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.

The Kia Optima is a five-passenger, front-drive, mid-size sedan which places it in the most competitive car class today.

The Optima is front-wheel drive and has the option of a four- or six-cylinder. The base Optima LX has a 162-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The Optima LX 5A upgrades to a five-speed automatic. The LX V6 upgrades to a 185-hp 2.7-liter V6. Standard features in all its trims are one of its strong points. Safety features include dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants, curtain-style head protection airbags for all outboard seats and a tire pressure monitor.

The Kia Optima is a fully redesigned car for 2007.

The Optima has two trims: LX and EX. The standard powertrain is outfitted with a 162 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Optional are a 185 hp 2.7-liter V6 engine, as well as a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. Six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, and active front head restraints come standard.

The 2008 Kia Optima is a carryover from 2007 with minor changes such as an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players, updated gauges, and new black finish on side mirrors.

The Kia Optima receives a redesigned exterior and interior plus more powerful engines for 2009.

The addition of a new sporty SX trim is also new for 2009. The SX upgrades to sport-tuned suspension, a black mesh grille, blacked-out headlights and hyper-silver 17" alloy wheels. The base LX trim comes with a new 175-hp 2.4-liter DOHC 4 cylinder. The EX and SX trims can be had with either the 4 cylinder, or a new 190-hp 2.7-liter V6. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, while a Sportmatic 5-speed automatic is available on the LX and standard on EX and SX trims. Standard safety features include traction-control, stability-control, 4-wheel antilock breaks and a tire pressure monitor.

The Optima is available in three trim levels; LX, EX and SX. The LX is equipped with a 175-hp 2.4-liter DOHC 4 cylinder. The EX and SX trims can be had with the same 175-hp 2.4-liter 4 cylinder, or a 190-hp 2.7-liter V6. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, while a Sportmatic 5-speed automatic is available on the LX and standard on EX and SX trims. The SX upgrades to sport-tuned suspension, a black mesh grille, blacked-out headlights and hyper-silver 17" alloy wheels. Standard safety features include traction-control, stability-control, 4-wheel antilock breaks and a tire pressure monitor.

The Optima continues on for 2010 with minimal changes.