Target Audience:
Families, commercial use.
Competitors:
Chrysler Voyager/Town & Country, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Previa/Sienna, Ford Windstar.
Design:
Front-engine, front-wheel drive minivan with sliding rear doors.
Utility:
Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, practical for hauling passengers and cargo.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emission control systems.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (AT) service, maintenance, and repair; clutch system (if applicable).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, driveshafts, differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, geometry, shocks, springs, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system, seats.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine and other systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle components and systems.
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, component disassembly and reassembly.
Wiring:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Depth:
Covers from basic maintenance to complex diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers.
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2493 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 71.5 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
163 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
217 Nm @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating:
91 (RON + MON) / 87 AKI (typical requirement, check manual for specifics)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-AT)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) - availability may vary by market.
Overdrive:
Yes, typically with electronically controlled shifting.
Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and part number).
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (dry fill, check manual for exact capacity).
Length:
4720 mm (approx.)
Height:
1720 mm (approx.)
Wheelbase:
2825 mm (approx.)
Seating Capacity:
7 or 8 passengers
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:
Significant, designed for MPV practicality.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1750-1850 kg (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2400 kg (check manual for specific rating)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not widely tested by NHTSA for this specific year/model. Refer to country-specific safety reports.
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims/markets).
Traction Control:
Less common on base models of this era, may be available on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags typically optional or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, with pretensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or ISOFIX system may be present, check manual for details.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player and/or cassette tape. Speaker configuration varies by trim level.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (depending on trim). Rear HVAC outlets are common.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Not commonly available on this model year.
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely found; aftermarket solutions are available.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles / 6 months for synthetic oil (verify with manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (refer to manual for severe vs. normal driving).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (check manual for specific type and interval).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or more frequently for heavy towing/driving conditions (highly recommended to check manually).
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for climate and specific viscosity recommendation).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with deionized water. Use of Asian Red/Orange coolant (Long Life) may be specified, confirm with manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent, check manual for specific type.
Engine Performance:
Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket. Timing belt inspection/replacement is critical at specified intervals.
Transmission:
Early models may experience rough shifting or solenoid issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension:
Wear on ball joints and bushings can lead to noise and steering issues. Sway bar links are a common replacement item.
Electrical:
Corrosion on ground points or power distribution module connectors can cause intermittent electrical faults. Window regulator failures.
Body Exterior:
Rear hatch struts may weaken over time. Sliding door mechanisms can require lubrication and adjustment.
Kia History:
Kia Motors, founded in 1944, evolved from a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubing to South Korea's first automobile manufacturer. Known for value and increasingly for stylish, reliable vehicles.
Carnival Generation:
First Generation (1998–2005). The 1999 model is an early iteration of Kia's entry into the global minivan market.
Design Influence:
Designed with input from Karmann, a German automotive design and engineering firm, to achieve a more European styling.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea (primarily)
