Kia Optima Overview

The Optima is a four-door, five-passenger sedan available with a choice of two engines: a four cylinder with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 with the five-speed automatic. The LX with the four-cylinder and manual transmission is the most affordable. It gets more expensive with the five-speed automatic and moves up another rung with the V6 and automatic. With either engine, the five-speed automatic boasts a Sportmatic feature for semi-manual shifting. The EX comes with either the four-cylinder or the V6, both with the five-speed Sportmatic. Some feature upgrades on the EX include automatic climate control; six speakers plus subwoofer, six-CD changer; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.

For 2006, the Kia Optima is redesigned.