Ask the Car People.SM


Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

609 messages,  Last post on Sep 20, 2011 at 11:45 AM

You are in the Kia Optima Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Sedan

Messages Page 8 of 62

#62 of 609 2.7-liter V6 Optima "SE-L" for 2002 by hbrow00

Feb 10, 2001 (1:05 pm)

From a story in Autoweek about the Chicago auto show:

A sporting variation of Kia's recently introduced four-door Optima sedan, the SE-L concept gets a 2.7-liter, dohc 181-hp V6, a modified version of the 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine in production Optimas. (The base Optima offers a 2.4-liter 149-horsepower four-cylinder.) The larger-displacement V6 is destined for production in 2002-model-year Optimas. Sportier transmission shift points, suspension and tires also appear on SE-L.

Source: http://www.competitionpress.com/specials/2001_chicago/chicagowrap.mv

(link should be on 1 line.)

#63 of 609 Sport Model by giowa

Feb 10, 2001 (7:53 pm)

If they build it, which they most certainly should, it will fix one of the big weaknesses of the platform: no sport sedan model. Now if they would just ensure the 2.7L V-6 can be ordered with a 5-speed manual!

#65 of 609 Kia Price Increase by giowa

Feb 17, 2001 (10:45 am)

Bloomberg News reporting that "Kia raised US starting prices on four of its models by as much as 4.6 percent this month after its sales in [USA] rose 19 percent last year."

#66 of 609 I bought One by serpentki

Mar 20, 2001 (6:40 am)

I recently purchased an Optima base LX I-4 5-spd. I am sincerely happy with my purchase. This is my second KIA.
 
This car has been a head-turner. Expect to get comments and questions everyday from onlookers. The styling truly is beautiful. I understand now why KIA includes a first-aid kit with your Optima, people fall over when you tell them what you paid for the car.
 
My car is smooth running, quiet, and very comfortable. Weekly I drive 150 miles each way from California's High Desert to the coast and back. Not an exceptionally long trip, it is just long enough to appreciate some comfort, and the seats have plenty of adjustment.
 
At home I spend a lot of time looking out the window admiring my car. They really are gorgeous.
 
So far I have no complaints. Everything works as it should, there are no mysterious noises, and no indicators that something may go amiss. I feel it really is well built and much thoughtful planning has gone into these vehicles.
 
I will keep this board apprised of any idiosyncracies that may pop up over time.
 
KIA is still building a name for themselves and keeping purchase costs down. This may change as the name becomes better recognized. They are well-built cars and have better name recognition in other parts of the globe. I expect resale values will go up as KIA demonstrates a reliable track-record in the US. For now, get them while they're hot.

#67 of 609 Where is the Optima? by astrol

Mar 20, 2001 (1:39 pm)

I cannot find a single one in local dealerships in Wash., D.C. area. I have read of sales in Calif., etc. but not here on the East. Does anyone know?

#69 of 609 Optima in Maryland by novotny_jack

Mar 20, 2001 (2:54 pm)

astrol
There are a few optima LX at Criswell KIA in Annapolis, MD. Was there sunday...all four bangers as I recall. I'm looking to try an Se/6 with the shiftronic
regards
Jack

#70 of 609 I believe that it was Car and Driver by lokki

Mar 20, 2001 (4:35 pm)

that has a nice review on the Optima. Apparently this is quite a car for the money, and leaves behind some of the old stereotypes of korean cars. Further Japan has left quite an opening in the market for 'value' cars, and the Optima is apparently quite promising as competition for the Japanese on design features.
 
Hyundai is getting serious.
 
I will curious to see how you like your cars after 6 months or a year; please keep us posted.
Hyndai has certainly gotten the design part figured out. If the quality is there to go with it, the Optima is going to be quite a winner.

#71 of 609 Novotny Jack by astrol

Mar 20, 2001 (9:56 pm)

Thanks for the info! I would like to check out the V-6 as well. My wife has a '00 Sonata GLS fully optioned...fabulous car. The build platform is well designed and the drivetrain is very smooth and refined. The Optima should do well with this running gear. I would get another for myself but she got the color I wanted...seems silly to have two.
 
It turns out there is a dealer very close to me at another Criswell in Gaithersburg. He used to sell KIA out of the Chevy, Lotus, etc. site but appears to have moved KIA to a separate site here in G'burg...at least that's what it says in the directory. I'll give them a look-see tomorrow.

Messages Page 8 of 62

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement