2004 Kia Optima Review

For Those Who Prefer Vanilla over Spumoni

I have a fondness for the Kia car company. The South Korean auto manufacturer only recently began as an underdog in the highly competitive North American auto industry. Guided by the principle of offering better value than the competition, Kia has been making significant inroads into almost every segment of the automotive industry - and I cant help but admire that.

A test drive of the 2004 Optima will likely validate such admiration for both the partisan and non-partisan of potential purchasers. I spent a week with my Kia subject and grew fairly attached to the easy-to-drive and easy-to-live-with Optima. The relationship that developed was akin to that of living with a frugal, low-maintenance, accommodating - if not slightly boring - roommate.

You see, theres nothing particularly special about the Optima, other than its comfortable, easy going manner and high degree of value. That said, with its revised grill and front fascia for 2004, it is pleasant enough looking. Its conventionality, however, doesnt grab many second looks - and that may be a good thing for those of us who would rather blend in than stand out in a crowd. Exterior body panels are accurately fitted together and build quality is admirable for the low to mid-level segment.

Once behind the wheel of my top-of-the-line EX V6 model I was somewhat surprised to find myself immersed in such a comfortable, well-appointed cabin. Considering that the Optima tops out slightly beneath the psychological barrier of $20K, Kia appears to have honored its principle of more-for-less.

A principle, in fact, that led to my derriere being firmly planted upon a heated leather seat that was perfectly adjusted to match my musculoskeletal symmetry. As my butt enjoyed the warmth gently emanating from the supportive seat cushion, my right hand fell upon a substantial-feeling shift knob. Positioned in the console, the shift lever is set within the confines of a great-looking shift plate trimmed with a chrome bezel. When in the Drive setting, the shifter could easily be bumped into the manual-mode enabling driver-dictated shifting. I was impressed to see this feature, which not long ago was exclusive to premium vehicles, in a “vanilla” offering such as the Optima.

My testers not-so-vanilla interior was finished in a muted blue/gray hue that belied its commoner roots. There is little doubt in my mind that Kia paid close attention to the selection of materials finishing the cabin. And so they should, given the startling increase in interior quality that has taken hold in the entry and mid-level segments in the past few years. Cheesy finishes and slipshod craftsmanship just doesnt cut it anymore. Kia is well aware of that fact and has undertaken to ensure their attention to interior detail is beyond reproach. Beyond reproach? Well, no its not really there yet - but given the price-point Kia has set for the Optima, its at least beyond criticism.

I found the center stack in the Optima quite appealing and well laid-out. The wood-like trim surrounding the center stack and the power window switches add an element of class. I was particularly impressed with the straightforward, elementary operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls. A large dial set the fan speed, a second dial set the temperature, and a series of clearly marked buttons set the airflow direction. Sometimes less money actually buys better, more idiot-proof “technology.”

In the case of the V6 Optima, less money also buys decent performance. The optional 2.7-L DOHC 6-cyliner engine puts 170 horsepower to work driving the front wheels. Acceleration off the line is brisk, but a lack of traction control contributes to unnecessary wheel spin when a lead-laden foot meets the accelerator. But as the V6 growls to redline, it does so with slightly more harshness than a Honda or Toyota V6. That being said, the coarseness emitted is by no means unduly harsh or unacceptable - especially when one factors in the many tanks of gas the money saved over a Honda or Toyota V6 will buy.

If there is a criticism I harbor against the Optima V6, its the lack of mid-range torque, which presently stands at 181 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. A boost into the 200 lb-ft range would engender Kias midsize sedan with authoritative hill climbing and passing performance. As it is, such events can be quite challenging to what is an undersized engine when compared to its rivals.

If additional torque isnt on the Optimas menu, perhaps Kia will see fit to install its 5-speed autobox. Kia has outfitted its Sedona minivan and Amanti flagship with the well behaved 5-speeder. The additional gear would add the range of gears necessary to keep the engine in its maximum torque “sweet spot” when battling it out on a high mountain pass or just passing slower highway traffic.

Kia hasnt skimped in the braking department however. All four wheels benefit from the rotation resistance imposed by a set of disc brakes, with optional 4-channel ABS available. Stopping my test car was a snap that was repeatedly accomplished with ease and control - even in panic mode. The ABS system also worked flawlessly and predictably. With the application of proportionate effort, braking force was easily modulated up to the point of ABS intervention.

Unfortunately Kia has not chosen to equip the 4-cylinder Optima with a full set of disc brakes, opting instead to affix drum brakes to the rear. And while I pine away about an incomplete disc brake scenario, allow me to add insult to injury by decrying the lack of standard ABS in the Optima regardless of trim level. Boy, how a little venting can be therapeutic! Just the same, few competitors are willing to dive into the standard ABS deep end either, knowing that the added costs will cause their rivals to appear more attractive financially, initially at least.

All drivers know that acceleration and braking ability comprise only part of a vehicles overall performance package. The remainder belongs to vehicle handling. With the use of power rack and pinion steering, the Optima delivers competent handling that is biased toward comfort - not high-speed cornering. The Optima rides on a 4-wheel fully independent suspension that absorbs road imperfections well, although major undulations or potholes will max out the suspensions absorption capability. This effect can throw handling off when it occurs during cornering. But such symptoms are applicable to any vehicle with a suspension setup that favors comfort over performance. Within normal driving parameters, I doubt many drivers will ever have occasion to encounter such limitations in the Optimas suspension.

Kias midsize sedan utilizes a double wishbone, coil spring arrangement at the front, which includes an anti-roll bar and gas shocks to diminish body lean during cornering. The rear setup is a multi-link, coil spring design that again features gas shocks and an anti-roll bar. Overall I was very satisfied with the cars smooth ride and reasonably competent handling dynamics. Its stable platform and mild suspension calibration made it easy to live with whether performing the daily grind of commuting or touring the countryside in search of solace.

And solace can be taken in knowing that safety is also Kias key concern. The Optima is equipped with dual front de-powered airbags, optional side airbags, passenger airbag presence detector, front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters, height adjustable front seatbelts, height adjustable front seat headrests, height adjustable rear seat headrests, childproof rear door locks and 3 child seat safety anchors.

In addition to the noted safety features, the Optima arrives with a comprehensive list of standard features in the base LX version, including a 138-hp 2.4 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed Steptronic transmission, plus RPM sensing power steering, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 6 speakers, power windows, power heated mirrors, keyless entry with alarm, tilt steering column, center console with armrest and storage, cupholders, brushed aluminum door scuff plates, delay-out room lamp, map lamps with sunglass case, driver seat height adjuster, driver seat lumbar support, seat back pockets, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, rear center armrest with cupholders, dual illuminated vanity mirrors - not bad for a starting price of $15,500.

Selecting the LX V6 will add the 2.7 liter 170 horsepower engine plus 4-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels, woodgrain interior accents, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, power sunroof and fog lamps - all for $17,895.

Moving up to the top-tier EX will further equip the Optima with front seat side-impact airbags, leather seats, leatherette door trim, 8-way power driver seat, front seat warmers, chrome interior door handles and front seat tilting headrests - all for the sub $20K price of $18,095 in 4-cylinder form or $19,495 with the V6. Even after the destination charge of $540 is added, the Optima EX V6 will still slide in under the $20K radar - impressive indeed. Load up the $2,585 of options, however, which include leather and ABS brakes, and that $20K barrier is broken.

There is little argument to suggest Kia hasnt adhered to their principle of “greater value” in building the Optima. I enjoyed my time with this unit. It fits the bill for commuting and touring alike - all the while exercising frugality and practicality. If I had to express a reservation in recommending the Optima, it would relate to its longevity and dependability. Kia has come a long way with the quality and reliability standards of its vehicles in a very short time, however, its a little early in the Optimas lifecycle to predict its reliability as accurately as one might predict, per say the reliability of a Toyota Corolla.

Although any concern about dependability is somewhat neutralized by Kias impressive warranty, described by the South Korean automaker as the best in the industry. One can again take solace in knowing that a new Kia is covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile - comprehensive warranty covering virtually the entire vehicle and a 10-year/100,000 mile - powertrain warranty. Roadside Assistance providing coverage in case of mechanical breakdown anywhere in North America is also part of the package. With a warranty like that, Kia obviously has faith in the longevity and dependability of its products.

So if vanilla tantalizes your taste buds and you are seeking a car that offers unprecedented value in a comfortable and attractive package, the Kia Optima may be the flavor for you.