New Kia Optima....WTF

[Legacy777]

I saw a commercial last night for the new Kia Optima.....at first I thought it was the new SHO.....but it was a Kia. It actually doesn't look too bad. I don't know anything about the specs/engine, etc. But from a styling...it's not too bad. I'm sure when it finally hits dealers it will be watered down with smaller tires and what not....but like I said...doesn't look too bad.

http://jalopnik.com/5507367/the-2011-ki ... lative-ass

[speedmaxx]

Hah I just saw the commercial

200hp not bad at all out of na 4

[evolutionmovement]

I'm amazed at the progress the Koreans have made. Looks like that should pick up the TC crowd. It's probably better built than the Scion, too (not that it would be hard).

[magicmike]

Kia is owned by Hyundai and they are doing really well. Im planning on buying the first AWD sedan that either Kia or Hyundia produces...

[evolutionmovement]

And Kia is their cheaper brand. First time I saw a Genesis sedan, I thought it was a Lexus LS. It's actually better looking.

[magicmike]

I've been eyeballing the Sportage, but its still around 28k msrp for a loaded one without nav. Sure I could get them down to 25 ish but I could also get a nissan rogue for the same price...

[evolutionmovement]

Doesn't the Rogue have a CVT only? My sister was looking at both, but my brother-in-law stopped that with the excuse that they can't tow enough. I've rarely suffered with fwd in the winter, even without real snow tires (especially the GL Subarus—they were tanks). The Mazda is passable with all season performance tires, but just, so I'm just going to get a 2012 Focus and a set of snows and see how that goes. What's wrong with the Subaru?

[beatersubi]

Eh,
I think its not too unbearable. I don't know if I'd go as far as to say I'd drive one w/o tinted windows. But I also liken it to the music analogy, i.e. if its too loud, you're too old. Only with the KIA its: the more reasonable it looks, the older you are.

[kimokalihi]

Looks like a Jetta mixed with a Ford Focus. I with the koreans would stop making cars that look like cars that are made by other companies.

[AWD_addict]

Looks way better than the Sonata. 274 hp turbo had me hopeful until I read "no manual transmission with the turbo engine."

[kimokalihi]

What's the idea behind not having a manual on the sports trim? Makes absolutely no sense. How many people you know want a turbocharged car with and automatic transmission? None.

[magicmike]

How many people you know want a turbocharged car with and automatic transmission? None.

At least 1. I like my wagon just fine thank you!

[magicmike]

What's wrong with the Subaru?

Nothing at the moment but the couple of times it has stranded me over stupid stuff just makes me a bit weary on driving it for any distance over say 30 miles. The motor is strong since that was rebuilt but the rest of the car still has 160k on it

The other thing is that the Infiniti must be sold at some point as I actually OWE money on that and I'm not getting any richer even though I've been working. I'd eventually like to replace the subi with a new-ish awd car. and get rid of the added expense and hassle of having two cars.

[Legacy777]

Kia has come a long ways. I drove the sportage in 97 when i worked at a car dealership. There was quite a bit of slop in the steering, and was not fun to drive.

I will always likely have two cars, it's very convenient if one has issues or for family/friends coming to town. The key is to have two decent cars so you can pay them off without too much hassle and don't have lots of maintenance issues.


Mike, I don't want to hear any whining about 160k miles. My Impreza has that on it, and my Legacy has 190k

[evolutionmovement]

Yeah, mine didn't really start to have issues until 215 or so (developed a rattle). I did blow the transmission at 175, but that was also the time when I would do J-turns leaving work and saw 133 on the speedometer, so I take the blame on that.