🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Optima

Year:

2008

Generation Code:

MG (Second Generation)

Platform:

Hyundai-Kia JF platform

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2008 Kia Optima was a mid-size sedan competing in a segment with established players like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion. It aimed to offer a compelling blend of style, features, and value.

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Mitsubishi Galant.

Features:

Distinctive exterior styling, comfortable interior, available V6 engine option, comprehensive safety features for its class, and a competitive price point.

📋 Manual Details

Areas Covered:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

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

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

Engine operation, transmission functions, braking system basics, steering system overview, electrical system controls, lighting operations, climate control, infotainment/audio, interior features, safety restraint systems, security and locking mechanisms.

Procedures:

Routine checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), fluid level checks and top-offs, basic bulb replacement, fuse identification and replacement, understanding dashboard warning lights, operating vehicle features (wipers, lights, audio, climate), child seat installation guidelines, emergency procedures, basic cleaning and care, key fob operation, remote entry system usage.

Depth:

Covers user-level maintenance and operation. Provides essential information for day-to-day use and basic owner-performed checks. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, typically high resolution for clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.4L Inline-4 (G4KC Theta II) and 2.7L V6 (G6BA Delta).

Horsepower Torque 2 4L:

Approximately 165-175 hp and 160-170 lb-ft of torque.

Horsepower Torque 2 7L V6:

Approximately 185-195 hp and 175-185 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature range).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5-5.0 quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) with filter for 2.4L; approximately 5.0-5.5 quarts (4.7-5.2 liters) with filter for 2.7L V6.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Octane Rating:

Minimum 87 octane (R+M)/2

Air Filter Part Numbers:

Part numbers vary by filter manufacturer, but typical equivalents exist (e.g., Fram CA9911, Wix 49368 for 2.4L; Fram CA9902, Wix 49233 for 2.7L V6 - verify with actual vehicle VIN).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2 4L:

5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic

Transmission Type 2 7L V6:

4-speed automatic

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic was standard on V6, available on 4-cylinder.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific Kia specification).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

Approximately 70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

Approximately 57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Curb Weight 2 4L:

Approximately 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg)

Curb Weight 2 7L V6:

Approximately 3400-3600 lbs (1540-1630 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 14.7 cubic feet (416 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Passenger:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Crash Rating:

Good (for models tested)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (for models tested)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (availability may vary by trim).

Passive Safety Features:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with available SiriusXM satellite radio, auxiliary audio input jack, and premium Infinity audio system on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on some trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Standard or available remote keyless entry system with key fob.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external music players.

Headlights:

Multi-reflector halogen headlights, with available fog lights.

Climate System:

Manual or automatic climate control with air conditioning and cabin air filter.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (severe vs. normal). Refer to the manual for exact recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment. Inspect more frequently.

Coolant Replacement Interval:

Initial change at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2-3 years thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for the automatic transmission, or sooner under severe use. Consult manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for confirmation).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Typically ATF Dexron III or equivalent; check manual for exact specification.

Common Wear Items:

Front suspension components (bushings, ball joints), catalytic converter issues, occasional transmission solenoid problems, and potential for brake wear.

Interior Trim Wear:

Some owners have reported wear on interior plastics and upholstery over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Background:

Kia Motors is a South Korean automobile manufacturer founded in 1944. It is part of the Hyundai Motor Group and has grown significantly over the decades, gaining a reputation for offering value-packed vehicles with improving quality and design.

Second Generation Introduction:

The second generation (MG) Optima was introduced for the 2006 model year and received a significant update for 2009. The 2008 model represents the pre-facelift version of this generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Assembled in Hwaseong, South Korea.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Achieved top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its model year, indicating good performance in crash tests.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports typically rated the 2008 Optima in the 'Average' to 'Above Average' range for predicted reliability, depending on specific components and model year updates.