I sell batteries and have seen a huge reduction in the Optima warranties over the last year or two. I think it has to do with a new plant they built just recently.

There is an Optima internet relations guy that I am surprised hasn't stopped in here yet. He appeared on a jeep forum I am on when there was a thread bashing them. He had some good answers and was very profesional. I guess he monitors google for optima bashing maybe

I have had a red top in my Jeep for 3 years now with no trouble. I will be going with a yellow top in my Barracuda.