Each year, automakers deliver new models and redesigns for consumers to choose from. The selection can be a bit 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 kind of a big deal. What makes it even more momentous is how the Optima ascended from its fourth-place ranking five years ago.

Speaking on the "smashingly handsome" 2011 Kia Optima, Cars.com had this to say, "?the new Optima did not play it safe. Its declarative stance will…