MM Review: 2011 Kia Optima
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05-13-11, 07:27 PM
#62
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Thanks. Nice job. 
The more good reviews we get on CAR CHAT, the better.
The only part I disagreed with was the statement that American-badged mid-sized sedans can't compete with the established foreign-badges. The Ford Fusion and Chevy Malibu are both excellent cars, and have done a pretty good job lately of breaking into this field. The Camry, Accord, and Altima still dominate, but not to the extent they used to.
But back to the Altima.....like you, I think it will be a sales-success if people will just go to Kia showrooms and try one out. If I were in the market for a new FWD mid-sized car, it would arguably be my first choice right now.....though I also have a very high opinion of the Ford Fusion Hybrid's quality and economy, Chevy Malibu's interior fit-and-finish, and the Honda Accord's superb overall build-quality.
The more good reviews we get on CAR CHAT, the better.The only part I disagreed with was the statement that American-badged mid-sized sedans can't compete with the established foreign-badges. The Ford Fusion and Chevy Malibu are both excellent cars, and have done a pretty good job lately of breaking into this field. The Camry, Accord, and Altima still dominate, but not to the extent they used to.
But back to the Altima.....like you, I think it will be a sales-success if people will just go to Kia showrooms and try one out. If I were in the market for a new FWD mid-sized car, it would arguably be my first choice right now.....though I also have a very high opinion of the Ford Fusion Hybrid's quality and economy, Chevy Malibu's interior fit-and-finish, and the Honda Accord's superb overall build-quality.
Last edited by LexFather; 05-13-11 at 10:40 PM.
05-13-11, 07:46 PM
#63
Lexus Fanatic
Nice review.
I have been seeing a few on the road recently and it is a really nice looking car, much better looking in my opinion then the new Sonata and maybe the nicest looking in its class. Interior has a nice look and design but some of the materials I have read are a little on the cheap side. I would definitely chose the Optima on styling alone over a Sonata but long term reliability, durability, and resale is still up in the air on this car.
I have been seeing a few on the road recently and it is a really nice looking car, much better looking in my opinion then the new Sonata and maybe the nicest looking in its class. Interior has a nice look and design but some of the materials I have read are a little on the cheap side. I would definitely chose the Optima on styling alone over a Sonata but long term reliability, durability, and resale is still up in the air on this car.
05-13-11, 08:00 PM
#64
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Thanks. adamaoc posted a good one, too.
Totally agree.....I find the new Sonata just too awkward-looking for my tastes.
The interior, granted, is not quite as plush-looking, as, say, the competing Chevy Malibu's, but the materials used are certainly not what I would call cheap or flimsy. If you want to see a "cheap" interior in this class, check out a last-generation Dodge Stratus. 
The previous Optima was reasonably reliable, but because of its comparably low sales numbers and low-demand, suffered worse-than-average depreciation. I made a note of that in my review.
adamaoc posted a good one, too.
I have been seeing a few on the road recently and it is a really nice looking car, much better looking in my opinion then the new Sonata and maybe the nicest looking in its class.
Interior has a nice look and design but some of the materials I have read are a little on the cheap side.
long term reliability, durability, and resale is still up in the air on this car.
05-14-11, 09:23 AM
#66
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