Target Audience:
Families, those seeking versatile passenger and cargo space
Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture
Vehicle Type:
Front-engine, Front-wheel-drive Minivan
Seating Capacity:
Typically 7 or 8 passengers
Body Style:
4-door Passenger Van
Engine:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM), Ignition System, Fuel System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Emission Control System
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4-Speed), Transmission Control System (TCS)
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Driveshafts, Axles, Differential
Suspension:
Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Multi-Link), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Gear
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Fluid Specifications
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrument Panel, Gauges, Wipers, Horn, Power Accessories, Fuses, Relays
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Restraints:
Airbags, Seatbelts
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Troubleshooting Flowcharts
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks, Belt Inspections/Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement
Repair:
Engine Component Repair/Replacement, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis/Repair
Troubleshooting:
Systematic Diagnosis of common problems, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
G6CU (3.5L V6)
Engine Type:
V6, Naturally Aspirated
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves (4 per cylinder)
Horsepower Est:
~200-215 hp @ 5500 rpm (variant dependent)
Torque Est:
~220-235 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (variant dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Capacity Qts:
Approx. 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Model:
Kia F4A51
Type:
None specified for this engine/year combination
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable, possible Power/Manual modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Capacity Qts:
Approx. 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters) for drain and fill
Length In:
Approx. 195.0 inches
Width In:
Approx. 77.2 inches
Height In:
Approx. 67.5 inches
Wheelbase In:
Approx. 118.1 inches
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 4,300 - 4,500 lbs (model dependent)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Approx. 5,800 - 6,000 lbs
Cargo Volume Cu Ft:
Variable, up to ~140 cu ft with rear seats folded/removed
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 4 Stars (Based on similar era vehicles, specific ratings may vary)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 4 Stars (Based on similar era vehicles, specific ratings may vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Likely 4 Stars (Based on similar era vehicles, specific ratings may vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Likely 4 Stars (Based on similar era vehicles, specific ratings may vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
Likely 4 Stars (Based on similar era vehicles, specific ratings may vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Likely 4 Stars (Based on similar era vehicles, specific ratings may vary)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable to Good (Varies by specific test, data for this model may be limited)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Available on some trims
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, under severe driving conditions
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or ATF SP-III
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Engine Reliability:
Generally reliable, occasional issues with oil leaks, valve cover gaskets, and coolant hoses.
Transmission Behavior:
Some reports of delayed shifting or harsh engagement, often related to fluid condition or solenoid issues.
Electrical Quirks:
Power window motors, door lock actuators, and HVAC blower motors can be points of failure.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings may require replacement due to mileage and vehicle weight.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Focus:
Value-oriented vehicles, increasing global presence and quality reputation
Generation:
First Generation (2003-2005 for North America)
Introduction Year:
1997 (Global Market), 2003 (North America)
Design Origin:
Designed in Korea, with some input from Kia's European design center
Manufacturing Plant:
Hwaseong Plant, South Korea
Production Years:
1997-2006 (First Generation)
