2002 Kia Optima Review (continued)
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Summary

Kia Optima excels at providing surprisingly good transportation at a reasonable cost, several hundred dollars less on each model this year than less, in fact. Don't expect the name Kia to be the talk around the water cooler, but your monthly payment will be something to talk about, especially in conversations that include the warranty, the roadside assistance plan, and all the standard features.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	LX ($14,899); SE ($16,549); LX V6 ($17,449); SE V6 ($18,849)
Engines:	2.7-liter dohc 24v V6
Transmissions:	4-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	front airbags w/passenger detection, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners w/force limiters, rear childseat anchors, first aid kit
Saftey Equipment (optional):	ABS
Basic Warranty:	5 years/60,000 miles
Assembled In:

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	SE V6 ($18,849)
Standard Equipment:	air conditioning, power antenna, variable intermittent wipers, heated power mirrors, fog lights, alloy wheels, 120-watt AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, power mirrors, power locks w/keyless remote and alarm, 8-way power driver's seat, adjustable rear headrest, 60/40-split folding rear seats, map lights, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, moonroof
Options As Tested (MSRP):	antilock brakes ($795); leather package ($995); floormats ($80)
Destination Charge:	495
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	21214
Layout:	front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	178 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	181 @ 4000
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	18/24
Wheelbase:	106.3
Length/width/height:	186.2/71.7/55.5
Track, f/r:	60.6/60.2
Turning circle:	34.1
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.0/55.8/43.3
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.6/54.4/36.2
Cargo volume:	13.6
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	Independent
Suspension, r:	Independent
Ground clearance:	6.1
Curb weight:	3223
Tires:	P205/60R15
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc with opt. ABS
Fuel capacity:	17.2