Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu.
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
The Kia Optima (MS) offered competitive styling, a spacious interior, and a strong value proposition compared to its more established Japanese and American rivals, aiming to capture market share through affordability and features.
Key Features
Powertrain Options:
Available with a fuel-efficient 2.4L inline-four or a more powerful 2.7L V6 engine, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission, providing options for different driving preferences and needs.
Styling:
Featured a European-influenced design aesthetic for its generation, contributing to a more sophisticated appearance than some of its predecessors.
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding the brake system, ABS system diagnostics.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive - covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, tightening sequences, specific tool requirements, and step-by-step illustrated instructions.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution digital reproduction, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Type:
Inline-4
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
Engine 1 Code:
G4JS
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 100.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
144 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
153 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Secondary Engine
Engine 2 Type:
V6
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.7 Liters (2656 cc)
Engine 2 Code:
G6BA
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 75.0 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
170 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
14.4 gallons (54.5 Liters)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, with lock-up torque converter.
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios by gear.
Automatic Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios by gear.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
187.4 inches (4760 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
57.3 inches (1455 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches (2700 mm)
Front Track:
60.4 inches (1535 mm)
Rear Track:
60.2 inches (1530 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 98.5 cubic feet (2789 L)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 39.8 inches (1011 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 37.7 inches (958 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 42.1 inches (1069 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 36.9 inches (937 mm)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 14.7 cubic feet (416 L)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3232 lbs (1466 kg) (2.4L Manual)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3439 lbs (1560 kg) (2.7L Automatic)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to manual for specific GVWR
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
Standard Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Optional Tire Size:
P215/55R17 (on EX trims)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
Four Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
Four Stars
NHTSA Side Driver Rating:
Four Stars
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Rating:
Four Stars
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Four Stars
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes on most models)
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Not widely available/standard for this model year.
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Available on some higher trims
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium sound systems may have been available on higher trims, potentially including a cassette player and more speakers.
Navigation:
No integrated navigation system was standard or commonly available for this model year. Aftermarket options were prevalent.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Keyless Entry:
Available on some trims.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available as a factory option for this model year.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with iridium plugs, or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) with standard plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with iridium plugs, or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) with standard plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years (for the 2.4L engine). The 2.7L V6 uses a timing chain, which is typically maintenance-free unless issues arise.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type 4Cyl:
API SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Consult manual for specific viscosity based on temperature range.
Engine Oil Type V6:
API SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Consult manual for specific viscosity based on temperature range.
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Green) conforming to ASTM D3306.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.4 US quarts (6.1 L) for 4-cyl, 7.3 US quarts (6.9 L) for V6.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Engine Performance:
Some reports of oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or crankshaft seals. Occasional issues with engine mounts causing vibrations.
Transmission Issues:
The automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit delayed shifting or rough engagement. Regular fluid changes are crucial. Some manual transmissions may develop clutch wear.
Suspension And Steering:
Worn front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) and power steering rack leaks can occur over time.
Electrical Component Failures:
Alternator failures and issues with power window regulators have been noted.
HVAC System:
A/C system compressor failures or refrigerant leaks can be problematic.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. It has grown from a producer of bicycle parts and motorcycles to a global automotive powerhouse known for its value, design, and increasingly, its technological advancements.
Model Evolution
Optima Generation 1:
The 2004 Optima (MS) is part of the first generation of the Optima, which was introduced in 2000. It was marketed as the Kia Optima or Kia Magentis in many international markets. This generation was based on the Hyundai Sonata platform.
Optima Redesign 2004:
The 2004 model year received a significant facelift, including updated exterior styling (new grille, headlights, taillights, and bumpers), interior enhancements, and revised suspension tuning, aimed at improving its competitive standing.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in South Korea, with potential assembly in other regions for specific markets.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
As noted in safety ratings, achieved favorable 4-star ratings from NHTSA in frontal and side impact tests for its year.
Value Awards:
While specific major awards are not prominent for this model year, the Optima consistently aimed to offer competitive pricing and feature sets in the mid-size sedan market.
Certifications
Emissions Certification:
Compliant with U.S. EPA and California ARB emissions standards applicable for the 2004 model year.
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