Target Audience:
Owner-operators, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Value Proposition:
Comprehensive repair information, empowering users to perform maintenance and repairs efficiently and accurately, saving on dealership costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (including operation, diagnosis, and repair)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, axles, differential, hub bearings
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, disc brakes, drum brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, wipers, horns, fuses, relays
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, underbody coating
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, structural components
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, belt inspections/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Rebuild:
Engine rebuild specifications, transmission rebuild procedures
Installation:
Component replacement procedures (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump)
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Code:
G4KA / G4KC (common for this generation)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
2.4L (2351 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 175-180 hp @ 6000 rpm (may vary slightly by market/specific engine variant)
Torque:
Approx. 165-170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (may vary slightly by market/specific engine variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics
Length:
Approx. 189.1 inches (4803 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.1 inches (2720 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200 - 3400 lbs (1451 - 1542 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model configuration (refer to vehicle placard)
NHTSA Front Crash:
Good (for the driver and passenger in frontal crash tests, per IIHS/NHTSA standards of the era)
NHTSA Side Crash:
Good (for the driver and passenger in side crash tests, per IIHS/NHTSA standards of the era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags (standard on most trims)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system, often with MP3 playback capability. Higher trims may feature a premium audio system and/or SiriusXM satellite radio.
Display:
Central dashboard display for audio, climate, and vehicle information. Some models may have a small LCD screen in the instrument cluster.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external devices.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry and ignition system on higher trim levels.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions; refer to manual for severe conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs (verify specific plug type and interval in manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years (using appropriate coolant type).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (confirm viscosity and specification from owner's manual or oil fill cap).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change (for 2.4L engine).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify from owner's manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (check manual for specific type).
Engine Noise:
Some reports of minor piston slap or clicking noises from the 2.4L engine, particularly when cold. Generally considered normal by some, but worth investigating if severe.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or delayed engagement in the automatic transmission. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension Wear:
Front strut mounts, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can be wear items over time, leading to clunking noises over bumps.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many vehicles of this era, minor electrical issues like faulty window regulators or minor sensor malfunctions can occur.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its aggressive product development and increasing global presence.
Optima History:
The Kia Optima (originally named Magentis in some markets) debuted in 2000 as Kia's mid-size sedan offering. The 2007 model represents the second generation (MG), which introduced significant styling and engineering updates over its predecessor.
Production Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market from 2007 onwards, although early MG models were primarily imported).