2005 Kia Optima Trims and Specs

The 2005 Kia Optima LX is the base model mid-size sedan offering from the Korean automaker. It features a 138-hp, 2.4-liter DOHC I4 engine with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed auto tran is optional. The 2005 Optima LX received few changes this year, besides clear turn signal lenses. Dual front-side airbags are standard, but ABS brakes are not offered in place of the power disc brakes. It does come with full power features, cruise control, front and overhead consoles, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, a tachometer, and a CD player.

The only options on the 2005 Optima LX, besides the auto tran, are a combo CD/cassette player and a rear spoiler. Drivers seem to like the handling and the roominess of the Optima LX. Interior materials look a little cheap, the engine is underpowered for acceleration, and there have been reported problems with Kia not supporting their warranty on the 2005 Optima LX.

A lot more standard features come with the 2005 Kia Optima EX, a front-wheel drive mid-size sedan powered by a 2.4-liter, 138-hp DOHC V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. New this year is a one-touch sunroof, and the optional leather upholstery comes with new stitching. The four-cylinder EX upgrades from the LX by adding the sunroof, power driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, foglights, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, a security system, remote garage opener, and leather and wood trim for a more upscale look.

The 2005 Optima EX sits on 15-inch alloy wheels and features dual front and side airbags, but ABS is not offered even as an option. You can make the sedan even more luxurious by adding leather seats, a power passenger seat, and a CD-changer. A rear spoiler is also optional. Rear seats split-fold, and the trunk holds up to 13.6 cubic feet of cargo. Owners say the ride is comfortable and roomy, though seating for five is a bit deceiving. High safety ratings are also a big plus for 2005 Optima EX owners.

A 2.7-liter, 170-hp DOHC V6 engine marks the difference between the 2005 Kia Optima LX V6 and its 4-cylinder sibling. It also comes only with a 4-speed Sportshift automatic. No manual is offered. The 2004 Optima LX V6 comes with larger 16-inch alloy wheels, but otherwise is like the 4-cylinder LX. It comes standard with dual front and side airbags, power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, intermittent wipers, and a tachometer.

ABS brakes are offered as an option on the 2004 Optima LX V6, as is a sporty rear spoiler. A cassette player is standard, but you can upgrade to a CD player. The front-wheel drive LX V6 gets 20/27 mpg, a little less than the four-cylinder. Good handling, power, interior room, and standard safety features make the 2005 Optima LX V6 a popular choice for budget-minded families. The trunk capacity and headroom could be bigger, say some owners.

The top-of-the-line trim for the 2005 Kia Optima is the EX V6, a mid-size sedan packed with features and decent power in its 2.7-liter, 170-hp DOHC V6. This engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic only, with no optional manual transmission. The 2005 Optima EX V6 has 16-inch alloy wheels, and dual front and side airbags, earning a 4-star rating in both front and side impacts. It adds onto the power features of the LX V6 with much of what you find in the 4-cylinder EX. This includes a sunroof, foglights, a power driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated mirrors, a garage opener, automatic climate control, and leather and wood interior accents.

There aren't much in the way of options, since the front-wheel drive Optima EX V6 is so well-equipped, but you can add leathers seats (with new stitching this year), a power passenger seat, and a CD changer. ABS brakes are optional only on the V6 Optimas. For a sporty look to go with the extra power, you can also add a rear spoiler. Owners report a smooth powertrain, easy maneuverability, and a powerful V6 engine. They also like all the standard features you get for an economy car price.