The Car Connection Expert Review
Redesigned last year, the mid-size, front-wheel-drive Optima sedan carries through into 2007 with both four- and six-cylinder models, a good-sized 14.8 cubic foot trunk and one of the roomiest cabins in its segment. Standard safety equipment includes front and front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist, stability and traction control and Brake Assist are available as a packaged option. Drivetrain-wise, the standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 161 horsepower while the optional 2.7-liter V-6 is good for 185. A five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic manual shift capability is standard on most Optima models. An improved, smoother shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on the base LX four-cylinder model, which also comes standard with cruise control, keyless entry and alarm, manual tilt and telescopic steering column, audio system controls on the steering wheel and floor mats. The LX V-6 model adds dual exhaust outlets and alloy wheels. Top-of-the-line EX models (four-cylinder and V-6 versions) feature alloy wheels, fog lights, solar glass, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, metal door scuff plates, chrome accent outside door handles and an Infinity AM/FM/cassette/six-disc CD/MP3 premium audio system; the EX V-6 adds dual exhaust outlets.
