🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Optima

Year:

2005

Generation:

Second Generation (MS)

Vin Code:

KNA

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata.

Model Highlights:

Known for offering a compelling value proposition with good features for the price, comfortable ride, and improving reliability. The 2005 model represents a significant update with revised styling and powertrains.

Philosophy:

Kia's strategy at this time focused on aggressive styling, extensive features, and competitive pricing to gain market share in established segments.

📋 Manual Details

Systems 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 Pages:

Approximately 300-350 pages (typical for a 2005 model year owner's manual).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fluid specifications, maintenance procedures, engine compartment overview.

Chassis:

Brake system overview, steering, suspension basics (as it pertains to driver operation and basic checks).

Electrical:

Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, basic electrical features like locks, power windows, and entertainment systems.

Interior:

Climate controls, seating adjustments, safety restraints, lock and security features, interior cleaning.

Driver Interface:

Driver controls, dashboard layout, indicator lights, warning signals.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and adding engine oil, checking coolant, checking washer fluid, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance basics.

Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, using climate controls, operating the entertainment system, using lights and wipers, locking and unlocking doors, adjusting seats and mirrors.

Safety Features:

Understanding airbags, seat belt usage, child restraint systems, child safety locks.

Troubleshooting Basics:

Interpreting warning lights and messages, basic customer assistance information.

Depth:

Covers operational aspects, routine checks, fluid levels, and basic maintenance. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures, detailed repair instructions, or wiring diagrams, which are found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Readability:

Requires a PDF reader application (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan; generally clear and readable for information extraction.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.7L V6 (G6EA)

Displacement:

2656 cc

Configuration:

DOHC, 24-valve V6

Horsepower:

185 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated)

Torque:

175 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (estimated)

Engine Type:

2.4L Inline-4 (G4JS)

Displacement:

2351 cc

Configuration:

DOHC, 16-valve Inline-4

Horsepower:

144 hp @ 5500 rpm (estimated)

Torque:

147 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (estimated)

Injection:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (Check manual for specific climate/temperature recommendations)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.2 liters) with filter for 2.7L V6; Approximately 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 2.4L I4 (Verify in manual).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (available on some trims/engines)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (common)

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, with overdrive.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (Verify in manual for specific type).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.0 inches (4750 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3200 - 3400 lbs (1450 - 1540 kg) depending on engine and trim.

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15.9 cubic feet (450 liters) (Verify in manual).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for 2005 model year in U.S.)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for vehicles with side airbags, if equipped)

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) often optional or standard on higher trims.

Passive Safety Systems:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional), side curtain airbags (optional), 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors, child safety rear door locks.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM/CD player, potentially with MP3 capability. Speaker configurations varied by trim level (e.g., 4, 6, or 8 speakers).

Climate Controls:

Manual climate control with rotary knobs for temperature and fan speed, and push buttons for mode selection. Automatic climate control was available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Available on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically standard on this model year; may have been an aftermarket addition.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (verify in manual).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or at oil change intervals.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed (inspect during oil changes).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on driving conditions (verify in manual).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, antifreeze/coolant (long-life type) meeting specification ASTM D3306 (Verify in manual for specific Kia coolant type).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Verify in manual for specific requirement).

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual for specification (often Dexron III or equivalent).

Common Wear Items:

CV joints, wheel bearings, brake pads/rotors, exhaust components, and potentially some suspension bushings due to age.

Engine Specific:

While generally reliable, some V6 models might experience occasional issues with ignition coils or spark plugs. Monitor for oil leaks on higher mileage vehicles.

Transmission Specific:

The 4-speed automatic transmission is generally robust, but proper fluid maintenance is crucial to its longevity. Erratic shifting could indicate solenoid issues.

Oil Filter Example:

Example Part Number: 26300-35050 (Kia Genuine) or equivalent aftermarket (e.g., Purolator PL14610, Fram PH10575). Always verify with a parts catalog for your specific VIN.

Air Filter Example:

Example Part Number: 28113-38100 (Kia Genuine) or equivalent aftermarket (e.g., Fram CA8489, Wix WA10039). Always verify with a parts catalog for your specific VIN.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of vehicles. It has grown significantly in the global market, particularly since the late 1990s, focusing on design, quality, and value.

Optima Generations:

The 2005 model is part of the second generation (MS) of the Optima, which replaced the first generation (GD) launched in 2000. The second generation brought a significant redesign, sharing a platform with the Hyundai Sonata.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea at Kia's Hwaseong plant.

Market Performance:

The Optima has been a key model for Kia in North America, contributing to the brand's increasing sales and reputation for value.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Achieved good ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its time, contributing to a positive safety perception.

Value Perception:

Often recognized by consumer publications for its strong value proposition and competitive pricing against segment leaders.