Ask the Car People.SM


2006.5 Kia Optima Styling

11 messages,  Last post on Feb 12, 2008 at 6:43 AM

You are in the Kia Optima Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#3 of 11 Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [csandste] by mickeyrom

Apr 06, 2007 (1:08 pm)

Replying to: csandste (Apr 06, 2007 12:52 pm)
I like the back on the Pontiac better,but the front on the KIA.The finish in the interior is about as good as possible.I dont know why American manufacturers cant match the orientals.When the Toyotas and Hyundais et all,are built here they are every bid as well put together as the ones built in Asia.Must be in the design specs and tolerances.

#4 of 11 Optima Face Lift by gy563

Apr 08, 2007 (4:21 pm)

Same complain was heard in Korea.
so KIA is coming up with face lifted (or redesigned) Optima late this month of early May in Korea. (expect it to arrive here late August or so) Including minor changes to interior.

#5 of 11 Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [mickeyrom] by micro99

Apr 14, 2007 (8:50 am)

Replying to: mickeyrom (Apr 04, 2007 5:35 am)
Couldn`t agree with you more on this , mickeyrom !! Seems like many of the so called experts favor the look which has sweeping flowing lines, ala the Nissan, but I think they do a dis-service to much of the buying public.In my opinion, the Optima is neither bland nor boring, although it may be
somewhat traditional in style. Actually, it does seem to have a lot of European styling cues which just seem to grow on a person the more one looks at it .It seems to have that solid, somewhat compact style that many European luxury sedans have in their DNA !

#6 of 11 Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [micro99] by mickeyrom

Apr 14, 2007 (9:49 am)

Replying to: micro99 (Apr 14, 2007 8:50 am)
The Optima is a very small looking car especially from the rear.My Sonata definitely looked more substantial.
Have you noticed that on the 2007s,really the same car,the logo and the names are in gold?I think that looks pretty nice,but mine has that old black and silver. Maybe its because a black car.I saw a red 2007,an LX,but that gold really shines.

#7 of 11 Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [mickeyrom] by csandste

Apr 14, 2007 (1:28 pm)

Replying to: mickeyrom (Apr 14, 2007 9:49 am)
Lots of the Optima's size is because of the headroom. I'm 6'4 and there's far more headroom up there than I need. Because of this, the car seems much smaller than my Malibu Maxx. Still like the styling, however.

#8 of 11 Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [csandste] by mickeyrom

Apr 14, 2007 (2:08 pm)

Replying to: csandste (Apr 14, 2007 1:28 pm)
I felt cramped as a driver until I figured out how to use the telescoping steering column.Strangely,when you pull the wheel toward you,it gives more leg and knee room.Im much happier with my Optima than I originally was.
BTW,that damn light for the passenger air bag came on again.Maybe it was just an aberration.It only happened once so far.

#9 of 11 Hey, mickeyrom, csandste, micro99 and by iluvmysephia1

Feb 10, 2008 (11:54 am)

anyone else interested in what the next-gen Kia Optima may look like. Take a look at this here.
 

 
You can definitely see the back end still looks like the current Optima but the front has been doctored and incorporates some of Peter Schreyer's (new Kia body design Chief) recent styling direction found on the Kia Kee concept car and even the Kia Kue concept crossover.
 
Looks pretty good but you can tell it's definitely under design development at this time. Hopefully it's not a complete photoshop, I found it on the Kia World website.

#10 of 11 Re: Hey, mickeyrom, csandste, micro99 and [iluvmysephia1] by csandste

Feb 12, 2008 (1:13 am)

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Feb 10, 2008 11:54 am)
Doesn't look like the next gen. Looks like a new clip for a mid-generation restyle. Not sure if it's better than the original or not.

#11 of 11 Re: Hey, mickeyrom, csandste, micro99 and [csandste] by mickeyrom

Feb 12, 2008 (6:43 am)

Replying to: csandste (Feb 12, 2008 1:13 am)
....now it looks more like a Sonata again...(to me,anyway)

Messages Page 2 of 2

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