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The 2008 Kia Optima
Key Features

UPSCALE STYLING Clean, sleek lines and upscale look delivered in both LX and EX trim levels highlighted by...
  • Short overhangs, crisp lines and sporty details
  • Bold and distinctive front grille and lower fascia design
  • Jeweled headlamps and projection fog lights (EX Standard and LX Appearance Packages) set in the lower fascia
  • Chrome front grille and windshield surround
  • Body-color door handles, moldings and fascia
Optional Appearance Packages on LX and EX add further distinction with features such as:
  • 17" alloy wheels with lower-profile tires
  • Blacked out headlights and front grille
REFINED AND INVITING INTERIOR Optima’s interior is roomy, luxurious and well appointed...
  • 104.2 cubic feet of interior space provides more room for occupants than segment leaders Accord and Camry
  • Full cloth seat trim with cloth insert door-trim panels provide soft, comfortable and durable fabrics with precise sew lines for a high-quality look
  • 6-way adjustable driver’s seat provides superb comfort
  • Front and rear adjustable headrests add comfort to all seating positions
  • Tilt steering column enables the driver to tailor a perfect-fit driving position
  • An impressive list of standard interior features makes Optima stand out in the class:
    • Power door locks with two-turn entry system and power windows with driver-side one-touch auto down feature
    • Power heated mirrors to melt away ice
    • Air conditioning with air filter that helps circulate cleaner air
    • Remote fuel door, hood and trunk releases
    • Variable intermittent windshield wipers
    • Sporty analog gauges with standard tachometer
  • Storage areas add versatility and convenience:
    • Optima’s center console with padded armrest provides roomy one-bin storage to accommodate CDs, cell phones and more
    • Dual front cupholders, front door map pockets and overhead sunglasses compartment put those must-have items within arm’s reach
THOUGHTFUL REAR PASSENGER FEATURES Optima’s versatile rear seat design enhances convenience and people moving capability with...
  • Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats accommodate longer items like skis, guitars and snowboards – standard on all models
  • Rear center armrest adds comfort for rear seat passengers
  • Handy storage pockets on back of both front seats provide convenient storage for passengers
  • Rear cupholders for added convenience
  • Rear garment hook provides a handy spot for "wrinkle free" transportation
  • Rear window manual sunshade included with Convenience Package shields occupants
  • from the sun and helps keep interior temperatures cool (EX models)
FRONT SEATS Optima’s versatile seats are designed to be both comfortable and functional...
  • Standard 4-way adjustable passenger seat adds comfort and luxury
  • Power 4-way adjustable passenger seat included with Convenience Package (EX models)
  • Metal door sill plates in the front and rear add good looks and durability (EX models)
  • Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors with cover and extension contribute to upscale interior convenience
EXTERIOR DESIGN Optima’s elegant combination of style and value extends to the rear of the vehicle as well, including...
  • 5-mph, body-color bumpers absorb minor impacts
  • Standard rear window defroster with a convenient automatic timer helps provide a clear rear view during inclement weather
CARGO AREA Optima’s roomy and functional cargo area features...
  • Gas-strut trunk lifters make it easy to open and close the trunk
  • 14.8 cu. ft. of trunk space provides ample room for active lifestyles
  • Trunk light illuminates the trunk for convenience and added security
  • Temporary spare tire on a steel wheel ensures customers can keep moving after a flat tire
  • Internal emergency trunk release prevents anyone from accidentally locking themselves inside the trunk
INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION All Optima models feature a fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension that deliver superb ride and handling...
  • All four wheels react independently to the road to better isolate and control vibration and harshness
  • Finely-tuned coil springs, shocks and bushings produce a compliant ride that is equally comfortable on the highway and on rough surfaces
  • The front and rear suspension configurations provide great wheel control to deliver outstanding handling across all driving inputs
All Optima models feature standard front and rear stabilizer bars to minimize body roll and enhance stability.

4-WHEEL DISC BRAKES Optima’s standard power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes provide superior stopping power...
  • Large discs and strong calipers deliver great stopping performance, solid pedal feel and resistance to fade under heavy braking conditions
  • 4-wheel discs provide better performance than the drum/disc brake systems found on some competitors
ENGINE-SPEED-SENSITIVE POWER RACK-AND-PINION STEERING Optima’s independent suspension is perfectly matched to a standard rack-and-pinion steering gear with engine-speed-sensitive power-assist...
  • At low speeds, the system increases assist to make low-speed maneuvers like cornering and parking effortless
  • At higher speeds, the system tapers off assist for firmer, tighter road feel
  • Rack-and-pinion design provides responsive steering
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) All Optima models feature a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts the driver to a low-pressure condition in one or more tires...
  • Sensors in each road wheel (not included in space-saver spare tire) continually monitor tire pressure
  • When the system detects rapid deflation or gradual loss of tire pressure that reaches specific limits, the system will turn on a warning lamp to alert the driver of the tire(s) with a low pressure condition
UNIBODY CONSTRUCTION Optima's steel unibody construction provides...
  • Excellent durability and corrosion resistance
  • A solid foundation that contributes to Optima's dynamic handling abilities
  • Enhanced crash protection with front crumple zone that absorbs impact energy
AUDIO SYSTEM Optima’s audio system delivers great sound quality to all seating positions:
  • Standard auxiliary audio input jack integrated into the center console bin accommodates iPod/MP3 devices
  • AM/FM/CD stereo with 6 speakers comes standard
  • Door mounted tweeters ensure impressive fidelity for higher frequency sounds
  • EX models equipped with the Premium Package feature supreme audio enjoyment and multimedia convenience courtesy of an available 360-watt Infinity audio system containing 7 speakers, dedicated external subwoofer that adds 6-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 playability
A GREAT INTERIOR GETS EVEN BETTER By moving up-model and adding options/packages, Optima owners can push interior refinement, comfort and convenience to the upper echelon of midsize luxury:
  • Optima LX 4-cyl A/T adds:
    • Cruise control
    • Keyless entry and alarm
    • Manual tilt and telescopic steering column
    • Remote audio and cruise controls on steering wheel for additional convenience
  • Optima EX adds:
    • Leather seat trim
    • Solar glass that helps reduce glare and keep down interior temperatures
    • 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
    • Automatic temperature control
    • Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink
    • Leather wrapped steering wheel
    • Auto light control
    • Trip computer that provides a wealth of useful data such as DISTANCE TO EMPTY and AVERAGE VEHICLE SPEED and ambient outside temperature
    • Floor mats
  • LX and EX Appearance Packages add:
    • Supervision meter cluster that adds distinction to the I/P gauges
    • Aluminum interior trim
    • Black interior trim and leather seats on EX models
    • Trip computer, auto light control and leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob on LX models
  • Convenience Package (EX, EX V6) adds:
    • Power front passenger’s seat
    • Heated front seats
    • Power adjustable pedals
    • Rear window manual sunshade Only Available with EX Appearance Package
  • Premium Package (EX, EX V6) adds:
    • Infinity AM/FM/6-disc CD Changer/MP3 and 7 speakers (includes subwoofer)
    • External amplifier
    • Infinity badged speakers
    • Power sunroof with tilt
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PACKAGE The available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Package provides enhanced active safety for higher driver confidence. The ESC Package includes:
  • Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
  • Electronic Stability Control – When cornering, if the system senses that the vehicle is not heading exactly where the driver intends (the vehicle understeers or oversteers), it will automatically apply select brakes and adjust throttle (if needed) to help bring the vehicle back on the driver’s intended path
  • Traction Control – When accelerating, if the system detects wheel slip (loss of traction) due to slick conditions, it will automatically modulate brake pressure to the slipping wheel(s) to help maintain traction and keep the vehicle moving forward
  • Brake Assist – Applies maximum braking power during emergency stops to help reduce stopping distances
2.4L I-4 DOHC ENGINE Standard on Optima LX and EX models, the 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine provides efficient and responsive acceleration throughout the RPM range.

The advanced 2.4L Dual Overhead Cam engine features:
  • An aluminum alloy block and cylinder head that are lightweight yet deliver reliable and durable performance
  • 4 valves per cylinder to maximize engine breathing for good performance and efficiency
  • Sequential multiport electronic fuel injection for efficient combustion
  • Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to ensure maximum performance and efficiency
  • Standard gas strut hood lifters make engine access convenient
2.7L V6 DOHC ENGINE Optional on Optima LX or EX, the 2.7L V6 engine provides added power for confident acceleration, merging or passing.

The 2.7L Dual Overhead Cam engine features:
  • An aluminum alloy block and cylinder heads that are lightweight yet deliver reliable and durable performance
  • 4 valves per cylinder to maximize engine breathing for good performance and efficiency
  • Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for optimum performance and efficiency
  • Sequential multiport electronic fuel injection for efficient combustion
CHOICE OF TRANSMISSIONS Optima features two well-engineered, smooth and reliable transmissions:
  • A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive that provides precise, driver-controlled shifting performance and excellent fuel economy is standard on the LX I-4 model
  • An electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting provides fast, responsive shift performance and the excitement of clutchless manual shifting – by moving the shift lever into the right gate, the driver can shift gears up or down with just a tap of the lever
    • The transmission also features a lockup torque converter that optimizes performance and fuel efficiency at highway speeds
    • Optional on LX 4-cyl; standard on LX V6 and both EX models
WHEELS AND TIRES Large wheels and tires give Optima a stable footing and add to its confident handling characteristics:
  • Optima LX features 16" wheels with full wheel covers and P205/60HR16 tires
  • Great looking 16" alloy wheels are standard on Optima LX V6 and both EX models
  • The LX and EX Appearance Packages add sporty 17" alloy wheels with 215/50VR17 Goodyear all-season tires