Article Comments: 2006.5 Kia Optima Full Test

18 messages, Last post on Oct 22, 2007 at 5:17 AM

You are in the Kia Optima Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Sedan

Article comments for Full Test: 2006.5 Kia Optima - Although Kia is undoubtedly enjoying the complimentary reviews, the serious-minded Korean car company is anything but lighthearted about the Optima's mid-model-year makeover. (more)

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#1 of 18 Article Comments: 2006.5 Kia Optima Full Test by KarenS HOST Aug 10, 2006 (7:25 am)
Check out the full test and post your comments here. Full Test: 2006.5 Kia Optima
#2 of 18 Sounds like an outstanding value by jerrywimer Aug 11, 2006 (7:46 am)
At least from reading the review and glancing at the accompanying photos. About the only turn off I can see is the headunit's 80's look (enhanced by the tape capability, no less!). I'm surprised it didn't get beat on for this the way most other manufacturers might (cough-GM references in this article-cough). The switchgear function looks good. From reading your descriptions it also sounds like it feels good. I'm a bit disappointed at Karl's pot shots at GM interiors in the Second Opinion area though. GM cars and trucks with the latest interiors are actually even better than this Kia inside, including (and maybe especially) the switchgear weightiness and textures. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe GM vehicles that don't share the GMT900 style bits and pieces are due to receive updates before long anyway (included the Malibu, which will still hopefully be competing in the same class as the Optima in 08). I'll say this- the new Optima is a very attractive package now, inside and out. Just fix that old-tech looking headunit and it'll be there.
#3 of 18 4 Banger by vapidoscar Aug 15, 2006 (4:24 am)
It is also worth noting that the 4 cylinder has 160 HP and gets as good of gas milage as my 2004 Chevy Cavalier. 24/34 That is a low HP number but with a 5-speed auto-stick it has a better weight to power ratio than a CR-V (weird comparison but to illustrate the point that it is highway driveable) But you probably won't be too tempted to speed. Think of the savings in tickets. Also, the car should come in areound $18,000 with little in the way of options.
#4 of 18 purchased a 2006.5 kia optima LX in august by rb7385899 Aug 21, 2006 (7:26 am)
stickered at 18,500, out the door price about 16,000 including tax,tags, & transport. for this i got 5 spd auto with auto-stick, heated mirrors, a/c pwr windows/mirrors, remote doors/trunk release. car is very quiet, smooth, good handling. 4 cylinder is plenty - you don't neet the v6. things that could be improved: no mpg computer; no tinted glass; no outside temp display; the center console isn't a complete armrest. very happy but still on my first tank of gas. what kind of mileage are you getting, optima 4 cylinder owners?
#6 of 18 Post moved by pat HOST Dec 06, 2006 (7:35 am)
Link: winterstate, "Kia Optima 2007+" #163, 6 Dec 2006 7:03 am Replies to this message: mickeyrom (Jan 04, 2007 5:55 am) pat (Jan 04, 2007 6:32 am) mickeyrom (Jan 04, 2007 6:52 am) and 1 more... robman (Jan 21, 2007 5:06 am) mickeyrom (Jan 21, 2007 5:37 am)
#7 of 18 The facts about timing belt by mickeyrom Jan 04, 2007 (5:49 am)
I have two conflicting suggestions.The dealer says change at 40,000 and the owners manual 60,000.Which is actually required? Do all korean car engines come with a timing belt?
#8 of 18 Re: Post moved [pat] by mickeyrom Jan 04, 2007 (5:55 am)
Replying to: pat (Dec 06, 2006 7:35 am) Hi, I have around 2800 miles on my Optima.The EX does have the outside temp,but no compass and no MPG on the computer. My mileage has been all over the place.From a low of 20.3 to a high of 31.7 It hasnt quite matched the Sonata as far as comfort or economy. ? Replies to this message: pat (Jan 04, 2007 6:32 am) mickeyrom (Jan 04, 2007 6:52 am) pat (Jan 04, 2007 7:45 am)
#9 of 18 Re: Post moved [mickeyrom] by pat HOST Jan 04, 2007 (6:32 am)
Replying to: mickeyrom (Jan 04, 2007 5:55 am) Hi mickeyrom. You need to repost both of your messages in either the Kia Optima 2006 and earlier discussion or the one about the 2007 Optima, whichever is appropriate. What we are talking about here is reactions to the article which is linked at the top of the page. Have you read it? What did you think? Replies to this message: mickeyrom (Jan 04, 2007 6:52 am) pat (Jan 04, 2007 7:45 am)
#10 of 18 Re: Post moved [pat] by mickeyrom Jan 04, 2007 (6:52 am)
Replying to: pat (Jan 04, 2007 6:32 am) This is all too confusing Pat,but I'll try to do better. Replies to this message: pat (Jan 04, 2007 7:45 am)