Vehicle Class:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Drivers seeking comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped transportation at a competitive price point.
Key Competitors:
Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Ford Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid, Mercury Grand Marquis.
Value Proposition:
Offered a blend of luxury features, a spacious interior, and powerful V6 engine typically found in more expensive vehicles.
Diy Vs Professional:
Suitable for both do-it-yourself owners and experienced mechanics due to its comprehensive and detailed instructions.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, overhaul (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts)
Engine Management:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic transmission repair, diagnosis, and overhaul (specific transmission type TBD by engine)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, drive shafts, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, brake fluid, hydraulic lines
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, structural components, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seat belt mechanisms
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Rebuilds:
Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for engine and transmission
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Engine Code:
G6CU (3.5L V6 DOHC)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 90.0 mm (approximate, based on common specifications for this engine family)
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (typical for this engine)
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Coolant Type:
G12 / G12+ Pink Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol based, long-life)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6)
Oil Capacity:
5.5 US Quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change (approximate)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (Infiniti-derived)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (consult manual for specific part number)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.4 US Quarts (3.2 Liters) for pan drop and refill
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Normal, Snow/Comfort) may be present.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger, 2004 model year testing)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (for front and rear passengers, 2004 model year testing)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional or standard depending on trim level and year.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (available).
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Premium audio systems, often with CD player, cassette player (early models), and steering wheel audio controls. Bose premium sound system was an option.
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system was available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
May have an auxiliary audio input jack for portable media players, though not universal across all trims/years.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as specified in the manual. Severe usage may require more frequent changes.
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.
Spark Plugs:
Platinum or Iridium tipped: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for precise specification)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings (typical for a vehicle of this size and age).
Engine Performance:
Occasional reports of slight oil consumption and potential for intake manifold gasket leaks (common on many V6 engines of this era).
Transmission Behavior:
Early models sometimes exhibited occasional harsh shifting or delayed engagement; fluid changes and filter replacement often address this.
Brand Origin:
South Korea
Platform Basis:
Based on the second-generation Kia Opirus (global market) platform, sharing significant components with the Hyundai Grandeur XG.
Market Introduction:
Introduced in the US market for the 2004 model year, aiming to compete in the growing luxury sedan segment.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea
Production Period:
2003-2009 (for the first generation, with US sales ending in 2009).
