Kia

2011 Kia Optima LX

Family Friendliness: 8.3

Recommended: Yes

Specifications also apply EX models with base 2.4-liter engine.

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What it Is: A midsize four-door five passenger sedan.
Who it's For: Families looking to stretch their dollar on a five-passenger sedan.
What's Hot: Low price, excellent fuel economy, plentiful features.
What's Not: Narrow windows, limited rear visibility.
Family Friendly Features: Navigation, backup camera, USB input, panoramic sunroof.
How It Got Its Score: The 2011 Kia Optima boasts excellent crash test scores, a big trunk, great fuel economy and a low price. Put it all together and you have a very Family Friendly sedan.

The 2011 Kia Optima is based on the same basic mechanical underpinnings as the excellent 2011 Hyundai Sonata. So it's no surprise that the Optima is also a high-value, low-cost sedan with similar fuel economy and family friendly options. The base engine here puts out 200 hp, more than enough to motivate this big sedan, which misses the "large" sedan category by only a couple of cubic feet. Even fully loaded, the Optima still costs less than $28,000, a price which includes a navigation system, leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Optima's biggest fault is its small rear window, which makes seeing what's behind you a challenge. while reverse sensors or blind spot indicators would be welcome on the options list, unfortunately neither is available. Still, this is a fine sedan, and one that's a great alternative to segment mainstays like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

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