Kia: K5/Optima News
#241
My first Avatar....
^
Why do they keep showing those ugly wheels on their promo pics?
The wheels in the the pic above, from an actual owned car, are far better.
The Optima does look great in black. Then again...I'm partial.
Why do they keep showing those ugly wheels on their promo pics?
The wheels in the the pic above, from an actual owned car, are far better.
The Optima does look great in black. Then again...I'm partial.
#242
Burning Brakes
Enough of this Hyundai crap. Kia has much better/more original designs. Overall the entire Kia lineup is so much better than Hyundai (excluding the Genesis). I'd say the current Kia line-up (excluding the Rio and Borrego) is better than Honda,Nissan and Toyota.
Anyways, this is looking like the top candidate to replace my Maxima ...panaramic sunroof, heated rear seats, cooled front seats
Anyways, this is looking like the top candidate to replace my Maxima ...panaramic sunroof, heated rear seats, cooled front seats
#243
Drifting
Kia Optima beats Accord in Consumer Reports
Whether this is looks very good for Kia or very bad for Honda, it's very big news.
Main points; Optima wins on power, price, handling and fit and finish.
http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...da-accord.html
Main points; Optima wins on power, price, handling and fit and finish.
http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...da-accord.html
Family sedan face-off: Kia Optima bests Honda Accord
May 12, 2011 12:00 PM
In the June issue of Consumer Reports, the Honda Accord and Kia Optima sedans went head-to-head in a road test face-off. In a surprising upset, the South Korean challenger beat the former champ. (Read the full magazine report.)
The Optima edged out the Accord by just one point in CR's testing. Both vehicles achieved "Very Good" overall scores. The Optima now ranks sixth among the four-cylinder family sedans tested by Consumer Reports, ahead of the Honda Accord and behind the Suzuki Kizashi.
The Kia Optima benefits from a major redesign that makes a significant improvement over the previous generation. The Optima LX ($21,885 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 200-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers strong performance and 25 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The interior is well-finished. There is plenty of trunk space. Optima handling is more nimble than the Accord with quick steering, and it boasts better acceleration.
The Accord has improved fuel economy since the last time it was tested, and it ties the Optima at 25 mpg overall. The Accord has a compliant ride, excellent visibility and a roomy cabin. The Accord handles responsively, with good steering, but when it was pushed at CR's test track, it was sloppy with notable body lean. The Honda Accord LX-P ($23,730 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 177-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides strong performance. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The interior is well-finished. Trunk space is generous.
Despite its solid performance, the Kia Optima is not yet recommended, pending reliability data from our next Annual Survey.
Top-scoring four-cylinder family sedans include the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry, in that order
May 12, 2011 12:00 PM
In the June issue of Consumer Reports, the Honda Accord and Kia Optima sedans went head-to-head in a road test face-off. In a surprising upset, the South Korean challenger beat the former champ. (Read the full magazine report.)
The Optima edged out the Accord by just one point in CR's testing. Both vehicles achieved "Very Good" overall scores. The Optima now ranks sixth among the four-cylinder family sedans tested by Consumer Reports, ahead of the Honda Accord and behind the Suzuki Kizashi.
The Kia Optima benefits from a major redesign that makes a significant improvement over the previous generation. The Optima LX ($21,885 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 200-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers strong performance and 25 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The interior is well-finished. There is plenty of trunk space. Optima handling is more nimble than the Accord with quick steering, and it boasts better acceleration.
The Accord has improved fuel economy since the last time it was tested, and it ties the Optima at 25 mpg overall. The Accord has a compliant ride, excellent visibility and a roomy cabin. The Accord handles responsively, with good steering, but when it was pushed at CR's test track, it was sloppy with notable body lean. The Honda Accord LX-P ($23,730 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 177-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides strong performance. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The interior is well-finished. Trunk space is generous.
Despite its solid performance, the Kia Optima is not yet recommended, pending reliability data from our next Annual Survey.
Top-scoring four-cylinder family sedans include the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry, in that order
#244
Race Director
#245
My first Avatar....
So the top 4 cyl sedans are:
1. Altima
2. Sonata
3. Camry
4. Kazashi
5. Optima
6. Accord
Recently drove an Accord LX for a day...Very uncomfortable seats, and I would not say that the 4 cyl provided "strong performance". I can see why the accord is falling farther behind.
1. Altima
2. Sonata
3. Camry
4. Kazashi
5. Optima
6. Accord
Recently drove an Accord LX for a day...Very uncomfortable seats, and I would not say that the 4 cyl provided "strong performance". I can see why the accord is falling farther behind.
#247
Race Director
While no one has heard of it, the Kazashi does very well everytime it is tested - a poor man's TSX.
I hope Honda improves the next gen Accord a bit more than what they did with the Civic.
I hope Honda improves the next gen Accord a bit more than what they did with the Civic.
#248
Drifting
Wells there's nothing like selling kias right next to a honda dealership. Right now they have no new inventory, prices are jacked from limited stock and now the Optima is better than the accord. Makes my job easier.
I honestly do like the Optima too, especially the 2.0T Optima SX, 274hp, 6-speed with flappy paddles, 18" wheels, panoramic SR, navi, heated and cooled front seats with heated rear seats. They are nice.
I honestly do like the Optima too, especially the 2.0T Optima SX, 274hp, 6-speed with flappy paddles, 18" wheels, panoramic SR, navi, heated and cooled front seats with heated rear seats. They are nice.
#249
No surprise really. Honda isn't what they once were and when the wife needed a new car, we went with the Altima. If we were buying a car right now, it would be a turbo Sonata, or the 40mpg Elantra.
#250
Suzuka Master
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Wells there's nothing like selling kias right next to a honda dealership. Right now they have no new inventory, prices are jacked from limited stock and now the Optima is better than the accord. Makes my job easier.
I honestly do like the Optima too, especially the 2.0T Optima SX, 274hp, 6-speed with flappy paddles, 18" wheels, panoramic SR, navi, heated and cooled front seats with heated rear seats. They are nice.
I honestly do like the Optima too, especially the 2.0T Optima SX, 274hp, 6-speed with flappy paddles, 18" wheels, panoramic SR, navi, heated and cooled front seats with heated rear seats. They are nice.
#251
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Hyundai, and now Kia (since Hyundai acquired it), have come a long way while Honda and Toyota have been resting on their laurels. My best friend just got his wife a new Sonata...awesome car, inside and out.
#252
Back From The dead
It won for me. My Optima SX has more features than any other car in its class, plus 34mpg with plenty of power from the turbo
but wait...there's more!
360 watt infinty sound system.
Voice activated everything
Back up camera
Eco and sport modes
Dual sunroofs
and more..
but wait...there's more!
360 watt infinty sound system.
Voice activated everything
Back up camera
Eco and sport modes
Dual sunroofs
and more..
Last edited by Steven Bell; 05-17-2011 at 09:27 PM. Reason: Merged posts.
#253
The sizzle in the Steak
Accord is compared to the Optima.
I think the Optima is the best looking sedan in its class, and the Accord among the worst looking.
Accord has a low-rent cheap interior quality.
The available features in the Accord are bottom of the barrel compared to other makes.
Honda is way behind the curve.
I think the Optima is the best looking sedan in its class, and the Accord among the worst looking.
Accord has a low-rent cheap interior quality.
The available features in the Accord are bottom of the barrel compared to other makes.
Honda is way behind the curve.
#254
Team Owner
Recently had a 11' accord LX rental... it felt 99% the same as my 06 accord LX, which is not something i am pround of...
so where is the progress for the past 5 years?? it is bascially the same car as my 06 accord without the LED taillight
so where is the progress for the past 5 years?? it is bascially the same car as my 06 accord without the LED taillight
#256
I drive a Subata.
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wtf is Kazashi
#258
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Not too surprising here as the Accord is near the end of its life cycle. We will probably see a new one in about 1 year (MY 2013 should come out in 2012).
The Optima, especially the SX Turbo, is one of the best, if not the best driver's car within this segment. It's like an alternative to the Mazda6.
It's unfortunate that its real-world mpg isn't that stellar and I'm somewhat surprised that it's actually a tad slower than a stock 2002 TL-S according to Car and Driver.
The Optima, especially the SX Turbo, is one of the best, if not the best driver's car within this segment. It's like an alternative to the Mazda6.
It's unfortunate that its real-world mpg isn't that stellar and I'm somewhat surprised that it's actually a tad slower than a stock 2002 TL-S according to Car and Driver.
#259
Haven't had any seat time with the new Optima but they do look nice in person. The interior looks good from pictures as well.
My time behind the wheel of a 2009 Accord 4-cyl (IIRC it was an LX, cloth) was quite boring. It feels as big as the 7G, but softer around the edges. Interior seemed lower quality as well. The "sea of buttons" doesn't bother me at all but the interior vibe was not good. The trunk was pretty spacious
I'm curious to see where Honda takes the Accord.... apparently the 2012 Civic was initially so bad that they had to delay it an extra year and start over, yet people still don't like it - the interior looks cheap and uninspired, same as the exterior.
I think Honda is going to ride the wave of their good reputation as long as they can and hope that the name, EPA-rated fuel economy and unoffensive styling can carry them for as long as possible. I can only see them doing something somewhat radical if sales start slouching behind most of their competitors.
My time behind the wheel of a 2009 Accord 4-cyl (IIRC it was an LX, cloth) was quite boring. It feels as big as the 7G, but softer around the edges. Interior seemed lower quality as well. The "sea of buttons" doesn't bother me at all but the interior vibe was not good. The trunk was pretty spacious
I'm curious to see where Honda takes the Accord.... apparently the 2012 Civic was initially so bad that they had to delay it an extra year and start over, yet people still don't like it - the interior looks cheap and uninspired, same as the exterior.
I think Honda is going to ride the wave of their good reputation as long as they can and hope that the name, EPA-rated fuel economy and unoffensive styling can carry them for as long as possible. I can only see them doing something somewhat radical if sales start slouching behind most of their competitors.
#260
Back From The dead
Not too surprising here as the Accord is near the end of its life cycle. We will probably see a new one in about 1 year (MY 2013 should come out in 2012).
The Optima, especially the SX Turbo, is one of the best, if not the best driver's car within this segment. It's like an alternative to the Mazda6.
It's unfortunate that its real-world mpg isn't that stellar and I'm somewhat surprised that it's actually a tad slower than a stock 2002 TL-S according to Car and Driver.
The Optima, especially the SX Turbo, is one of the best, if not the best driver's car within this segment. It's like an alternative to the Mazda6.
It's unfortunate that its real-world mpg isn't that stellar and I'm somewhat surprised that it's actually a tad slower than a stock 2002 TL-S according to Car and Driver.
#261
Team Owner
Real world mpg has been pretty good for me. My last two (first two) tanks averaging 25+ mpg with 90% around town. Stock on 87 octane producing 274 hp is pretty good, IMO. I'll be curious to see if there will be any plug ins available to give her a little boost although psi is pretty high already.
And i don't see how 275hp car with similar weight and better gearing can be slower than 02 TL-S... and not mention the torque
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#263
אני עומד עם ישראל
When our Fit was in for a recall we had an '11 Accord LX loaner. What a boring car with no soul. Felt even more like an appliance than a Camry.....
The Kia is a looker. Ten years ago the only thing Kia and Hyundai had going for them was a warranty....
The Kia is a looker. Ten years ago the only thing Kia and Hyundai had going for them was a warranty....
#264
Team Owner
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First, all of the high-end luxury models seem to be passing the Acura. Now Kia is outdoing Honda. What is the world coming to????
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#265
Suzuka Master
I havent drive the others, but I would bet the accord still drives the best
my mom has the accord v6, while it doesnt have great feedback through the steering it does handle pretty damn well for how big it is. And I would guess the accord still does drive better than all the cars listed.
my mom has the accord v6, while it doesnt have great feedback through the steering it does handle pretty damn well for how big it is. And I would guess the accord still does drive better than all the cars listed.
#266
Suzuka Master
if 91 is not recommended for the engine you wont get more hp, would you? At least thats what i've thought for some weird reason, no clue if its true. Anyone know?
#269
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I'm curious to see where Honda takes the Accord.... apparently the 2012 Civic was initially so bad that they had to delay it an extra year and start over, yet people still don't like it - the interior looks cheap and uninspired, same as the exterior.
I think Honda is going to ride the wave of their good reputation as long as they can and hope that the name, EPA-rated fuel economy and unoffensive styling can carry them for as long as possible. I can only see them doing something somewhat radical if sales start slouching behind most of their competitors.
I think Honda is going to ride the wave of their good reputation as long as they can and hope that the name, EPA-rated fuel economy and unoffensive styling can carry them for as long as possible. I can only see them doing something somewhat radical if sales start slouching behind most of their competitors.
It's true though, Honda won't do anything radical unless their cars don't sell well. On the other hand, I don't know how much they care about EPA. I'm pretty sure they focus on real world mpg more than EPA. At least that's what the Civic project leader said. You might be interested in reading the following link:
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...plate=printart
Here are some main quotes:
".....we felt we could take the good stuff from the 2006 Civic but increase its fuel efficiency competitiveness. And not EPA fuel economy, but real, everyday fuel economy. We kept the car the same size as the 2006 model."
"About 80 percent of the car is new parts......If we had only installed countermeasures, the vehicle would have become heavier"
"Our real concern is when the customer actually drives the car, we don't want him to see a gap between the EPA number and his own mpg figures. We want the customer to see the improvements for himself.......The EPA mode requires a specific throttle opening. Doing the EPA test in econ mode wouldn't affect things much. But for people who have more variations in speed and acceleration, if you flatten that out, you don't have that rough throttle occurring, and you get much better mileage. If an automaker is hung up on the EPA test cycle, they can make a manual transmission with wide gear ratios. But it's difficult to drive that kind of car in everyday conditions."
The last point sounds like it's calling out the Cruze ECO 6MT.
Real world mpg has been pretty good for me. My last two (first two) tanks averaging 25+ mpg with 90% around town. Stock on 87 octane producing 274 hp is pretty good, IMO. I'll be curious to see if there will be any plug ins available to give her a little boost although psi is pretty high already.
Yes, you'd expect a 275hp car with similar weight and better gearing to do better, but it does not. Another example is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8L 6MT. It has 305hp and around 3400 to 3500lb. However, it can only do 14.5@98mph. IS350 6AT, G35, and 335i are all significantly faster as they are in the 13's at well over 100mph. From what I've read, the Genesis has this power cut when shifting. It's unpredictable also.
Forget about the 02 TL-S, IS350, G35, or 335i. The Camry V6 is also faster as it can do 14.3@99mph (vs 15@96mph for the Optima Turbo, or 14.6@98mph according to insideline).
Here is another example:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...est/specs.html
"our well broken in front-wheel-drive test car's 13.3 lb/hp rating and shorter gearing should have it running away from its turbo rivals, the VW Tiguan (17.8 lb/hp), Mazda CX-7 (16.1), and Acura RDX (16.6). Instead, its 7.3-second 0-60 time just eeks ahead of a Tiguan (7.5) and an AWD CX-7 (7.7), while trailing the AWD 5-speed automatic RDX (6.5). This has us questioning the calibration of Kia's dynamometers."
It depends. Some cars get more hp if you use 91, while some don't.
Last edited by iforyou; 05-18-2011 at 11:28 AM.
#270
Welcome to Olliewood
#271
Back From The dead
I havent drive the others, but I would bet the accord still drives the best
my mom has the accord v6, while it doesnt have great feedback through the steering it does handle pretty damn well for how big it is. And I would guess the accord still does drive better than all the cars listed.
my mom has the accord v6, while it doesnt have great feedback through the steering it does handle pretty damn well for how big it is. And I would guess the accord still does drive better than all the cars listed.
The Optima won hands down for me.
#272
Team Owner
Generally speaking, it wont make that much of a difference but fuel makes a big difference with FI cars.
#273
Team Owner
I havent drive the others, but I would bet the accord still drives the best
my mom has the accord v6, while it doesnt have great feedback through the steering it does handle pretty damn well for how big it is. And I would guess the accord still does drive better than all the cars listed.
my mom has the accord v6, while it doesnt have great feedback through the steering it does handle pretty damn well for how big it is. And I would guess the accord still does drive better than all the cars listed.
Current Camry SE V6, Optima, Altima, Sonata, all look and feel better than the 2011 Accord Sedan V6 or not... Accord was the king for the past decades until about 4 or 5 years ago.
#274
The sizzle in the Steak
Lot's of body roll.
#275
You'll Never Walk Alone
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The Optima SX Turbo is one of the best handling FWD family sedans, alongside the Mazda6. Accord, Altima and Sonata are right behind. Then there are the others like the Camry. The Optima is like a sporty Sonata.
#276
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ Not from the reviews I've read/watched.
#278
I drive a Subata.
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I heard Optima is very floaty especially when it's traveling up on highway speed.
#279
Suzuka Master
IIRC the things i read said the accord is the best drivers car out of all of them. I'll have to check up on it again to be sure.
edit: found one article
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests
sonata beat out the accord, but theres no comparison with the new optima with C&D
didnt get a chance to read it yet but i'll check it out later to see what they said.
edit: found one article
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests
sonata beat out the accord, but theres no comparison with the new optima with C&D
didnt get a chance to read it yet but i'll check it out later to see what they said.
Last edited by speedemon90; 05-18-2011 at 05:32 PM.
#280
Team Owner
IIRC the things i read said the accord is the best drivers car out of all of them. I'll have to check up on it again to be sure.
edit: found one article
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests
sonata beat out the accord, but theres no comparison with the new optima with C&D
didnt get a chance to read it yet but i'll check it out later to see what they said.
edit: found one article
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests
sonata beat out the accord, but theres no comparison with the new optima with C&D
didnt get a chance to read it yet but i'll check it out later to see what they said.