2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo (883)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo. This Optima may be a little Extreme for those who value fuel economy more than speed and acceleration you get from a Turbo.

But on the whole even this speed demon gets as much as 34 mpg on the highway as opposed to its Hybrid sibling that gets 40 mpg.

General Info:

1% of Parts are from the US and Canadian; 86% come from Korea including the Engine & Transmission. It is assembled in Korea. Class is Midsize. Cars from Kia include Forte, Forte Koup, Optima, Optima Turbo, Optima Hybrid, Rio, Rio 5, Sedona, Sorento, Soul & Sportage.

Opinion:

Union interference:

With exceptional industries and companies in the world there is a balance of rights for workers, owners and investors alike. That balance means responsibility of both labor and management. Nowhere in that equation is a union needed. In fact the most successful companies are not hampered by union interference. Those companies have labor and management who work well together.

But too often greed enters the picture. If the owner expects more than is right, labor will go elsewhere and that company will suffer and fail. Unions simply promise just as unrealistic expectations for labor and the war begins until the business fails from excess labor cost. You can take that fact to the bank.

The auto industry is a clear example of unions killing the American auto industry with double the labor cost of foreign cars. You do the math and decide which is the better product and one that will be around at the end of the battle. The only difference is the insane labor cost of about $78 per hour for Union car makers versus about $45 per hour for NON-Union labor. Get the picture?

Common sense exposes union labor as ‘obscene’ and it is blood money paid to the Union Boss Goons who do nothing for the worker except guarantee the worker will be out of a job. And when money to lobby and bribe and extort is no longer available there go the retirement plans. Make no mistake, companies are wising up and will move to friendlier labor forces either in the US or they will go abroad.

Case in point today is how Boeing made the decision to move to a right to work state and get the UNION Monkey off their backs. GE took their show to Europe and I have friends who have taken their companies to China. The fault lies in union examples like teachers, police and government unions which are organized and legalized Crime. They were founded by the mob, Mafia or whatever you want to call them, and they have outlived their usefulness. They are BAD for business and BAD for America.

A little research will show that the Korean government has consistently opposed attempts of Union organizers to spread their cancer there. Bravo – and all the more reason to buy a Korean car.

Handling & Performance:

Yes, a turbo is fast which allows you to get out of your own way and out of harms way as well. That is most evident when you need to get around slow traffic and especially when you enter the freeway fast enough to get into the flow more safely.

However that acceleration can get the inexperienced driver into trouble if they aren’t totally aware of the conditions of cars merging together where a lapse in judgment and experience can cause an accident.

Styling:

I like the styling and the people I talked with gave this Optima two thumbs up as well.

Fit and Finish:

Quite good.

Cost:

Competitive in class for a turbo.

Conveniences and comfort:

All you are likely to need including hands free cell use which became more important after I got a $160 fine for not using my portable one in a test car without it. The convenience is that it ‘pairs’ automatically to protect you against a lapse of memory to turn it on. For you who haven’t experienced a citation for not using hands free the second ticket is over $400. That won’t happen to me as the first was the last.

Consumer Recommendation:

Korean cars have earned your consideration in your next buying decision. I believe you’ll be glad you did include it in your search. In fact you will get the best bang for your buck when you buy a car that is NOT union made, which explains the fantastic success of car makers like Toyota.

Recognized Competition:

Kia Optima Turbo $26,000, Buick LaCrosse $27,000, Chevrolet Impala $24,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22,000, Chrysler 200 $19,000, Chrysler Sebring $20,000, Dodge Avenger $19,000, Dodge Charger $25,000, Ford Fusion $20,000, Ford Taurus $26,000, Honda Accord $21,000, Honda Accord Crosstour $30,000, Hyundai Sonata $20,000, Mazda 6 $20,000, Mercury Milan $22,000, Mitsubishi Galant $22,000, Nissan Altima $20,000, Subaru Legacy $20,000, Suzuki Kizashi $19,000, Toyota Camry $20,000, Volkswagen Jetta $23,000, Volvo S40 $28,000.

Good News:

Good fuel economy, cost is fiercely competitive in a large lineup of competitors, fast and comfortable ride.

Bad News:

None noted.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 274 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed sportmatic transmission front wheel drive, electric power steering, 18” alloy wheels, front, side and side curtain airbags, LATCH child seat system, anti lock brake system, stability control, hill assist control, tire pressure monitor, climate control, audio with SIRIUS satellite radio, USB & Auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth wireless, leather seat trim, steering wheel & shift knob, 8-way power driver seat, power windows & locks & mirrors, steering wheel paddle shifters, push button start with smart key, cruise control, active ECO system, fog lights.

Gas Stats:

$3.85/ Gal avg. September 23, 2011

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

22 City and 34 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $26,000.