2008 Kia Optima Review

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, front impact protection; four stars, rollover resistance
NHTSA

Good," frontal offset; "acceptable," side impact
IIHS

Excellent crash scores
Edmunds

safety receives an appropriate emphasis
Kelley Blue Book

TheCarConnection.com notes better-than-average safety scores for the 2008 Kia Optima.

The 2008 Kia Optima achieves top five-star results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in both frontal and side-impact tests, along with a "good" rating in frontal impact and an "acceptable" rating in side impact from the insurance-affiliated Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Edmunds acknowledges these as "excellent crash scores."

Standard safety equipment includes front and front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and active front headrests. Anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are available together as a packaged option on all but the base model. ConsumerGuide reports "available safety equipment [for the Kia Optima] includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags." Cars.com adds that "active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard" on the Kia Optima, while "antilock brakes, traction control, an electronic stability system and brake assist are optional."

Kelley Blue Book remarks that the 2008 Kia Optima's passenger cabin "provides a nice balance between outward visibility and efficient aerodynamics"; Consumer Guide adds that "visibility is fine in all directions."

Conclusion

The 2008 Kia Optima provides good protection for its occupants, but anti-lock brakes are optional.


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.

Read More About the 2008 Kia Optima:

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See the Kia Optima in Other Years:

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

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