Target Audience:
Discerning car owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Vehicle Strengths:
Value proposition, comfortable ride, spacious interior, good feature set for the price
Manual Value:
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their vehicle, potentially saving significant costs on labor
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection, starting system, charging system, sensors, ECM/PCM
Transmission Manual:
Manual gearbox repair, clutch, gears, bearings, seals
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission diagnosis, overhaul, valve body, torque converter, fluid
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, pump, rack and pinion, steering column, linkage
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers
Body Exterior:
Body panel repair, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, trim
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, trim panels, HVAC controls, interior lighting
Electrical Chassis:
Lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, mirrors, central locking
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelts, SRS module
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plugs, fluid checks, belt inspection
Scheduled Maintenance:
Maintenance schedules based on mileage and time intervals
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major and minor components
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring schematics
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Diagnostic Procedures:
Systematic fault finding and diagnostic techniques
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhaul)
Engine Code Gasoline 1:
G4KA (2.4L DOHC I4)
Displacement Gasoline 1:
2351 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower Gasoline 1:
162-175 hp (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Gasoline 1:
160-166 lb-ft (depending on market and specific tuning)
Engine Code Gasoline 2:
G6CU (2.7L DOHC V6)
Displacement Gasoline 2:
2656 cc (2.7 Liters)
Horsepower Gasoline 2:
185-190 hp (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Gasoline 2:
180-185 lb-ft (depending on market and specific tuning)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Refer to manual for specific pressure values (typically 40-60 PSI)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., HOAT or OAT, consult manual for specific Kia recommendation)
Oil Type Gasoline 1:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5)
Oil Capacity Gasoline 1:
Approx. 4.5-4.7 liters (with filter)
Oil Type Gasoline 2:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5)
Oil Capacity Gasoline 2:
Approx. 4.8-5.0 liters (with filter)
Spark Plugs Type Gasoline 1:
Iridium type (e.g., NGK IFR5J11 or equivalent)
Spark Plug Gap Gasoline 1:
1.0-1.1 mm (0.040-0.044 in)
Spark Plugs Type Gasoline 2:
Iridium type (e.g., NGK IFR5A11 or equivalent)
Spark Plug Gap Gasoline 2:
1.0-1.1 mm (0.040-0.044 in)
Type Gasoline 1:
5-speed Manual
Type Gasoline 2:
4-speed Automatic (optional on 2.4L, standard on 2.7L V6)
Type Gasoline 1 Optional:
4-speed Automatic
Fluid Type Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Fluid Capacity Automatic:
Approx. 7.0-7.5 liters (dry fill, check manual for specific procedure and drain/fill capacity)
Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, check manual for specific viscosity)
Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approx. 2.0-2.2 liters
Length:
Approx. 4800 mm (189.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1805 mm (71.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1460 mm (57.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1650 kg (3300-3640 lbs), varies by engine and trim
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate or manual
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 490 liters (17.3 cu ft)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Likely 4 or 5 Stars (refer to specific NHTSA reports for 2007 models, varies by sub-model)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Likely 4 or 5 Stars (refer to specific NHTSA reports for 2007 models, varies by sub-model)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:
Good (Good rating for the 2007 Optima in IIHS testing)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Traction Control:
Optional or Standard depending on trim level
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional or Standard depending on trim level (often labeled ESC or ESP)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional Curtain Airbags (for front and rear occupants)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline 1:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium plugs
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline 2:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium plugs
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months (under severe conditions, or as per manual recommendation)
Timing Belt Replacement:
This model uses a timing chain, not a belt, for both engines. Check manual for chain tensioner/guide inspection.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific grade)
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or equivalent (Dexron III ATF is sometimes acceptable, check manual)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5-8.0 liters (for 2.4L), 8.0-8.5 liters (for 2.7L V6)
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some owners report higher than expected oil consumption on certain 2.4L Theta engines; regular monitoring is advised.
Transmission Shifting:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions; fluid and filter service often helps.
Suspension Noises:
Worn sway bar links or bushings can lead to clunking noises over bumps.
Power Window Motors:
Some instances of power window motor failure.
Evaporative Emission Control System:
Check Engine Light related to EVAP system leaks (e.g., purge valve, vent control solenoid).