jriz
- Mar 20, 2008 3:46 pm
(#3 Total: 22)
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182 hp in a V6 is pathetic considering the Accord EX's four cylinder makes 190. And it's not like Kia-Hyundai doesn't have a worthwhile V6 available.
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estreka
- Mar 20, 2008 4:51 pm
(#4 Total: 22)
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subarctic north - Great Falls, MT |
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The front fascia is so nondescript that I don't think you can compare it to anything.
The taillights look like they were snagged straight off a '98-'02 Accord sedan.
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82nis
- Mar 20, 2008 5:32 pm
(#5 Total: 22)
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oh come on! every manufacturer copies each others design technique. so why when a korean maker shows people their redesign people get so flustered over it? it still looks kia quirky enough for me!
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the front end looks like the love child between the passat and the new civics... but i like it.
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I liked the old styling better. I wish automakers would stop copying Audi and their fugly taillight shape, I dont know why taillights have to have all these jagged edges and irregular shapes.
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alsorl
- Mar 20, 2008 8:31 pm
(#8 Total: 22)
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I like it better then the new Acura TSX. It has cleaner lines, with out the faux plastic bits like the TSX. I see the new TSX as a Acura gone Pontiac. Anyways, the new Optima does not take any dramatic changes, but it does seem like a good car packed with standard features.
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one manufacture copying another doesn't entitle them to sue-that is an idiotic statement! How about BMW sues Honda for copying the 5 series? There was even a side by side with the Accord next to the new 535i. The facts are simple-there has been so many change overs and styles from all automakers over the years that it would be extremely difficult to create something new. Kia will have a hit with this car. It has 4 of it's 8 models on the recommended list (consumers report 2008) and has fewer problems than Honda (according to JD powers) So everybody stop talking about Honda all the time.
A 140hp Civic with a monster 5 inch stainless steel muffler that turns it into a weed wacker noise maker doesn't make it faster and it is pretty amuzing when their drivers pull up to much faster cars (Mustangs, Camaros, etc) and think they have a chance!
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United States of America, loud'n'proud! |
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I wonder where the horsepower and torque peaks are for the V6, as well as how much is available when, etc. I'd guess, from past experience, that the V6 feels more powerful than the Honda 190 hp four, just because the Honda needs to hit 12000 RPM before it makes the 190..
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alpha01
- Mar 21, 2008 6:47 am
(#11 Total: 22)
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Cincinnati OH
Central NJ/New Brunswick Area NJ (originally) |
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I gotta say, everyone's bitching, but I wouldn't mind the 190 horse V6 IF the cost premium from I4 to V6 is less than on competing models AND if the Fuel Efficiency has improved, putting it ahead of the Sonata's 3.3L or the Camry's 3.5L... I just don't think everyone needs or wants 268 horses.
But back to this Kia.. while I know this is a great value, a competent sedan.. I can't shake the feeling that if Ford hadn't discontinued the TEMPO, this is EXACTLY what a 2009 model would look like. Redefines bland, IMO, an impressive feat in this segment.
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I was hoping it would have styling similar to the coupe they introduced. In this type of alleged (slow economy) I would expect manufacturers would be willing to take more chances with styling.
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eldaino
- Mar 21, 2008 7:24 am
(#13 Total: 22)
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gambietti:
while i do agree that its getting harder and harder to be unique nowadays, the defense of 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery' not only applies to kia/hyundai's honda mimicking, but to honda's bmw/audi mimicking. if its a valid excuse for one, its a valid excuse for all.
not to mention that your totally off-topic '140 hp civic with a coffee can exhaust'is clearly a testament to :
a. you honestly think that these are the only 'modified' hondas out there, so you probably don't know much about aftermarket tuning, or about the mustangs and other muscle cars that get their doors blown off often.
b. you have it out for honda in general.
btw, i actually LIKE the way this new optima looks.
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zach101
- Mar 21, 2008 8:52 am
(#14 Total: 22)
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I didn't have a problem with the last style. I thought it looked nice and it was somewhat different from other cars in its class. While this design isn't bad, it looks a lot more bland.
That V6 is pathetic. Seven more horsepower and 13 more lb-ft isn't enough for me to want to pay the extra cost.
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bepperb
- Mar 21, 2008 12:17 pm
(#15 Total: 22)
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Decent looking car, not as bland as it's getting pegged as. The V6 is absurd, but I wouldn't doubt it will get significant changes before it debuts. 200 hp shouldn't be unreasonable, and it's a number that will get buyers.
Gambietti, not to waste too much time following you on a stupid tangent, but I think it's funny when people in Mustangs and Camaros pull up to a stock V6 Accord or Camry, and think they have a chance! It's a crazy world we live in, when a Mustang gives up 58 hp to a Camry.
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ruffyy
- Mar 22, 2008 10:38 am
(#16 Total: 22)
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Give Kia some slack. Kia's are certainly put together better than USA offerings and the possiblity of upgrading powerplants and interiors are phenomenal. With the low powered v6 you can increase the boost of a turbocharger to crazy levels and get a decent response. Would you really put a Kia up against a Ford focus or Chevrolet Cobalt as far as quality or upgradeability.
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It actually looks more like the Kia Koup concept and that is nice. It may look similar to others but it certainly looks better. There is a good chance that the next generation will have an updated verson of the 3.3L V-6 in the 2009 Sonata with around 266 HP like the new Genesis Sedan.
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Haaa! The front end looks like the Honda Accord meets the Ford 500!!! It's a shame that they went so nondescript this time around. At least the last one had that baby Q45 front end on it. Oh well.
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Wow, it's what the Accord would have looked like if Honda had wanted the new Accord to look GOOD. Nice job, Kia! (with the exception of that ugly plastic vent on the front bumper)
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tib2006
- Mar 27, 2008 8:34 am
(#20 Total: 22)
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The Kia Optima is definitely not a bad entry into the world of midsize sedans, but lets face it, this car needs a shot of testosterone. Why does the Sonata get 249 horses and the Optima only 182? This would only be acceptable if the Optima were a less expensive alternative to the Hyundai Sonata, which it isn't. As said above, Honda gets 190 from the 4 in the Accord. 182 horses from a V6 would have been competitive 10 years ago. Sad thing is, the Accord might beat it in a drag race too. Okay, so not everyone needs 270 horses in a family sedan, and how many people actually perform stoplight dragraces? I do like the new look of the Optima, including the small shot of the interior I saw on carandriver.com. Its styling still could stand to be more distinctive, however. Nothing a new wardrobe (styling) and some red bull (more powerful V6) can't do to make this car a winner. I rest my case.
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himi1
- Mar 28, 2008 1:26 am
(#21 Total: 22)
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I think the tail lights look more like a cross between the current generation's tail lights and the new Sonata's tail lights. It's not a bad offering in this segment, and with fuel prices on the rise, I wouldn't mind 182 HP.
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