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2011 Optima Reviews

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#43 ·
#46 ·
Well, I haven't driven one but I looked at five of them at the local Kia dealership today; first time I had seen one in person. All I can say is that I am wholly impressed. They did this one right and in my view would easily get the nod over the Hyundai version as far as my tastes. I would recommend the non-turbo EX model. For what you get it's the steal of the year.

This is just one beautiful car. It would look good on a car costing three times the money. If they don't sell a ton of these I would be astounded.

I see there is no torque steer or other obvious problems as has been noted on the Hyundai model. If there were any obvious kinks I sure didn't see any. If I had one complaint it would be the emergency brake moved to the floor. I like mine right by my right hand where God says it should be.
 
#48 ·
Wow, I hadn't considered the color. As I recall there was a white one; perhaps a black one and not sure, perhaps a red one. I just checked the inventory of the dealer to see if I could find it in stock but couldn't find it. It was my observation that the EX equipped as that one was offered the best combination of options and standard features. Seems like it stickered out to something over $22K but they had another with all the bells and whistles by the road and it was nearly $28K but it had two moon roofs which I feel is overdoing it a bit.

As a reference my 2009 Sonata is in Pearl White. It seems to hold up well and when cleaned up looks brand new. I probably would lean in that direction. But in looking at the actual brochure the platinum graphite seems quite elegant. The only thing missing from the EX are the paddle shifters which I have on my 2011 Forte 5 door SX. It wouldn't be a deal killer with me as I seldom use them but they are there when one is inclined to get quick passing power.

On the other side of the coin is that the SX comes with 18 inch tires so I suspect the ride is rougher than the EX which comes with 17 inch tires. The lower profile tires of the SX would provide a rougher rider but slightly more "race worthy." On my Forte I have the 17" tires with a 45 profile tire and road noise and the like are more noticeable than in the higher profile tires. Taking everything into consideration I think the EX is the way to go.

One could always get the el-cheapo version with plastic wheel covers in the $18K range but I don't think that is a good idea. The EX hits the "sweet spot" for my tastes. It can also be had as a turbo but something to consider is that the turbo is actually a smaller engine at 2.0 instead of a 2.4 GDI engine. I am not a big fan of turbo charged vehicles. But each to his own. What I can tell you is that when I saw that particular EX, I was very, very much impressed.
 
#50 ·
missourimule said:
I would recommend the non-turbo EX model. For what you get it's the steal of the year.
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I keep thinking that same thing. The EX would be fine for me. The problem I have is I took the EX on the interstate and attempted to pass a car at highway speeds.....SLLLLLOOOOOOW. It responds as any 4 banger would and takes forever to pass. I then took the Sonata turbo out and passed cars with ease. If this doesn't matter, than the EX non-turbo is great. Just my 2 cents.
 
#51 ·
matt317 said:
I keep thinking that same thing. The EX would be fine for me. The problem I have is I took the EX on the interstate and attempted to pass a car at highway speeds.....SLLLLLOOOOOOW. It responds as any 4 banger would and takes forever to pass. I then took the Sonata turbo out and passed cars with ease. If this doesn't matter, than the EX non-turbo is great. Just my 2 cents.
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I'm surprised to hear this. My Forte with the older "Theta" engine seems to have an abundance of power. Of course it weighs 2,944 pounds versus 3,223 pounds or about 280 pounds less but it has 173 HP while the EX has either 192 or 200 HP with the new GDI engine.

The other day I was driving the Forte over some back roads and had to pass a large truck and when I stepped on the gas the truck was like it was nailed to a fence post and I reached 100 mph in the blink of an eye. My biggest concern was getting a ticket since the Texas DPS was behind every shade tree waiting to pounce. I have doubt whatever that the Forte will do close to 140 mph although I don't intend to find out. Both the Forte and the Optima evidently share the same six speed transmission. I do not, however, know the final gear ratio. Both have 17 inch wheels although the Forte has 45 profile tires vs the 55 profile tires on the EX.

I guess I am just getting old. These crazy speeds scare the crap out of me. I need more power like I need more holes in my head. But that is just me. I was once young myself. Each to his own.
 
#53 ·
http://www.leftlanenews.com/kia-optima-turbo-first-drive-review.html

Leftlane’s bottom line
Kia is doing their part to prove that they are not carbon copy clones of their cousins over at Hyundai. In the process, they have produced a ride that, to borrow from the Kia Soul Hamsters, has you humming in your head, “you can get with this, or you can get with that.”

We’ll take this.
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TFLcar.com: Review: the 2011 Kia Optima Turbo packs a gun to a knife fight

The Optima Turbo SX has a rather firm, sporty ride and quick, heavy steering. It tracks beautifully—you feel as if you could take your hands off the wheel on a freeway for miles and it would keep going in a straight line. Its firm-riding 45-series tires on 18-inch wheels were very noisy on some Miami freeway and secondary road pavement.

I briefly drove the EX Turbo and found it has slightly lighter steering, wider, smoother-riding 55-series tires on 17-inch wheels, but less responsive handling than the SX.
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#54 ·
The noise factor is something to consider when looking at these large diameter wheels and low profile tires. I initially had some concerns with my Forte SX five door (with 45 profile) but I have gotten used to it and do not regret my purchase. It handles like it is "on rails" and I'm as happy as a hog rooting in the mud.

Having said that, I wonder if there isn't some method of adding additional sound proofing to the bottom of the floorboards. Seems I have read or heard that truckers use this to quieten down their cabs. It might be something to consider. I would avoid spray on sound deadener on the bottom of the car as that invites rust.
 
#55 ·
missourimule said:
The noise factor is something to consider when looking at these large diameter wheels and low profile tires. I initially had some concerns with my Forte SX five door (with 45 profile) but I have gotten used to it and do not regret my purchase. It handles like it is "on rails" and I'm as happy as a hog rooting in the mud.

Having said that, I wonder if there isn't some method of adding additional sound proofing to the bottom of the floorboards.
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There is, but it comes at a cost as you would literally have to tear the cabin apart to remove the carpeting. Personally I would consider changing the tires first. Tirerack has tons of reviews on tires, and it's not a secret that some are a lot more noisier than others. And as far as I know, all Fortes came with noisy tires.
 
#56 ·
I'm worried about more noise in the SX but I'm still strongly leaning that way. If anything I'll replace the stock tires.

As for my personal review, I just got back from the local Kia dealer and sat in an EX with sunroof. I'm hugely impressed with the exterior, it's even better looking in person and I still havent seen my personal favorite color, Spicy Red.

The interior was excellent as well. It felt high quality and well put together. I will say that alothough I havent seen it in person, I believe I like the layout much better with the NAV screen. I also like the "Supervision" cluster better than the meters in the EX I sat in.

So still looking like a Spicy Red SX fully loaded for me. Just like this one:

Image



Does anyone have a shot of the "Luxury" wheels for the SX by the way?
 
#58 ·
Dash27 said:
I'm worried about more noise in the SX but I'm still strongly leaning that way. If anything I'll replace the stock tires.

As for my personal review, I just got back from the local Kia dealer and sat in an EX with sunroof. I'm hugely impressed with the exterior, it's even better looking in person and I still havent seen my personal favorite color, Spicy Red.

The interior was excellent as well. It felt high quality and well put together. I will say that alothough I havent seen it in person, I believe I like the layout much better with the NAV screen. I also like the "Supervision" cluster better than the meters in the EX I sat in.

So still looking like a Spicy Red SX fully loaded for me. Just like this one:

Image



Does anyone have a shot of the "Luxury" wheels for the SX by the way?
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I really doubt if replacing the tires is going to solve the noise problem. Correct me if I am wrong but the SX comes with 18" wheels and 45 profile tires. Unless you want to go racing, why not stick with the EX which is a steal of a price and you'll be happy.

I have a 2011 Forte SX with the 45 profile tires and it takes some getting used to but because I required the standard equipment of that model I sucked it up and got it. But on the Optima EX you would be getting the 55 profile tires. On my 2009 Sonata, I outfitted it with the Limited wheels and 55 profile tires and it is more than adequately quiet although I moved down from 16" wheels and 60 profile tires. I wanted the look of the wheels and not have the hideous wheels and plastic wheel covers which is why I replaced them. But I think the Optima EX looks just terrific with the 17" wheels and 55 profile tires.

I'd think long and hard about getting the SX unless you really don't care about the noise factor. What are you giving up in the EX that you absolutely must have that the SX has that you MUST have? Rather than list these items for you, I suggest you look at the differences clearly laid out in the brochure. I have the paddle shifters on my SX Forte but honestly, I never use them. But it has the fog lamps as standard and is the only model with leather steering wheel. In the Optima, the EX comes standard with it.
 
#59 ·
^ How noisy can it be, :)
I would get the SX so you get the body kit, HID headlamps, LED tailights. If one doesnt care for the wheels, they can be swapped out easily, think the dealer would even consider an even trade EX wheels/tires for SX wheels/tires if you asked them.

Noise is relative, My 04 Acura TL daily driver (RIP :)), with toasted trans was just sold, so I'm driving my 02 Pontiac Firebird Formula with longtube headers/chambered catback exhaust daily until I find a new car. Don't mind the "noise" at all :), it's music to my ears, and it sets off car alarms at times in parking lots, lol.
 
#60 ·
missourimule said:
I'd think long and hard about getting the SX unless you really don't care about the noise factor. What are you giving up in the EX that you absolutely must have that the SX has that you MUST have?
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Must have? No not must, but there is a lot to like with the SX. I really like that Supervision cluster which I couldnt get after market. The spoiler, alloy pedals, HID headlights LED tail lights, black interior etc.


metros11 said:
No one has seen those yet. Do our counterparts in Korea get the same wheels we get in the US? That may be a good source to search.
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After looking around, can it be these?


Image


As far as I know, only the SX comes in the Corsa Blue.
 
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