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Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
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2008 Kia Optima

*Est. $16,355 to $20,500

Pros

Roomy backseat and smooth ride
Good fit and finish
Powertrain warranty
Superior crash-test ratings

Cons

Lethargic engine, inefficient automatic transmission
Tire noise on highway
Some important safety features are not standard
Resale value expected to be low

Our Analysis

Review coverage for the Kia Optima is somewhat sparse, because this inexpensive midsized sedan is not a top-seller. Still, we found helpful reviews from a number of sources. Consumer Reports magazine is well-known for the thorough nature of its evaluations, and editors provide a wealth of information regarding the 2008 Optima's performance, including how the car ranks against others in its class. ConsumerGuide.com provides timely analysis. Editors at Edmunds.com and CarCritic.com offer good single-vehicle reviews of the 2008 Kia Optima, though the focus of each is very different. Brief coverage in articles from About.com and the San Francisco Chronicle address issues such as family functionality, pricing and safety.

The 2008 Kia Optima receives no shortage of positive commentary regarding its feature content and ride comfort, especially relative to its price. Some reviews complain that the suspension creaks excessively, and that the Optima is a bit underpowered. Also, some important safety features that are often standard in midsized sedans are added-cost options on the Kia Optima. On the whole, most sources agree that the Optima's assets strongly outweigh its liabilities. The Optima is not as highly regarded as the similarly sized Honda Accord (*est. $20,360 to $30,510), but it has a lower price. On the other hand, the similarly priced Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250) is the top-rated economy sedan, but the Optima offers greater size. Reviews say that the Optima offers midsize functionality and quality at a compact, budget-friendly price.

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors at Consumer Reports evaluate the 2008 Kia Optima. Performance and ergonomics are discussed, and editors include an analysis of safety features and presumed long-term reliability. Test results are comprehensive and easy to read.

Review: 2008 Kia Optima, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

After thorough testing, the 2008 Kia Optima's overall score is roughly average for its class. Editors award the Optima their "Recommended" label anyway, saying it's an excellent overall value despite a few shortcomings.

Review: 2008 Kia Optima, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 22, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors at Edmunds.com evaluate the 2008 Kia Optima on such qualities as safety, interior design and driving experience. They conclude that the Optima is now a genuine competitor in its price class.

Review: 2008 Kia Optima Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

4. CarCritic.comDetails/Subscribe

Reflecting CarCritic.com's emphasis on long-term reliability, this review notes significant improvements seen recently among Korean cars, including the 2008 Kia Optima, and says that the now-recommended Kia Optima is an excellent bargain.

Review: 2008 Kia Optima, Don Vorderman

5. About.com

About.com car guide Aaron Gold compiles this list of the cars he considers to be the best values in today's market, in all price ranges. Three compact economy cars – the Kia Optima, Nissan Versa and Suzuki SX4 – are included. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Top 10 Deals on Wheels, Aaron Gold

6. San Francisco Chronicle

This Associated Press story on crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that the 2008 Kia Optima received the highest possible scores for front- and rear-impact tests, as well as the second-highest score in side-impact testing.

Review: Midsize Cars Show Improvement in Crash Tests, Ken Thomas, Apr.10, 2008

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