🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Optima

Year:

2006

Market:

MS (Likely South Korean Market designation)

Chassis Code:

GD

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan, competing in a crowded segment focused on value, reliability, and practical family transport.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata.

Value Proposition:

Offered a strong value proposition with a generous list of standard features for its price point, aiming to attract budget-conscious buyers.

Design Era:

Represents Kia's design evolution during the mid-2000s, moving towards more modern and appealing styling.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic specifications for the 2006 Kia Optima MS.

Secondary Coverage:

Customer assistance, safety defect reporting (US-specific), cleaning, and accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine compartment layout, engine oil, battery, fuel information, air filter(s), refill capacities, lubricant specifications.

Interior Controls:

Instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints.

Lighting And Visibility:

Lights, mirrors, wipers, and washers.

Operation:

Starting and driving, using climate control, operating infotainment, understanding warning lights.

Maintenance:

Basic checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), cleaning recommendations, advised maintenance schedules.

Safety:

Proper use of seat belts, airbags, child seat installation guidance, emergency procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information. Covers operation, basic checks, and recommended maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Requires PDF reader software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Quality:

Digital PDF, quality dependent on original factory scan. Typically high resolution for clarity.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6 (Likely a 2.7L or 3.5L G6CU/G6CU series engine).

Displacement:

2.7 Liters (G6CU) or 3.5 Liters (G6CU).

Cylinders:

6

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 24 Valves

Horsepower:

Approximately 170-180 hp for 2.7L; 195-205 hp for 3.5L.

Torque:

Approximately 180-190 lb-ft for 2.7L; 210-220 lb-ft for 3.5L.

System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Layout:

Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Automatic Transmission

Gears:

4-speed automatic.

Type:

Manual Transmission (Less common, potentially offered on base models or specific markets).

Gears:

5-speed manual.

Automatic Modes:

Possibly includes a 'Sport' or 'Manual' shift mode for driver engagement.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 97.1 cu ft (2749 L)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 14.9 cu ft (422 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1500-1600 kg), depending on engine and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly stated, but typical for segment.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star or 5-star (based on general performance of Kia models of this era).

IIHS Side Impact:

Likely Acceptable or Good (variable based on specific testing and vehicle configuration).

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard.

Traction Control:

Likely optional or standard on higher trims.

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may be optional or standard on certain trims.

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (optional or standard on higher trims).

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

Child Safety:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, potentially with cassette player or CD changer in higher trims. Speakers may vary by trim level.

Display:

Basic digital display for radio and climate control information.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary input jack (may be optional) for external audio devices.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Remote keyless entry likely standard or optional.

Security System:

Factory alarm system and immobilizer.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation for synthetic or high-mileage conventional oil). Check manual for specific recommendations.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (concurrent with oil change).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plugs:

Platinum tipped spark plugs recommended replacement every 60,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API certified, ILSAC GF-3 or higher). Check manual for precise recommendation based on temperature.

Transmission Fluid:

ATF SP-III (for automatic transmission).

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mopar OAT coolant or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Power Steering Fluid (Specific type may vary, consult manual).

Engine Oil Filter:

Example: Kia 26300-35051 (check for specific fitment).

Air Filter:

Example: Kia 28113-38010 (check for specific fitment).

Engine Oil:

Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) with filter for 2.7L V6; Approx. 5.2 quarts (4.9 liters) with filter for 3.5L V6.

Engine Coolant:

Approx. 7.7 quarts (7.3 liters).

Common Problems:

Premature wear of suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), occasional ABS sensor issues, and potential for minor oil leaks from the valve cover or oil pan gaskets. Some reports of HVAC blower motor resistor failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia, founded in 1944, initially produced motorcycle parts and later motorcycles, trucks, and passenger vehicles. Gained significant global presence through partnerships and aggressive product development in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Optima Generation:

This 2006 model is part of the second generation (MS platform), which was a significant improvement over the first generation, particularly in styling, refinement, and driving dynamics.

Platform Sharing:

Shared its platform with the Hyundai Sonata of the same era.

Production Period:

Second generation Optima (MS platform) produced from 2005 to 2010.

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea (primarily)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 2006 model are not widely publicized, Kia vehicles of this era generally improved in safety ratings compared to previous generations.

Consumer Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction and reliability ratings for this generation varied, with some positive marks for value and features, but some concerns regarding long-term reliability compared to segment leaders.