Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Sedan
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families, commuters, individuals seeking a balance of comfort, efficiency, and value
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            European-inspired design, premium interior feel for its class
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Strong feature set for the price, excellent warranty coverage (at time of sale)
        
     
    
        
            Manual Advantage:
        
        
            Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level repair knowledge, reducing reliance on dealerships and specialized shops
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Systems:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, engine control (ECU/ECM), turbocharging (if applicable)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Systems:
        
        
            Automatic transmission (AT) and Manual transmission (MT) - overhaul, diagnosis, fluid service
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Systems:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD), axle shafts, CV joints, differential
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Systems:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
        
     
    
        
            Braking Systems:
        
        
            Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS, EBD, brake hydraulics, caliper and rotor specifications, brake fluid type
        
     
    
        
            Steering Systems:
        
        
            Power steering (hydraulic/electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Systems:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories, wiring diagrams
        
     
    
        
            Body Systems:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, bumpers, glass, seals
        
     
    
        
            HVAC Systems:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbags, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnosis
        
     
    
        
            Infotainment Systems:
        
        
            Audio system, navigation (if equipped), display units
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance Procedures:
        
        
            Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Procedures:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Required special tools and equipment for specific repairs
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds)
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Capabilities:
        
        
            Advanced diagnostics, including scan tool data interpretation and electrical circuit tracing
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
        
     
    
        
            Tolerances:
        
        
            Engine component clearances and tolerances for rebuilds
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive, color-coded electrical wiring diagrams
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code 1:
        
        
            G4KD (2.4L Theta II MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type 1:
        
        
            Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 1:
        
        
            2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke 1:
        
        
            87.0 mm x 97.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 1:
        
        
            9.5:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 1:
        
        
            175 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1:
        
        
            169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Delivery 1:
        
        
            Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code 2:
        
        
            G6DJ (3.5L Lambda II GDi)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type 2:
        
        
            V6, DOHC, 24-Valve
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 2:
        
        
            3470 cc (3.5 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2:
        
        
            274 hp @ 6400 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2:
        
        
            245 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Delivery 2:
        
        
            Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi)
        
     
    
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            87 Octane (Minimum)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating:
        
        
            4 out of 5 stars (for most 2011 models)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Top Safety Pick:
        
        
            Yes (for models equipped with specific safety features)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
        
     
    
        
            Ebd:
        
        
            Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
        
     
    
        
            Esc:
        
        
            Standard (Electronic Stability Control)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard (TCS)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front, front side, and side curtain airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
        
        
            75,000 miles (120,000 km) for 2.4L (NGK Iridium) / 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for 3.5L (GDi - Long Life)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions (severe duty may require more frequent changes)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec:
        
        
            API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 (Synthetic Recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
        
        
            4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
        
        
            5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Spec:
        
        
            API/ASTM D3306, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, premixed 50/50 (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Spec:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Complaints:
        
        
            Occasional reports of oil consumption in early 2.4L Theta II engines, potential for steering column clunk, minor HVAC control panel issues, potential for water pump leaks
        
     
    
        
            Recall Information:
        
        
            Refer to NHTSA website for any applicable recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer Origin:
        
        
            South Korea
        
     
    
        
            Brand Growth:
        
        
            Known for offering value-oriented vehicles with improving quality and design
        
     
    
    
        
            Generation Introduction:
        
        
            Second generation (TF) Optima, introduced for the 2011 model year
        
     
    
        
            Design Influence:
        
        
            Significant styling update, adopting Kia's 'Tiger-nose' grille and a more sleek, coupe-like profile, heavily influenced by Peter Schreyer's design direction
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Hwasung, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA
        
     
    
        
            Production Years For Gen:
        
        
            2011-2015