Review: 2006 Kia Optima

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After spending several days driving the new 2006.5 Kia Optima along beautiful country roads in California's Napa Valley region, on the crowded city streets of San Francisco, and on a six-hour run down Interstate 5 to Los Angeles, we think Kia's marketing department might want to focus more on the value equation and less on the Optima's roominess, quietness, and performance. The Optima is certainly accommodating; given the right tires, road surfaces, and cruising speed the Optima is quiet; the standard four-cylinder engine is class competitive if not as thrifty as it should be; and the optional 17-inch Michelin tires provide entertaining handling capability. However, the car isn't a standout in the midsize class. But the value story -- now that holds some water.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• family
• kia
• sedan
• sedona
• value

[palebeachbum]

I've never heard anyone refer to Honda as poor man's BMW. Hondas have always been and still are transportation appliances. They lack any real character or personality. Even auto reviewers say that at times. The Optima's 4cyl. I would argue is nicer because it produces it's power at lower RPMs, which means a quieter, less tiring driving experience. I think only the kids like hearing those 4's screaming. It makes my skin crawl.

[palebeachbum]

This guys is kinda harsh on this car. I drove an '07 Optima 4cyl automatic and I was really impressed. It was roomy, quiet, smooth. The 4cyl had plenty of power for my taste. The seats were comfortable and height adjustable. It was a nice car overall. Only complaints were the engine was grush when pushed hard, the transmission was too shift- happy on the highway, and certain bits looked cheap like the gauges, interior door handles, and center stack plastics. Overall, a nice car!

[majuub100]

my wife has 1 wit the autotrans i drove it to disney in florida from stroudsburg pa and got 650 miles to the tank only hada stop for gas 1 time parts are cheap and its easy to work on changed the intake gasket at 65000miles it took about 3 hours .horrible in snow tho pegleg all the way lol

[kaunasprince]

@jayive34 How can you say that.Model for model,thay are about the same price.(I mean KIAs and Hyundais)

[kaunasprince]

Like a Rio? This is hardly like a RIO..My 2006.5 EX with leather and heated seats is closer to an Avalon than a Rio.It is hardly "Ho-hum",and I've had more compliments from strangers on it's looks than any other car I have ever owned.

PS I especially like the interior and the dash.Nothing cheap there.

[kaunasprince]

Like a Rio? This is hardly like a RIO..My 2006.5 EX with leather and heated seats is closer to an Avalon than a Rio.It is hardly "Ho-hum",and I've had more compliments from strangers on it's looks than any other car I have ever owned.

[coandcaiv]

palebeachbum STOP TROLLING...every damn video is ..

you > bash honda > favor kia > look like troll

[subzero92MK]

the front reminds me to a lexus btw it looks a nice car,unfortunately it is not aviable here in italy

[idiotsawvfr5]

has alot of standard equipment for the price, much more than my 2006 accord, but i like how my honda drives though, but a very nice car especially for the price.

[palebeachbum]

@CRDLIBERTY Err, try again. Timing chain is actually STRONGER than a timing belt. Not to mention it lasts the life of the motor. Never needs replacing, unlike a timing BELT.

[palebeachbum]

@morgand25 You should try riding in anything Japanese if you think these seats were hard.

[jayive34]

@palebeachbum Hyundai are poor man BMW, Kia is poor men hyundai.