AUTOSBing SearchAutos | WebSearch:POPULAR NOW:prius productionvolt vs. cruzegm ceoHOMENEW CARSreviewscomparedealer quotestrade-in valuesfuture carsfinanceparts & accessoriessell your carUSED CARScompareused-car listingstrade-in valuescarfax reportsfinanceparts & accessoriessell your carREVIEWS & ARTICLESreviewspicturesvideo reviewsbuying advicegreenlatest & greatestfuel efficiencycar techVIDEOAUTO SHOWSdetroitgenevafrankfurtparistokyochicagonew yorklos angelessemapebble beach concoursBLOGTRAFFICGAS PRICESINSURANCEFind a car:NewUsedChoose a makeChoose a modelFind by category:Choose a categoryPassenger CarsLuxury CarsSports CarsSport UtilitiesVans & MinivansPickup TrucksHybrid Vehicles2011 Kia Optima — First DriveYou've heard about the Hyundai Sonata. Now it's time to consider sister company Kia's midsize sedan.By Kirk Bell of MSN Autos
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The attractive exterior design on the 2011 Kia Optima is the work of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer. This is the sporty SX trim.
The popularity of the Hyundai Sonata is undeniable. Hyundai had to move the production of its Santa Fe SUV, which was built alongside the Sonata in Alabama, to another plant so that enough Sonatas could be built to keep up with demand. Why is this midsize sedan so desirable? Basic economics: It offers buyers exceptional value for their dollar.
So why, then, hasn't the Optima, which is built by Hyundai's sister company Kia, enjoyed the same success? It's also a midsize sedan, and it too is designed to offer consumers the best bang for their buck. The Optima has had the same marketing support as the Sonata but has failed to distinguish itself in any appreciable way from the competition. That is, until now.
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Redesigned for 2011, the all-new Optima now shares powertrains and architecture with the Sonata. And for the first time, it boasts an attractive, original design. So is the 2011 Optima about to give its sister sedan a run for its money? We think so.
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The 2011 Kia Optima is offered in four trims: LX, EX 2.4, EX 2.0T and the sporty SX. Standard features on the LX consist of cloth upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, Sirius satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, USB port, cooled glove box, trip computer, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry and P205/65R16 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers.
When ordered with the automatic transmission, the LX also gets cruise control and alloy wheels. The EX adds leather upholstery, Kia's UVO entertainment control interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, power driver's seat, keyless access and starting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, fog lights and P215/55R17 tires. The EX 2.0T comes standard with P225/45R18 tires. The SX trim has several sporty features, including a sport-tuned suspension, a rear lip spoiler, lower aero panels, alloy pedals, stainless-steel scuff plates and steering-wheel paddle shifters. It also adds HID headlights, LED taillights and Supervision with trip computer.
Options above and beyond standard equipment include a navigation system with rear-backup camera, Infinity audio system, panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, hill start assist, traction control and electronic stability control.
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Like the Sonata, the 2011 Kia Optima is offered only with 4-cylinder power; no V6 is available. The base engine is a direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Offered in the EX 2.0T and SX trims is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4-liter engine comes with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, the latter with manual shift capability. The 2.0T is offered only with the automatic. Fuel-economy ratings are 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway for the 2.4 and 22/34 mpg for the turbocharged 2.0-liter.
Compare: Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata vs. Ford Fusion
Inner Space
The Korean car companies are doing a good job of providing quality interiors these days, and the Optima is no exception. The interior has an impressive look and feel, with quality materials and soft-touch surfaces on the dash pad, door tops and center armrest. Though it doesn't quite achieve luxury-car levels of finish, we see no signs of cost-cutting. The design is thoughtful, too. The center stack is angled 10 degrees toward the driver, bringing all the controls that much closer. Those controls are also easy to spot and they move with precision.
Standard in EX and SX trims is Kia's new UVO system. It provides an interface for phone and entertainment functions using either dashboard controls or simple voice commands. There are 144 core commands, which will take some time to learn, but it works pretty well, providing a hands-free link to iPods and cell phones. It also comes with a standard Jukebox hard drive that can hold about 250 songs. That's a neat feature, but we wish it were bigger. We'd also like UVO to be hooked into the available navigation system, but that's not likely for a year or two.
Read: Kia Previews 2011 Optima
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Your right I did a little research and found pages and pages of problems:
TRANSMISSION FAILED ON A 2011 kia otpima WITH 22K MILES ON IT. WE WERE PULLING OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION WHEN IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER. THE ONLY WARNING THAT I HAVE SEEN IN REFERENCE TO A POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS THAT THE CAR IDLES HIGH (AT ABOUT 3500 RPM) IN THE MORNING. THIS WAS REPORTED TO KIA BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE IT. AS OF NOW, THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING ON A NEW TRANSMISSION.
I get the feeling you sell Kia....You would be better working at walmart
0 0ReportSpamjoe2789Fri 12:09 PM
What is the smallest part of a Kia Or Hyundai?
A: The owners Brain!
Joe, I have to say that the last men laughing, will not be you nor your friends that think Kia is not a Brand that should be reckoned with, but those who really do their research and make intelligent decisions. Do not let yourself be caught up in the thoughts of what it was but where it is today, and where it will be in the future. I will not sit here and put you down by name calling or by bringing down other manufactures. Until you do your own homework and really take a good look, what you say about Kia & Hyundai sounds pretty idiotic. Seriously until you make the time to check them out meticulously, you will never be able to make an intelligent decision, and it will always show in what you say. I only have one question that you have avoided through all you comments and that is this, What do you drive? 6 3ReportSpamOptima SXThu 5:34 PMHey Joe ya B-bag, what do you drive? After reading your posts over the months you have plenty of negative things to say about Korean and Japanese cars. I know you can afford BMW or Audi on part-time clerk wages. 1980 Pacer or Concord wagon? Big rust belt fan? 5 4ReportSpamOptima SXThu 5:29 PMJoe drives a Pontiac Azteck or a Scion xB. Dork mobiles 3 2ReportSpamOptima SXThu 5:28 PMYes, Joe, could have bought any car up to $50,000. But I am smart, and like with houses bought what I was comfortable spending. I am not a moron like you and 50% of American borrowers. I work for a very successful insurance company and was a military officer before that. So if anyone works at Walmart, I would bet it is you. Let me guess, you live in W. Virginia and married your sister and have a 6th grade education?
3 2ReportSpamRich in PAThu 4:52 PM
Maybe Joe drives an old K car from dodge, they were ugly.
1 1ReportSpamjoe2789Thu 3:11 AMYou could have bought any car? And you bought a Kia ! You will see in a couple of years what a pos you bought. just look how many older ones you see on the road not many. You have a customer at the counter maybe if you make more money you can buy a better car 8 10ReportSpamjoe2789Thu 3:01 AMThe fonz would never buy a Kia! and Yes we are still laughing 8 9ReportSpamOptima SXWed 6:15 PMThe worst 2 cars I ever had: new '89 Honda CRX Si and new '93 toyota 4x4. Both had serious transmission or engine problems in less than 20,000 miles, the CRX also had a bad clutch at 25,000, and the Toyota also had serious electrical issues, which was funny, because it hardly came with anything. 2 12ReportSpamOptima SXWed 6:12 PMI don't think Joe owns a KIA, just a clown showing up to cause trouble. Joe, I could have bought any car up to $50,000 and decided this was best car for lots less. I have had BMW's, toyotas and Hondas, and traded in a Cooper S for this car (I have a kid now and that car did not make sense anymore). The Optima embarrasses anything compentitor from Honda, toyota or GM for what you get, and looks better than anything they have. 6 8ReportSpamArthur FonzarelliWed 5:37 PMI have had my Optima EX for 2 months now and put 2,300 miles on it, and it is still just perfect. Joe...if you know how to read you would have noticed that yo get a lemon law note explaining it everytime you buy a new car. Everybody does...by law. What kind of wacko would brush the paint of car? How can you be laughing at people drinving a Kia or Hyundai and also be driving one yourself? If you did not want that gray car, you could have asked the dealer to get you one shipped from another dealer. Maybe you treated them the way you treat other people over the internet. I am pretty sure they don't love at Walmart either. Get help. 2 10ReportSpamjoe2789Wed 4:27 PM Just one of many post on the internet............?... I just wanted to let anyone having a problem with a kia optima sx less than 2 months old and I think under 2K miles....if you've been in the shop for the same problem 3 times you are eligible for the lemon law. I had a 2008 Kia Sedona that was constantly in the shop for electrical problems. Interior lights never worked..amoung other problems. . I got a 2011 sedona. Already starting out to look like a lemon again. I went to complete the buyback tranaction for the lemon and the new car had a check engine light on. We didn't complete the sale that day. They said something was just unplugged. I go to buy it 2 days later and it has to be jumped. The dealer says it was because we were playing with all the electric doors. The only reason I followed through with taking this car home was it was the only one in this color left (grey) and I couldn't get my cash.had to buy another kia. No choice. Anyway, then at 700 miles the car won't start. Tow it in. Apparently they sold me a car with a recall which probably drained and killed the battery. Replaced battery, did 2 open recalls (one involved brake light staying on the other had someething to do with rear hatch). Hopefully it's fixed now. If I had a choice I wouldn't buy kia again. Nice car for the money, but too many issues all the time. Also the paint job sucks. It picks up scratches with a light brush to the paint. Anyone else think the paint sucks? Anyway, if you are in 3 times for the same issue, file a lemon law. Maybe this is the only way to teach them to fix their service departments (half the time they claim they can't duplicate--if they try this bring it every day into the shop and get paperwork. Bring someone to drive it with you. Make sure they put it in writing when they hear it or you are not covered.) Enough lemon laws and they'll hopefully make a better car. 9 6ReportSpamjoe2789Wed 1:47 PMOnly putz are people buying Hyundai and Kia ..And yes we do Laugh at you cheap dopes. Maybe if you get a raise a walmart you can get something better car......Ha Ha Ha 13 10ReportSpamOptima SXTue 9:14 PMJoe, you are an idiot who no doubt drives a beige, overpriced crappy Accord. Or do you drive the exciting Camry? Putz. 4 13ReportSpamArthur FonzarelliTue 5:24 PMI owned '10 Lexus RX that I traded in for an '11 Optima EX and it has the same level of luxury at half the price and gas. It is very well built and no problems at all. The steering is very very responsive, especially at high speeds. The guys at KIA are seriously trying to make an impression. Much better vehicle and more stylish than a Japanese appliance with wheels or an American car made in Mexico. If you are buying a mid size sedan I would check this one first. You would not regret it. 10 12ReportSpamjoe2789Tue 4:04 PMWhen I see people driving kia or a hyundai I laugh! So many better cars you could have bought...But if you want to drive a walmat special be my guest
14 21ReportSpamjoe2789Tue 3:47 PMThe only reason any one would buy a kia or hyundai is that they are cheap. from what I hear the service bays are full with all types of problem! You get what you pay for pure junk! 11 21ReportSpamOptima SXTue 2:40 PMI can assure you that you are wrong about Hundai and KIA. they are jsut like the Japanese companies in the 70's. doing a great job and overcoming clowns who only thought america could build cars. Now it is the clowns that only think Japan can build cars that sound out of touch. I have a 2011 SX and it is a great car, way better than anything near the price from Japan. I traded a Mini Cooper S for it due to family, and that also was a great car NOT made in Japan. Reliable as hell. 10 13ReportSpamVicenzo949Tue 10:55 AM
I have no doubt the car is beautiful but where to buy one is the question? “ lack of Kia dealers “ Hyundai does not have this problem which is why their sales show!
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Buyers should find the 2011 Kia Optima's interior simple and appealing. The SX trim, shown here, has a unique gauge cluster, faux carbon-fiber trim, alloy pedals and steering-wheel paddle shifters.
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The Optima's center stack is angled 10 degrees toward the driver to bring the controls within easy reach. Even the base trim will keep buyers connected and entertained with its standard Bluetooth cell phone link, Sirius satellite radio and USB port for iPod and MP3-player connectivity.
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Two 4-cylinder engines are offered: a base 2.4-liter with 200 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 274 horsepower.
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