kia optima engine swap
can a 2016 kia optima engine fit in a 2008 engine
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2008 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Taking cues from Target, the 2008 Kia Optima offers luxury car features similar to higher-name brands, but at a lower price, stronger warranty, and an every-growing reputation for reliability. Recently overhauled in 2007, the 2008 Optima gets minor changes. These include black mirror housings, the final goodbye for the cassette player, and the addition of an audio input jack.
The front-wheel drive mid-sized sedan comes in LX or EX. Both trims are offered with either a 162-hp, 2.4-liter I4 or a 185-hp, 2.7-liter V6. A 5-speed manual is standard on the LX I4, but the other trims come with a 5-speed shiftable automatic. The LX is equipped with full power features, CD/MP3 player, and tilt and telescopic steering, and the automatic version also features cruise control and wheel-mounted controls. The higher-end EX adds a power driver's seat, 6-CD player, foglights, chrome accents, dual exhaust, and leather trim. Unlike higher-priced luxury cars, leather seats are optional, along with a power passenger seat, and sunroof. These options are only offered on the EX.
Six airbags (front, side curtain and side impact for both rows) are standard, earning the 2008 Optima five stars in crash tests. However, one major drawback is the lack of standard ABS brakes or traction and stability control. These cost extra and jack up the price significantly. The Optima is surprisingly roomy inside, with a large 15 cubic foot trunk. Rear seats split-fold and there is also a trunk pass-through. Highlights of ownership include the 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, roomy and comfortable interior, long list of standard features for a low price, and the small turning radius that helps in city driving. Complaints mention an I4 engine that struggles to accelerate, a not-so-refined V6, lack of seat support, and the lack of standard safety features.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Kia Optima
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by Anonymous
Nov 15, 2013
The Kia Optima personifies value. The styling for the 2008 was subtle and pleasant (of course the latest body style is far more audacious and bold!) and the car had great gas mileage (somewhere between 31-34 depending on has the car was driven and maintained). But the biggest thing about the EX trim with the V6 engine is that its hard to find a car so new, with so much for so little (as in price!). Its simply a GREAT VALUE!Nov 15, 2013
by Denise M
Jan 12, 2013
This is one of my most favorite cars I have owned in 35 years. It looks classy, runs great, and has been extremely reliable. The interior is roomy and has good head clearance. The seats are comfortable and easy to clean.Jan 12, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 06, 2011
I like everything about the kia but I just don't know kia optimas history on being a long term good car any body know or does any one got one that can help me...and they say it gets great gas mileage but it just don't seen like that to me..Jun 06, 2011
User rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 15, 2013
The Kia Optima personifies value. The styling for the 2008 was subtle and pleasant (of course the latest body style is far more audacious and bold!) and the car had great gas mileage (somewhere between 31-34 depending on has the car was driven and maintained). But the biggest thing about the EX trim with the V6 engine is that its hard to find a car so new, with so much for so little (as in price!). Its simply a GREAT VALUE!Nov 15, 2013
by Denise M
Jan 12, 2013
This is one of my most favorite cars I have owned in 35 years. It looks classy, runs great, and has been extremely reliable. The interior is roomy and has good head clearance. The seats are comfortable and easy to clean.Jan 12, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 06, 2011
I like everything about the kia but I just don't know kia optimas history on being a long term good car any body know or does any one got one that can help me...and they say it gets great gas mileage but it just don't seen like that to me..Jun 06, 2011
by Jaco J
Jun 30, 2008
ebony black gloss, 17" alloy wheels, v4 engine, 4 speed automatic transmission, additional curtain airbags, abs, am/fm/cd/mp3, 21/31 mpg, 16 gallonsJun 30, 2008
by Tanisha S
Mar 28, 2008
I love this car i had it for 3 days and didnt want to take it back!!
I like this car so much that i plan on buying it!!Mar 28, 2008
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What is the normal running engine temperature for the V6 2008 Kia Optima LX
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Kia Optima?Compare this car
2008 Kia Optima Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,355 to $20,500Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.25
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Stability control: electronic
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.31
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Stability control: electronic
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · Infinity premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.31
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome · Paint: pearl
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Stability control: electronic
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · Infinity premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.31
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome · Paint: pearl
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Stability control: electronic
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent