• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2004 Kia Optima Road Test

For Those Who Prefer Vanilla over Spumoni

I have a fondness for the Kia car company. The South Korean auto manufacturer only recently began as an underdog in the highly competitive North American auto industry. Guided by the principle of offering better value than the competition, Kia has been making significant inroads into almost every segment of the automotive industry - and I cant help but admire that.

A test drive of the 2004 Optima will likely validate such admiration for both the partisan and non-partisan of potential purchasers. I spent a week with my Kia subject and grew fairly attached to the easy-to-drive and easy-to-live-with Optima. The relationship that developed was akin to that of living with a frugal, low-maintenance, accommodating - if not slightly boring - roommate.

You see, theres nothing particularly special

In a short amount of time Kia has carved a niche for itself in the competitive North American market. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

about the Optima, other than its comfortable, easy going manner and high degree of value. That said, with its revised grill and front fascia for 2004, it is pleasant enough looking. Its conventionality, however, doesnt grab many second looks - and that may be a good thing for those of us who would rather blend in than stand out in a crowd. Exterior body panels are accurately fitted together and build quality is admirable for the low to mid-level segment.

Once behind the wheel of my top-of-the-line EX V6 model I was

The easy-to-drive and easy-to-live-with Optima wont turn any heads, but thats not always a bad thing. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

somewhat surprised to find myself immersed in such a comfortable, well-appointed cabin. Considering that the Optima tops out slightly beneath the psychological barrier of $20K, Kia appears to have honored its principle of more-for-less.

A principle, in fact, that led to my derriere being firmly planted upon a heated leather seat that was perfectly adjusted to match my musculoskeletal symmetry. As my butt enjoyed the warmth gently emanating from the supportive seat cushion, my right hand fell upon a substantial-feeling shift knob. Positioned in the console, the shift lever is set

Kia paid close attention to the selection of materials used in the cabin of the Optima. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

within the confines of a great-looking shift plate trimmed with a chrome bezel. When in the Drive setting, the shifter could easily be bumped into the manual-mode enabling driver-dictated shifting. I was impressed to see this feature, which not long ago was exclusive to premium vehicles, in a "vanilla" offering such as the Optima.

My testers not-so-vanilla interior was finished in a muted blue/gray hue that belied its commoner roots. There is little doubt in my mind that Kia paid close attention to the selection of materials finishing the cabin. And so they should, given the startling increase in interior quality that has taken hold in the entry and mid-level segments in the past

Considering the price of the Optima, there is little to negatively comment on when it comes to the interior. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

few years. Cheesy finishes and slipshod craftsmanship just doesnt cut it anymore. Kia is well aware of that fact and has undertaken to ensure their attention to interior detail is beyond reproach. Beyond reproach? Well, no its not really there yet - but given the price-point Kia has set for the Optima, its at least beyond criticism.

I found the center stack in the Optima quite appealing and well laid-out. The wood-like trim surrounding the center stack and the power window switches add an element of class. I was particularly impressed with the straightforward, elementary operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls. A large dial set the fan speed, a second dial set the temperature, and a series of clearly

The V6 Optima is powered by a 2.7-L DOHC 6-cyliner engine that puts 170-hp to work through the front wheels. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

marked buttons set the airflow direction. Sometimes less money actually buys better, more idiot-proof "technology."

Page:  1  2  3

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo