima Overview

Introduction

The Kia Optima is every bit as good as any equally equipped, direct sedan competitor. It's just as solid, as comfortable, as quiet, as well built, and as economical.

The Optima is a four-door, five-passenger sedan available with a choice of two engines: a four cylinder with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 with the five-speed automatic. The LX with the four-cylinder and manual transmission is the most affordable. It gets more expensive with the five-speed automatic and moves up another rung with the V6 and automatic. With either engine, the five-speed automatic boasts a Sportmatic feature for semi-manual shifting. The EX comes with either the four-cylinder or the V6, both with the five-speed Sportmatic. Some feature upgrades on the EX include automatic climate control; six speakers plus subwoofer, six-CD changer; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.

For 2006, the Kia Optima is redesigned.