By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The new mid-sized Optima sedan is a game-changer for Kia; from its cutting-edge styling to its fuel-efficient drivetrain to its lively driving demeanor Optima can go head-to-head with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

Audacious of us to say you say. Well maybe. But once you’ve experienced the Optima, maybe not. Forget everything you have heard or experienced about Kia in the past — just wipe it out of your mind. Leave your preconceptions at the door. It is a new day.

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

From a frog to a prince; boring to exciting. From ordinary and bland to cutting edge style. That’s the Kia Sportage story.

The 2011 Sportage indeed personifies Kia’s revitalization from just OK to a legitimate challenger to the long-standing Japanese brands. Other examples for the 2011 model year include the mid-sized Sorento crossover, the all-new just-out mid-sized Optima, which is the kissing cousin to the revolutionary new Hyundai Sonata, and the compact Kia Forte.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It’s not often that we drive an all-new vehicle at any price in any segment that sufficiently answers all the questions. While the 2011 Kia Sorento isn’t perfect it comes as close as anything we've driven in recent times in the small crossover segment to get most things right.

The Sorento is a relatively inexpensive crossover that should suit the needs of a couple, or just an individual who values space and a high-riding experience with available all-wheel drive.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We drove an oxymoron to the beach. And it turned out to be, if not a perfect fit, a very suitable vehicle for hauling five passengers to dinner, cruising along the beach roads and traveling the 90 miles to and from with Allison Moorer’s live album playing through an ear-pleasing optional 270-watt Infinity sound system.

We were outfitted for a very relaxing week with a Kia luxury vehicle.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It seemed like airbag overload.

We were passing the time checking out the interior of the just-arrived Kia Spectra5 waiting for a friend to return from a convenience store errand.

We sat and marveled at the profusion of airbags in the hatchback. It took more than one hand to count the little Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) buttons situated front and back in the Kia.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We are blessed in this country with a large assortment of efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.

No, the hydrogen fuel cell has not yet arrived to the general public. And the totally electric car is still awaiting revolutionary battery technology.