I've used them (Optima batteries) in all my vehicles since 1995. Never had one go bad, but the BIG selling point for me was that they don't leak. After having a conventional "maintenance free" battery leak in my show truck, I have made it a point to get Optima batteries.
They can sit for months without charging, charge relatively quickly (follow the instructions), and the yellow top is perfect for my "garage queen".
Folks having problems with Optima batteries usually are not following the directions on the proper care and feeding. You can't leave it (or any battery) hooked up to a conventional charger and not expect to cook off the electrolyte, but folks do and are surprised. Even trickle chargers can be a problem if the rate is too high.
