Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a reliable, stylish, and value-oriented sedan; DIY mechanics and professional repair shops.
Key Competitors 2007:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda6, Hyundai Sonata.
Value Proposition:
Offers a blend of European-inspired styling, comfortable interior, competent performance, and advanced safety features at a competitive price point.
Design Philosophy:
Exterior design by Peter Schreyer, emphasizing a clean, modern, and dynamic profile.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, inspection, overhaul), fuel system (delivery, injection, control), cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emission control systems (OBD-II), starting and charging system.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, maintenance, repair), automatic transmission (hydraulic control, planetary gears, maintenance, repair, torque converter).
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive system, drive shafts, CV joints, differential.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), braking system (ABS, hydraulic components, disc/drum brake service, parking brake).
Electrical Electronic Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, comfort features, engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), body control module (BCM).
HVAC Body Chassis:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis frame, exhaust system, fuel tank and lines.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork procedures.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution.
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures, torque specifications, critical assembly sequences.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system information, sensor data interpretation, and troubleshooting of electronic control units (ECUs).
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Available on 2.4L models)
Optional Transmission 1:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (Standard on most 2.4L models, optional on some)
Optional Transmission 2:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Standard on 3.5L V6 models)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic, potentially with a manual shift mode (Sportmatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (Refer to manual for specific Kia part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SPIII ATF or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Kia part number)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (2007 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (2007 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Passenger:
5-Star (2007 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Passenger:
5-Star (2007 Model Year)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (2007 Model Year)
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good (2007 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (depending on driving conditions).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) using original equipment iridium spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as indicated by maintenance schedule, especially under severe usage.
Timing Belt Replacement 3.5L V6:
Crucial: Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years (whichever comes first). Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 or 5W-20 (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 2.4L; Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) for 3.5L V6 (refer to manual for exact capacity).
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (OAT, Blue) - Ethylene Glycol based. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for specific type).
Common Problem 1:
CV Axle Boots: Premature wear or tearing of front CV axle boots leading to grease leakage and potential joint failure.
Common Problem 2:
Oil Consumption (2.4L): Some reports of higher-than-average oil consumption, potentially related to piston ring wear or PCV system issues.
Common Problem 3:
ABS/ESC Warning Lights: Can be triggered by faulty wheel speed sensors or issues with the ABS module.
Common Problem 4:
HVAC Blower Motor: Occasional failure of the blower motor or its resistor.
Common Problem 5:
Door Lock Actuators: Failure of the door lock actuators can lead to doors not locking or unlocking properly.
Kia History:
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, initially producing steel tubing and bicycle parts before moving into trucks and eventually passenger cars.
Optima Lineage:
The Optima (known as Kia Lotze in some markets) replaced the Kia Magna/Optima. The 2007 model represents the second generation (MG), designed by Peter Schreyer, significantly enhancing its styling and appeal over its predecessor.
Production Location:
Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (Kia Hwaseong Plant)
Production Years Mg Generation:
2005-2010