2004 Kia Optima Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The 2004 Kia Optima breaks no new styling ground. It's a basic three-box, four-door sedan with conventional proportions. Not a head turner by any means, it is handsomely done and presents itself well, with distinctively sculpted panels and balanced forms.

Last year's bright gridwork grille has been replaced for 2004 by a simple, trapezoidal opening split by a single horizontal bar. Now flanking the grille are dual headlamps, round inboard and rectangular outboard. The description sounds busy, but the actual look is satisfying, sophisticated and vaguely European.

The alloy wheels that come on the V6 models are redesigned for 2004, and EX models are accented by chrome door handles and bodyside moldings. The brightwork is well done and makes the car look richer. In fact, the Optima looks better the longer you look at it, with both an overall shape and details that are appealing.

Interior Features

The Optima's interior is as conventional as its exterior, and there's little here that will either surprise or confound the new driver. The overall quality of materials is okay. The color matches are good and the layout is appropriate, but the fit and finish is not up to the standards of Honda and Toyota. Some of the panels don't fit flush and the rear ashtray in one car squeaked. The available leather interior complements the rest of the interior nicely. It comes with genuine wood trim, though it was so over finished that it was difficult to differentiate it from the imitation wood trim that is also used.

The front bucket seats are firm, supportive and fairly flat, comfortable and well suited for hours of commuting, with enough fore-and-aft travel to accommodate the longest of legs.

The back seat is good, though putting three adults in back is requesting a bit more intimacy than most are accustomed to. The 60/40 folding rear seatback increases the versatility of the Optima.

Trunk size is adequate, with 13.6 cubic feet of cargo space, compared with 14.0 for the new Honda Accord. Optima's trunk lid has articulated hinges that don't impinge on luggage space or crush grocery bags, a nice feature.