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| Ratings |
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
Looks |
Least favorite feature: |
Road noise on rough surfaces |
Advice to buyer: |
Get the traction control and fog lights if you live where ice, snow, and fog are an issue. |
Detailed review: |
After researching mid-sized cars to death, sitting in every one of them at the Seattle International Auto Show, and test-driving the top competitors, I finally bought the best mid-sized car for the money out there. Yep, this is an amazing car. People in parking lots gather, point and look. I overheard one conversation where a lady said, 'Who's got the Beemer?' A guy replied, 'That looks more like an Audi,' and another said, 'No, that looks like an Acura TL.' Whatever, it's my KIA Optima, and it's a dream. It's bigger and better equipped than comparable Accords and Camry’s, and for a whole lot less. Positive surprises were the tight turning radius, nice radio, ease of use, and sporty feel. Negative ones are the road noise on rough surfaces, and a tardy transmission when driving sporty, using the automatic transmission and not the 'tap-shifting.' The car overall is fantastic. It looks good, handles very well, and has an excellent build quality. People that drive much more expensive vehicles keep talking about how nice my car is. One cool thing is that I hardly see others on the road - ever. For now, it's a unique automobile, too. Check out Motor Trend's recent review where it shocked their writers, too. It appears that if they compared 4 cylinder Camry’s and Accords with a 4 cylinder Optima, the KIA may have won 'Car of the Year.' At least in overall comparisons, it was in the top of the heap. I opted for the 6 cylinder, but most people would be just fine with the 4. I even had a guy who worked for the local Toyota dealership (who drives Camry's and Avalons all the time) stay in the passenger seat and say, 'Man I don't want to get out of this thing. 'Nice ride.' Anyone who buys a mid-sized sedan and doesn't check out the Optima is making a mistake. I'm very very pleased with mine, and I'm extraordinarily picky. |
Also considered: |
2007 Toyota Camry
2007 Honda Accord
2007 Hyundai Sonata
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Vehicle purchased: |
2007 Kia Optima
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| About This Reviewer... |
Name: |
Jeff Adams |
Location: |
Lacey, Washington |
Other vehicles owned: |
2005 Ford Freestyle
2002 Ford Ranger
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Review submitted: |
February 24, 2007 |
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