A five speed manual transmission is standard with the 4 cylinder, although you can upgrade to an automatic as an option. The V6 will be coupled with the five-speed automatic. Depending on which trim level you choose, fuel mileage should be between 21 and 30 mpg.

Kia didn’t mess with the interior design as much as they did the outside. The only upgrades were added connectivity options for ease of MP3 players and such, and a slightly redesigned instrument panel. However, Kia now also offers a navigation system on the Optima as an option. Unfortunately, if you want more than just the most basic safety features, you’ll have to upgrade to an option package that includes an electronic stability system and traction control. Several of the Optima’s leading competitors already offer these things as standard equipment.

The Optima is a mid-size sedan whose main competition includes the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The redesign was in an effort to keep up with these two wildly popular cars and only time will tell if Kia will be successful in that endeavor. Once again, the 2009 Optima is available in three different trim levels, the LX, EX, and SX, which is the sport model.

The biggest changes on the 2009 Optima are in the exterior design, especially the front end. If the tail was reworked, it was not enough to merit a mention. The grille and headlights have been the focus of the upgrade. However, for some reason, the face of this car is now slightly reminiscent of each of its chief competitors. The reshaped face also adds a few inches to the overall length. 16″ wheels are standard on each of the first two trim levels. They jump up to 17″ on the sporty SX model.

Portland, Oregon. Since then, Kia’s expansion has been a methodical one, building region by region, eventually adding the Sportage to their American line. Their entry strategy proved to be extremely successful, setting a new standard for entering the US market. Kia’s success was curtailed in 1997 by the Asian Financial Crisis, and the company filed bankruptcy, which resulted in its 1998 acquisition by rival South Korean company Hyundai, which outbid Ford, despite the fact that Ford had owned an interest in Kia since 1986.

Kia’s success began anew at the beginning of the 21st century, and expansion into Europe has ensured that it will continued to grow.

Asia, which means that their name can be loosely translated as Rising out of Asia. Kia, which is South Korea’s oldest car company, did indeed rise up.
It was founded in 1944 as a bicycle and steel tubing manufacturer. After changing its name from Kyungsung Precision Industry in 1952, Kia built motorcycles, trucks and cars, eventually partnering with Ford in 1986, to produce cars derived from Mazda platforms, both for domestic sales in Korea, and imports into other countries. These models include the Pride and Avella, which are better known in North America as the Ford Festiva and Ford Aspire.