Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a reliable and value-oriented sedan
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Taurus
Value Proposition:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, good feature set for the price
Design Philosophy:
Focus on practicality and value, with a European-influenced styling for its generation
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, exhaust system, fuel system, cooling system, intake system
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting system, audio system, power accessories, wiring diagrams, diagnostics
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, HVAC system, interior trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, electrical system diagnosis
Repair:
Component removal and installation, component overhaul, body repair procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, tolerances, clearances, wiring schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower:
124 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves
Bore X Stroke:
81.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Engine Management System:
Kia Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2493 cc)
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Alternative Engine Features
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves
Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 72.0 mm
Transmission Control:
Electronically Controlled
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (manual)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios available in the manual
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Specific ratios available in the manual
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specs)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SPII or SPIII equivalent (refer to manual for exact specs)
Length:
4745 mm (186.8 in)
Height:
1430 mm (56.3 in)
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 in)
Front Track:
1515 mm (59.6 in)
Rear Track:
1505 mm (59.3 in)
Curb Weight 2.0L:
Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs)
Curb Weight 2.5L:
Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle placard (typically around 1950 kg / 4300 lbs)
Trunk Capacity:
Approximately 450 liters (15.9 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2001 model year, though specific ratings can vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for vehicles of this era, specific Optima 2001 ratings may vary)
ABS:
Available (Anti-lock Braking System) on select trims
Traction Control:
Not commonly equipped
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM CD player with 4 or 6 speakers, optional premium audio system
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning standard, optional automatic climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped, aftermarket solutions may be available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, consult manual for iridium or platinum specs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical maintenance item, typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) for interference engines. Refer to manual for exact interval and engine type.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter for 2.0L, 4.5 liters (4.7 US quarts) with filter for 2.5L
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SH or higher, refer to manual for exact specification and temperature range)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water (refer to manual for Kia specified coolant type)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type)
Common Complaints:
Minor electrical issues (e.g., window regulators), occasional coolant leaks, potential for catalytic converter issues, suspension component wear (bushings, struts)
Engine Common Issues:
Some reports of oil consumption in higher mileage engines, occasional ignition coil failures
Transmission Common Issues:
Automatic transmission can be prone to rough shifting if fluid is not maintained. Manual transmissions generally reliable.
Kia History:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for producing affordable and reliable vehicles.
Optima Generation 1 Start:
2001
Optima Platform:
Based on the Hyundai Sonata platform
Manufacturing Location:
Hwasung, South Korea
Production Years Generation 1:
2001-2006
