2003 Kia Optima SE V-6

At its best with two up and pulldown center armrest extended, the 60/40-split rear bench will handle three on shorter treks.

Inside, the Optima provides a quiet, comfortable and secure environment. Fit and finish are impressively high while seating in both fore and aft locations proved adult-friendly, albeit a tad on the firm side. In the surprise and delight category, Kia elects to fit the Optima with the upgraded front buckets from the Hyundai XG 300 in place of the regular Sonata perches. It comes with standard side-impact airbags for the front seats. Although the 60/40-split rear bench is at its best two up and with the pulldown center armrest extended, it will handle three on shorter treks. Dropping both backs gives access to a generously proportioned passthrough that leads to the 13.6 cubic foot trunk. Even at supra-legal cruising speeds, interior noise levels remain relatively low—although the engine does get a bit raspy under full-throttle acceleration and some tire hum is in evidence on certain surfaces.


In the ride-and-handling department, the Optima does a solid job of balancing comfort with control. It pairs a dual-wishbone front suspension with transverse arms and trailing links in the rear, each end trimmed by anti-roll bars. Effort on the power rack-and-pinion steering is moderately firm, and the Optima tracks cleanly when negotiating expressway on-ramps and relatively tight corners. You won't mistake it for an M3, but overall the car displays an air of confidence and competence.


Kia has made some giant strides as an auto manufacturer since the subcompact Sephia began trickling into the U.S. market back in 1994. Though, by its own admission, still a niche player, the firm continues to roll along on an undeniable upward trajectory. With a mainstream look and feel, solid build quality, impressive 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and value-oriented pricing, the new Optima should have little trouble accounting for its projected 25,000-35,000 annual unit volume. It should more than do its part to enhance Kia's image while extending the breadth of its product lineup. (www.kia.com)