The Kia Optima I LX 2.4, produced from 2000 to 2001, represented Kia’s initial foray into the mid-size sedan segment, specifically targeting the North American market. Positioned as the entry-level trim for the first generation Optima (designated internally as the B4), the LX 2.4 offered a balance of affordability and practicality. It was built upon Kia’s collaboration with Hyundai, sharing platform components with the Hyundai Sonata of the same era. The Optima aimed to provide a more stylish and feature-rich alternative to other economy sedans, establishing Kia as a viable contender in a competitive market. This variant, equipped with the 2.4-liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, was designed for buyers prioritizing ease of use and comfortable daily driving over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Optima |
| Generation | Optima I |
| Type | LX 2.4 (151 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp, 101.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 145 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 151 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 216 Nm @ 4500 rpm (159.31 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 2351 cm3 (143.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.5 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1490 kg (3284.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 395 kg (870.83 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 368 l (13 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4722 mm (185.91 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Height | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14; 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 14; 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Kia Optima LX 2.4 was powered by Kia’s 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine, internally designated as the G4CS. This engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine produced 151 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 216 Nm (159.31 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine’s design prioritized reliability and fuel economy over outright performance. Paired with the engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and convenient shifting. This transmission was a standard unit for the time, providing adequate performance for everyday driving but lacking the responsiveness of a manual transmission or more modern automatic gearboxes.
Driving Characteristics
The Optima LX 2.4 Automatic offered a comfortable and predictable driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for merging onto highways and navigating city streets, but it wasn’t particularly brisk. The four-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, had relatively wide gear ratios, which could result in the engine feeling strained during hard acceleration. Compared to the available five-speed manual transmission, the automatic version sacrificed some responsiveness. The automatic transmission was geared more towards fuel efficiency than sporty driving. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps and road imperfections reasonably well, providing a stable ride. Steering was light and easy, making it suitable for urban driving conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As the entry-level trim, the Optima LX 2.4 came standard with a respectable array of features. These included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and cloth upholstery. Safety features included dual front airbags and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Optional extras included a power sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The interior was functional and straightforward, with a focus on durability rather than luxury. The dashboard layout was simple and easy to use, with clearly labeled controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Optima I utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a coil spring rear suspension. This configuration provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering system employed a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance, providing light and responsive steering feel. Tire sizes varied depending on the wheel size, with 195/70 R14 tires typically fitted to 14-inch steel wheels and 205/60 R15 tires available on optional alloy wheels.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Optima LX 2.4 was generally well-received by critics as a value-oriented mid-size sedan. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and competitive price. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of some of its competitors, such as the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Compared to higher-trim Optima models, such as those equipped with the V6 engine, the LX 2.4 offered significantly less performance. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the LX 2.4 achieving reasonable gas mileage for its class. Reliability was generally considered good, although some owners reported minor issues with the automatic transmission over time.
Legacy
The Kia Optima I LX 2.4 played a crucial role in establishing Kia’s presence in the North American market. It demonstrated Kia’s ability to produce a competitive mid-size sedan at an affordable price point. While the G4CS engine and four-speed automatic transmission are not known for exceptional longevity or performance by modern standards, they proved to be reasonably durable in many applications. Today, the Optima I LX 2.4 can be found in the used car market as an inexpensive and practical transportation option. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are relatively low, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of age-related issues, such as worn suspension components and potential transmission problems.
