The 2008 Kia Optima sedan looks almost exactly like the rival Toyota Camry - except for the price on its window sticker.
After all, the Optima (base price: $16,355) runs some $2,000 less than a Camry. Heck, even a fully loaded Optima costs just a tad over $20,000 after factoring in rebates.
The Optima also comes standard with an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
On the outside, the Optima offers classic Asian-sedan looks: A little on the "plain-vanilla" side, but nothing embarrassing.
A large hood and an aerodynamic windshield sweep back toward doors outfitted with folding side mirrors. In back, a keyless-entry trunk can hold perhaps four medium-sized suitcases.
Motor Mouth's test Optima also came with optional six-spoke alloy wheels, part of a $700 Appearance Package.
Inside, the Optima offers excellent headroom, legroom and hiproom for both driver and front passenger.
An eight-position power seat adjuster comes standard on the driver's side, while an optional $700 Convenience Package added an electric adjuster to my test car's passenger seat as well. (Motor Mouth's test Optima also featured optional perforated-leather upholstery that matched the vehicle's standard leather steering wheel.)
The Optima's no-nonsense dashboard has a large speedometer and tachometer, along with easy-to-read digital fuel and tempature gauges.
The model's stereo (upgraded to an AM/FM/MP3/6CD system on my test car as part of a $1,300 Premium Package) features an easy-to-read digital display and 16 well-marked buttons and knobs.
Similarly, the car's climate system relies on a simple LQD display and just six buttons and knobs.
In back, the Optima's 60/40 split fold-down rear seats offer great headroom, legroom and hiproom for two passengers, although a third person would find the center seat a bit lacking.
The Optima can comfortably carry three adults or children on short trips, but intercity drives would be a bit much even for kids older than about eight.
Nice extras on my test car included a power sunroof, part of the optional Premium Package.
On the road, the Optima's soft suspension, standard five-speed automatic transmission and 162-horsepower 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine team up to provide a good ride.
The model corners, brakes and accelerates well, although my test Optima had to rev a bit noisily to 6,200 rpm to go from 0 mph to 40 mph. (You can upgrade the engine to a 185-horsepower V-6 for an extra $1,600.)
Backing up and parking the Optima are easy given the model's excellent sight lines and modest size.
The EPA also rates the sedan's fuel efficiency at a decent 21 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway.
As for pricing, the Optima's $16,355 base not only bests the Camry's $18,570 sticker, but also runs significantly lower than other key rivals' prices.
For instance, the Optima costs less than the Honda Accord ($20,360), Hyundai Sonata ($17,670), Nissan Altima ($18,620) and Chevrolet Malibu ($19,645, although that includes automatic transmission).
Of course, rebates complicate the picture.
As noted above, the Optima carries $3,000 in cash back through June 2. The model also currently has $500 in "dealer cash" - an extra discount Kia's quietly giving dealers to give savvy buyers better prices.
But the Optima's competitors currently have special deals, too.
The Camry carries a $1,000 rebate or a three-year, 0 percent loan, while the Accord comes with 0.9 percent three-year financing.
The bottom line: The 2008 Kia Optima mixes good looks and performance with lots of features and a nice price.
Anyone shopping for a family sedan should definitely check this model out.
Information about the 2008 Kia Optima:
Base price: $16,355
As tested: $23,435
Type: front-wheel-drive five-passenger sedan
Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (162 horsepower)
Transmission: five-speed automatic
Mileage: 21 mpg/city, 31 highway
Built in: South Korea
By Jerry Kronenberg / Motor Mouth
Boston Herald
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