What Changed for 2008:

• Outside mirror garnish now painted black


• Goodyear 16-inch tires replace Michelins


• Redesigned Supervision meter cluster on LX, EX appearance package


• Auxiliary audio input jack added; cassette player deleted

Overview
Kia first entered the midsize car market in 2001 when it launched the original Optima. At the time, the Optima, like its platform-mate, the Hyundai Sonata, was intended to be a less-expensive alternative to mainstream midsize sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. The Optima received a major redesign in 2006. That resulted in a wider car with a longer wheelbase, a wider track and independent front and rear suspension. Both cabin size and trunk room increased on this 4-door, 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive sedan. The Optima is covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Kia Optima is available in LX and EX trims for both 4-cylinder and V-6 engine models. All models feature air conditioning, heated outside power mirrors, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, front and rear cupholders, and split and folding rear seats. The 4-cylinder LX with automatic transmission includes cruise control, keyless entry, an alarm, and a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes manually. The V-6 LX has dual exhaust tips and alloy wheels.

EX models include such standard fare as fog lights, sunroof, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and floormats. The V-6 EX Optima gets dual exhaust tips.

Powertrain
The standard 162-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine on the 2008 Kia Optima is shared with the Sonata, but the 2.7-liter V-6 engine, which puts out 185 hp and 182 lb.-ft. of torque, is not. A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard on the 4-cylinder LX models; all other Optimas get a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting. With the changes to the EPA’s 2008 fuel-economy formula, the Optima with an automatic transmission now gets 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 Kia Optima earns 5-star ratings in both front and side-impact crash tests. Standard safety features on the Optima include front, side, and side curtain air bags. Electronic stability control comes as a package—available on all models except the 4-cylinder EX with manual—with anti-lock brakes, traction control, and brake assist.

Technology
The optional Infinity sound system on the 2008 Kia Optima features a 6-disc CD changer and is MP3-compatible. It comes with a subwoofer and external amplifier. It’s sold as part of the Premium package that includes a power sunroof with tilt feature. An auxiliary audio input jack is now found on all Optima models.