Palm Kia

Each year, automakers deliver a collection of new models and remakes for buyers to choose from. The selection can be overwhelming, leaving consumers scratching their heads asking the critical question: Which is the best?

This year, Cars.com awarded the 2011 Kia Optima its Platinum Best of 2011 Award. Yeah?It's a pretty big deal. What makes it even more momentous is how the Optima ascended from its fourth-place ranking five years ago.

Speaking…