mmarshall

Thanks. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the new Buick Regal, with which it is very similiar to.

mmarshall

Thanks.

Well, if cab drivers can make money wth the Optima, it shows that it is at least reasonably reliable, and stays out of the shop.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Mike,I should have been clearer but I was talking about the rims.
The double stitching of the leather seats.
Even if I was in the market for a car,I don't think I would go KIA or Hyundai....yet.

LexBob2

Joe, I'm in the same boat as you. When I was shopping for a daily driver recently, the new Elantra and Kia Forte 5 door were among the finalists, but in the end I didn't pull the trigger on either one Maybe next time.

mmarshall

That bright-blue color, unfortunately, is only available on the top-line SX model.....a needless restriction, IMO. I complained about that in the review.

mmarshall

I'll respect your opinion, but I can't agree with it. Those old GM cracker-jack plastic interiors, especiallly on the trucks, were pure junk. The Optima's interior uses far nicer materials.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Hi Bob.
I looked at the Elantra at the show and it's looks good.Especially in the high trim at a nice cost.
Yep,still tough to pull the trigger on any Hyundai/KIA.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

thanks for the review. great car. pretty unbelievable value.

mmarshall

If I was in the market for a good FWD sedan under 25K, this would likely be my first choice right now. The Buick Regal is also promising, but sells in a slightly higher price-bracket. I plan to check out a Regal soon.

IS-SV

My observation regarding the Regal when physically comparing all the cars that compete (including Optima/Sonata/Camry/Accord/Fusion), rear seat headroom was marginal or inadequate for average to tallish passengers. The rest of the cars were at least adequate in terms or rear seat headroom and most better than adequate.

The Regal in a slightly higher price bracket will face challenges with its standard 4 banger engine (most road tests have noted low power combined with coarse NVH).

mmarshall

The new Regal is amazingly similiar to the new Optima, though, in a number of ways. Both have (roughly) the same general size and shape, 4-door-only sedan bodies, 2.4L N/A and 2.0L Turbo fours, 6-speed SportShift automatics, a lack of a V6 option, a more handling-oriented chassis than their predecessors....even the same-shaped steering wheel. They are almost like two peas in a pod. The only real differences that I can see, right up front, are the shorter GM warranty, the upcoming Optima Hybrid with no Regal hybrid equivalent, and the Buick's slightly higher price-bracket.....but I'll save any further comments until after I've fully-checked out the Regal. It should be an interesting comparison.

IS-SV

Yes, should be interesting comparison.

In reality only the Sonata and Optima are similar in terms of design/engineering/shared parts, the other cars have very similar configurations and footprints in a very tight and competitive field.

Another unique difference observed (after sitting in the rear seats of all the competitors in this class of sedan) is the Regal has the least amount of rear seat headroom, being tight for anybody over 5'9".

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Another great review Mmarshall

I like the new optima over the sonata.

it definitely came a long way from last model q45 look alike and esp. this one

mmarshall

Thanks.

I agree. The new Sonata, like the Optima, has some good mechanicals under the skin, but the In-Your-Face styling, inside and out, is just too much for me.
And, even with virtually the same mechanicals, somehow Kia engineers made the Optima, IMO, feel more pleasant to drive.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

it's pretty neat how the sonata and optima share a lot but look so dramatically different. good way to appeal to different consumers while saving on engineering resources.