MM Review: 2011 Kia Optima
#31
Lexus Champion
The people at H/K are doing few things wrong these days. They are nailing all of the key points in their new product launches.
#33
Koreans are a steal due to weak Won.
#35
Nice review...this car finally brings a sporty look to the typically dull segment. I don't think the Sonata is what I look for in the segment--it's a little overdone without even looking sporty, and IMO may have been designed for the wrong crowd.
If the reliability, comfort and driving dynamics are up to snuff, then this car should become quite popular.
If the reliability, comfort and driving dynamics are up to snuff, then this car should become quite popular.
#36
Lexus Test Driver
Nice review btw.
#37
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
#38
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
#39
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Thanks.
There's more "sport" to this car than just the looks....even in the lower-line LX model. I personally prefered the slightly softer ride and better rear-vision of the old version, but, outside of that, the new Optima easily trumps the old one in almost every way.
Apparantly they ARE up to snuff. Turbo models are selling faster than dealers can get them. As I described in the opening part of the review, after locating a couple of EX Turbos locally, I missed out both of them when they were sold before I could even reach the dealerships.
this car finally brings a sporty look to the typically dull segment. I don't think the Sonata is what I look for in the segment--it's a little overdone without even looking sporty, and IMO may have been designed for the wrong crowd.
If the reliability, comfort and driving dynamics are up to snuff, then this car should become quite popular.
#40
Lexus Champion
I priced an EX 2.0T with the Technology and Premium packages. List is $29.5k and they say you can get it for $27.5k. As you said the SX can list for nearly $33k with options.
#41
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Are you interested in getting one? If so, it's certainly not a bad way, IMO, to spend your hard-earned automotive dollars. You could do a whole lot worse.
#42
Lexus Champion
The prices are getting up there on the Kia, but as long as people are buying the new model, it's not too high.
#43
#44
Guest
Posts: n/a
There was a great article on him in CAR recently (or maybe it was EVO). He only wears black (easier to travel) and he discussed the cultural differences and how he was able to create something new. It was a great read.
#45
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Next planned MM review: 2011 Buick Regal, which is very similiar to the Optima in many ways, though built by a different manufacturer. It's going to be an interesting comparison.