Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
Toyota Avalon, Buick LeSabre/Lucerne, Chrysler 300, Hyundai Azera
Vehicle Positioning:
Kia's flagship luxury sedan offering, aimed at providing premium features and comfort at a competitive price point.
Target Demographic:
Buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped, and spacious sedan with a focus on value.
Powertrain:
Engine (including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, starting, charging), Transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Brakes (ABS, EBD), Steering, Suspension (front and rear), Driveline (front-wheel drive)
Body And Electrical:
Body (exterior, interior, doors, windows, seats), Climate Control (HVAC), Electrical System (battery, charging, starting, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules, infotainment, power accessories)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics And Repair:
Component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting guides, step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems
Special Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component locations, specifications for testing sensors and actuators
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engine components, transmission, and major mechanical assemblies
Information Types:
Torque specifications, alignment data, electrical schematics, diagnostic flowcharts, component specifications
Engine Type:
V6, SOHC (Sigma)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Horsepower:
195 hp @ 5500 rpm (2004-2006), 204 hp @ 5500 rpm (2007-2008)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (2004-2006), 220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (2007-2008)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant - Part # 00200-00010)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Emission Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB emission standards for its model years.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
N/A
Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with overdrive
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SPII (Genuine ATF SP-II) or equivalent ATF (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.3 Quarts (7.9 Liters) for fill
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger - 2004 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (2004 model year)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (2007-2008 models)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (optional/standard by year)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Premium AM/FM/CD audio system, often with Infinity or similar branded speakers.
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some models.
Bluetooth:
N/A (Not available from the factory in this generation)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium-tipped plugs)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 - 60,000 miles (80,000 - 96,000 km) or annually. Often recommended to flush rather than drain and fill for a complete fluid exchange.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Engine uses a timing chain)
Power Steering Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid (refer to owner's manual for specific type, usually ATF or a dedicated PS fluid)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Common Problems:
Transmission shifting issues (valve body or solenoid problems), O2 sensor failures, power window regulator failures, occasional catalytic converter issues, minor electrical gremlins (door locks, interior lights).
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check and maintain transmission fluid. Monitor engine performance for any irregularities. Keep cooling system in good order to prevent overheating.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Platform:
Shared platform with Hyundai Grandeur XG.
Introduction Year:
2003 (for 2004 model year)
Discontinuation Year:
2009 (for 2009 model year, though production typically ended earlier)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea
Production Volume:
Relatively low compared to mass-market sedans.
Safety Awards:
Received 5-star frontal crash test ratings from NHTSA for driver and passenger in 2004 model year.
Consumer Reports:
Mixed to average reliability ratings, often cited for good value but some mechanical and electrical concerns.
Emission Certification:
Certified to meet Federal and California emission standards (LEV for California models, Tier 1 for Federal models).
