Kia's Optima is a conservatively styled midsize sedan that's available with the very reliable four-cylinder. The Optima no longer comes with a cassette player but adds an auxiliary input jack for connecting MP3 players to the car's stereo. The Supervision gauges have been updated, and the side mirrors are now finished in black. Front bucket seats and a three-place, split-folding rear bench seat provide seating for up to five people. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, heated mirrors and a six-speaker CD stereo are standard. The Optima's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generates 162 horsepower. All-disc brakes, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard. Once a forgettable entry in the family sedan segment, the 2008 Kia Optima is now a solid choice thanks to many features, strong interior quality and impressive value. Excellent crash scores, plenty of standard features at a low price, spacious backseat, surprisingly involving to drive around town.