Kia-Forums.com is owned and operated by AutoForums.com, Inc. Kia-Forums.com is an ehthusiast website dedicated to the discussion of Kia Vehicles, Kia Family Cars and Kia SUVs. Kia-Forums.com is completely unofficial and is not endorsed in any way by KIA Motor Corp, its affiliates, or its subsidiaries. KIAź is a registered trademark of KIA Motors Corp. in Canada, the United States, and in other countries around the world. No challenge to the status of KIAź's registered trademarks is intended.
Just thought I'd start another topic for conversation as things seem to be a little slow in here.
As you may know, we just bought our 2006.5 Optima last week and love it. But, with 10 inches of blowing snow the last couple of days here in Fargo, it's been in the garage and I've been gettin the family around in my 2005 F-150.
Just curious what you guys have to think about the snow-handling of the new Optimas, especially in this God-forsaken area of the country I live in?
We're from Ohio and get our fair share of snow. Have been able to get around pretty well with our 2003 Optima. The front wheel drive and new tires help alot. If not for that, would have to fall back on our 97 Nissan pickup 4x4.
Well, aside from not having anti-lock brakes or traction control, I thought our Optima did rather well this weekend.
We took a 180 mile round trip to Grand Forks, ND for some state basketball tournaments and it handled well. In fact, I'm quite pleased with it's road manners, short wheel-base aside. The interstate was relatively clear but road conditions in the GF area were slippery with compact snow. I had no problem getting around what-so-ever.
My only complaint is that my lower back became sore after the trip but that could very well be from shoveling all this snow recently and was aggravated by the drive. And I'm kinda surprised that the cars don't have the inflatable lumbar support in the seats, since they have every other option.
Anyone who has been in Korea during the winter months know that our snow storms can be very serious to drive in. The Optima has always done well since its introduction with bad weather driving. With all the new elements either optional or standard on specific trim levels, the Optima does even better I believe in real world driving. It is a most enjoyable vehicle for I kept a '02 for my wife that she favors in a most personal way.
I haven't been on here in a long while, I have a 2004 and it handled snow real well. I use to have a 2002 and it was not to good on snow, this might sound like a figment of the imagination to some, but since I now have a '04 with the sportmatic, driving on snow is way easier then with my old '02. I guess, its because I can control the gearbox a little better now.
Drives: 2007 Kia Magentis LX-V6 Premium w/ Leather)
Gallery:
0
I'm from Ontario, Canada...the winter's can get pretty nasty up here, especially in Northern Ontario.
I bought my Magentis in January and I did a lot of highway driving with it...it plows through the snow with exceptional handling, and the heated mirrors and heated seats were an extra treat for the drive.
Like most cars, though, in the city, don't expect to be able to floor it when taking off from a red light turning green, it's not invincible, and will slip while gaining traction on the icy roads.
I recommend this vehicle for snow living environment families
How does your Optima handle in the snow?
Linear Mode
