The 2008 Kia Optima midsize sedan comes with an affordable price tag and a generous list of standard equipment. For 2008, Optima adds an auxiliary input jack, gets updated supervision gauges, and black side mirrors. The Kia Optima compares favorably in terms of MSRP, fuel economy, and a Powertrain Warranty of 120 months/100,000 miles. The midsize Kia Optima sedan is sold in two trim levels, the LX and EX.

Kia Optima buyers have two engine choices. A 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter Inline-four cylinder engine is standard on the LX. Optional on the LX and standard on the EX is a 185-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode; the V-6 comes with the automatic transmission only. Mileage ratings are 24/34 mpg (city/highway) with the 5-speed manual and 24/34 mpg (city/highway) with the five-speed automatic.

The Kia Optima features a neat grille with horizontal slats; clear lens projector headlights slant upwards away from the rounded front fender. Tires give the car a solid stance and a wider track. Inside, the cabin has plenty of headroom and legroom, and a sumptuous level of convenience features which can be configured to meet personal requirements. Options include leather seating, automatic temperature control, and a 360-watt Infinity premium audio.

kia Optima earns five stars, the highest, safety rating in the latest frontal and side impact crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition, Optima also earned the highest possible rating in front and rear impact tests according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Four-wheel disc brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front and rear crumple zones, and lower anchors and tethers for children (latch) are standard.