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Old 07-15-2008, 03:26 PM   #14 (permalink)
Michael_S
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Re: Kia Optima: 2008 YTD Sales Runaway for Fuel Efficient, Affordable Car

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grymm View Post
Little Kia is reaping the rewards of thinking small and efficient.
Kia hedged their bet just like everyone else. Their newest vehicle is a body on frame 7-passenger SUV with a 270'ish horsepower V6 or 337 horsepower V8. They were even planning a midsize V8 pickup for a while.

The difference between Kia and GM is that Kia covered their bases. They kept their small and midsize cars affordable, reasonable efficient, and cheap while also expanding into the SUV arena. GM went full speed ahead on its pickups and large SUVs and let the Aveo and Cobalt rot. Thank heaven GM leaders were bright enough to update the Malibu, or the Malibu classic would be collecting dust or selling at pitifully low margins right now too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grymm View Post
I don't know why people quote IIHS and other such nonsense. Look outside dude. People don't care anymore.
You're right. But it always shocks me. The first thing I would check before a car purchase is the IIHS crash ratings. Nobody else I know that shops for cars checks them at all. If an automaker advertises them on television or radio, people remember. But otherwise, nobody bothers to look.

The 2008 Fusion and 2008 Malibu have "Good" ratings from the IIHS in front and side impacts. I bet I'm the only person here who knew that already.
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