Are Optima Batteries any good?

**The Guz** · 04-02-2009

I have had my car for 10 years. I had the stock battery for two years before the terminal leaked. I bought a yellow top and that lasted 7 years. I replaced it with a red top that I have had for almost a year. So far so good with optima.

**GeddyLee** · 04-02-2009

This might help Shawn

I checked Consumer Reports Online and they tested batteries with the top and side post connectors and here were their findings....

1. Sears Platinum Battery (I bought this one) rated in with a score of 91, but it also cost $180 bucks.

2. Optima Red Top Battery rated second with a score of 76 and it costs $150 bucks (thats actually priced a lot higher than I have seen at Costco, they had them for a little over $100 bucks)

5. Napa Select 84 34/78 rated at 5th spot with a score of 67 and was picked as a Consumer Reports "best buy" selection costing $82

The Everstart batteries from Walmart rated in the low 60's and their price averaged around $75 bucks.

I went with the best cause you want to have a good battery regardless of whatever you do. The Napa is a good middle ground battery that should provide ample power. I can say after owning 2 Everstart batteries from Walmart in 3 years, they are not worth their weight in salt. I choose the Sears Platinum cause it was the best in all categories. Sure it cost weight more, but with the extra year warranty and the extra year of a prorated warranty I felt it worth the extra change.