There are a number of reasons to love the Kia Optima. There's the fact that it's currently produced at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, right here in the U.S. Then, there's also the fact that it offers a distinct style at a competitive price as pointed out by men's lifestyle magazine Esquire; something that we here at Elk Grove Kia are particularly proud of.

The Esquire "2011 Design and Technology Awards" take the time to officially recognize some of the best that the automotive industry has to offer in a wide range of categories. In the "Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K" segment, the Kia Optima truly thrived. In fact, it came in first place due to its simply yet striking style and laundry list of standard features, along with its reasonable sticker price of $19,950. Editors at the magazine stated that "A decade ago, a shape this clean and inspiring would've cost real money."¹

Of course, we should also note that this isn't the flagship Kia model's first brush with success. Rather, the Optima has been well received by Edmunds Inside Line, who it the 2011 "Editors' Most Wanted" vehicle, as well as by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, who called it the 2011 "Best New Model."

All of that praise, however, has not gone to our favorite South Korean automaker's head. Rather, if anything, they've managed to improve the Optima in recent years, making it safer than ever before. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a 2011 "Top Safety Pick," and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) gave it a five-star crash test safety rating.

"The stunning design and value of the Optima has significantly increased awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand," ² says Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Kia Motors America.

If you'd like to learn more about the current Kia Optima, then make sure to stay tuned. After all, everyone here at 8480 Laguna Grove Dr. Elk Grove, CA 95757 is dedicated to keeping you informed. As such, you can learn more about the specific models that we carry within the greater Sacramento area simply by browsing our new Kia inventory and showroom pages online.

Once there, you'll find a wide range of info regarding each of the specific models that we carry, such as the Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, and Kia Forte, as well as our incredible lineup of used Kia models. But, if you really want to get a good sense of the new or used car you've been eyeing, then we invite you to arrange a test drive by dialing (877) 268-4983 or by submitting a contact form online.

Sources:

- ¹http://www.esquire.com/features/cars/best-designed-cars-2011-9#fbIndex2
- ²http://www.kiamedia.com/secure/corporate090611.html