New Car Review of the 2005 Kia Optima Mid-Size Sedan

Description: Mid-Size Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $15,900 - $19,900
Invoice Price Range: $14,765 - $18,150
Where built: South Korea

Kia's mid-size sedan appears stylish, stocks comfy seats in a cabin that's as spacious as best-selling mid-size sedans, then brings two engine choices including a V6 teamed to a select-shift automatic.

Optima's structural and mechanical elements -- platform, suspension system and engines -- come from Hyundai's Sonata. Although the two cars share these essential components, each looks different, with Optima dressed in conservative exterior style and the cabin containing equipment unique to Kia.

Optima LX uses a 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic with optional Sportmatic mode for clutch-less shift control. Optima LX V6 and EX V6 bring a 2.7-liter aluminum V6 that makes 178-hp through the automatic with Sportmatic shifting.

All issues have standard equipment like air conditioning, a stereo sound system with six speakers, and power controls for windows, locks and mirrors. For 2005, the EX V6 adds a sunroof with one-touch toggle for opening and closing, and a new paint shade shows up called Radiant Red.