Hi All,
As a service to BITOG members I feel that it is my duty to give you "Car Reviews". I have friends that trade in often and I travel for work so I get to spend alot of time in different automobiles. So from now on when I get into a new car I will let you guys know how it drives, what kind of mpg I get and all the lil quirks with them.
04 Kia Optima LX
Starting Price - $16,490
Price as Tested - $17,510
STANDARD FEATURES
Cruise Control
Air Conditioning
138hp, 2.4L DOHC I4
4-wheel Disc Brakes
Power Steering w/Tilt
AM/FM/CD Stereo w/6-speakers
Power Windows/Mirror/Door Locks
Optional Equipment
4-Sp Automatic Transmission with Sportshift - $1020
I picked up this car today, it was between this, a Camry and a Taurus. I have driven the Hyundai Sonata before and liked the MPG I got so I figured why not try its brother.
The power is pretty decent and the transmission wont shift early if you have your foot in it. Engine is powerful considering the HP rating of 138. It definatly is a lil buzzy in the upper RPMs but smooth. The sportshift feature is nice when you wanna have that downshift and pass urge. The steering is a tad bit on the loose side for me. The wheel feels like there is no resistance, but for some that is a plus. Handling is adequate for daily use, its a smooth ride and quiet. Would have rather had the 16 in wheels for the test run.
The interior layout is simple but neatly displayed. It comes with all the standard power features (Locks, Windows, Mirrors, Trunk Release). The seats looks to be 6 way adjustable and arent too bad for a low priced car. Its not too bad on interior room but could be a lil bigger (I am 6'3 so the more room the better). The HVAC system is nice, puts out nice heat and the A/C is crisp. The radio is very basic, but it does have 6-Speakers and the bass hits decent for an OEM radio.
The exterior is classy in my opinion, all painted handles,mirrors and moldings. The LX comes with hubcabs that dont look too bad. The trunk is spacious and offers alot of room. The trunk is attached to the car with lifts rather than arms for some added room. Also it has a low lift point (ground to trunk floor) so you ront have to lift heavy items up too far.
All in all I give it a thumbs up. It would have been nice to have the 2.7L V-6 rather than the 4-Cyl. I could only imagine how it would run
I will post back with my MPG I get on my trip to Illinois.
Eric
As a service to BITOG members I feel that it is my duty to give you "Car Reviews". I have friends that trade in often and I travel for work so I get to spend alot of time in different automobiles. So from now on when I get into a new car I will let you guys know how it drives, what kind of mpg I get and all the lil quirks with them.
04 Kia Optima LX
Starting Price - $16,490
Price as Tested - $17,510
STANDARD FEATURES
Cruise Control
Air Conditioning
138hp, 2.4L DOHC I4
4-wheel Disc Brakes
Power Steering w/Tilt
AM/FM/CD Stereo w/6-speakers
Power Windows/Mirror/Door Locks
Optional Equipment
4-Sp Automatic Transmission with Sportshift - $1020
I picked up this car today, it was between this, a Camry and a Taurus. I have driven the Hyundai Sonata before and liked the MPG I got so I figured why not try its brother.
The power is pretty decent and the transmission wont shift early if you have your foot in it. Engine is powerful considering the HP rating of 138. It definatly is a lil buzzy in the upper RPMs but smooth. The sportshift feature is nice when you wanna have that downshift and pass urge. The steering is a tad bit on the loose side for me. The wheel feels like there is no resistance, but for some that is a plus. Handling is adequate for daily use, its a smooth ride and quiet. Would have rather had the 16 in wheels for the test run.
The interior layout is simple but neatly displayed. It comes with all the standard power features (Locks, Windows, Mirrors, Trunk Release). The seats looks to be 6 way adjustable and arent too bad for a low priced car. Its not too bad on interior room but could be a lil bigger (I am 6'3 so the more room the better). The HVAC system is nice, puts out nice heat and the A/C is crisp. The radio is very basic, but it does have 6-Speakers and the bass hits decent for an OEM radio.
The exterior is classy in my opinion, all painted handles,mirrors and moldings. The LX comes with hubcabs that dont look too bad. The trunk is spacious and offers alot of room. The trunk is attached to the car with lifts rather than arms for some added room. Also it has a low lift point (ground to trunk floor) so you ront have to lift heavy items up too far.
All in all I give it a thumbs up. It would have been nice to have the 2.7L V-6 rather than the 4-Cyl. I could only imagine how it would run
Eric
