2008 KIA Optima

Terrific car

Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 3 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 5

I bought this car new. It now has 125000 miles. I am very pleased with how well this car has done. I consistently average 29 mpg in mixed driving. While first gear is a little tricky, the car shifts very smoothly. I won't be winning any drag races but if I am passing someone on a 2 lane and drop to 3rd. I get around them well. The car handles very well except on wet roads. I have tried different tires but the results are minimally different. I have to be careful and not try to stop quickly or turn quickly on wet roads or the car will fish tail. On dry roads it handles very well and the ride is smooth. Visibility is very good. The stock radio is fine for me. The road noise is not too bad. What I love the most about this car is how reliable it has been. I have had no major problems at all. Have replaced the battery 2 times and the tires 1 time. I started going through oil at @105,000 miles. I had to top it off about every 1600 miles. I just had the car looked at and the plugs and belt replaced. My mileage was 123,500. The man was able to fix the oil leak problem with a very minor tightening of something but I don't remember what. The problem has been solved. I am very pleased with how well this car has held up since I drive it for work so am in it a good bit. I also bought an 07 Kia Rondo with the exact same engine and it is doing well also. I intend to drive this car until the wheels come off. I am very glad I bought it.