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2008 Kia Optima Review

STYLING | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

John Doe looks? Check.
Car and Driver

styling allows it to blend seamlessly into any automotive crowd
Edmunds

The leather upholstery lacks richness
ConsumerGuide

unobtrusively styled
Kelley Blue Book

The 2008 Kia Optima is a mid-size sedan slotting into the automaker's lineup between the Spectra small sedan and larger, more luxurious Amanti. Redesigned in 2006, the front-wheel-drive Optima sedan carries through into 2008 with few changes.

The ho-hum appearance of the Kia Optima is what Car and Driver describes as "John Doe looks," although Kelley Blue Book attempts to put a positive spin on it, judging it "unobtrusively styled." Edmunds concludes that the 2008 Kia Optima's "styling allows it to blend seamlessly into any automotive crowd." Cars.com, at least, calls it “well-proportioned.”

The interior is not much more exciting; Edmunds reports that "the 2008 [Kia] Optima's cabin is hardly a vibrant environment." ConsumerGuide acknowledges that the available "leather upholstery lacks richness," but says that "it looks nicer than the standard cloth," then adds that "other [Kia Optima] interior materials are serviceable and attractive, but no more than that." Cars.com, on the other hand, makes the following observation: "A relentlessly detailed and fastidiously executed interior that shames pricier cars here? Watch out, Kia has caught Toyota (and others) napping."

In all, the Optima has “nothing in its persona to tempt enthusiasts,” Car and Driver concludes.

Conclusion

The 2008 Kia Optima draws a line down the middle of the road and follows it.


Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

With a base price that starts several thousands less than the (admittedly plusher and more refined) Camry and Accord, the 2008 Kia Optima appeals to a different sort of buyer, one who might be considering a smaller sedan or a slightly used mid-size sedan. However, the direct competition might include the Dodge Avenger, which offers a distinctly American design inside and out. The Avenger falls behind due to its coarse powertrain and chintzy interior materials. The Fusion also has standout styling but is much more fun to drive than the Optima, even as a base four-cylinder model, although its backseat is somewhat cramped. The new Malibu, though it costs only slightly more, feels in a class above, with a swoopy interior design, high-grade materials, and a very refined driving experience. But if price and features are the highest priority, the Optima wins.

Next Steps:

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See the Kia Optima in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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