Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan (North American Market), Flagship Sedan (Global)
Competitors:
Buick LeSabre/Lucerne, Toyota Avalon, Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DTS (in its segment)
Design Philosophy:
Elegant, European-inspired styling, emphasis on comfort and quietness
Powertrain:
Engine (3.5L V6, 3.8L V6), Transmission (Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Drivetrain, Wheels, Tires
Body:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Roof, Bumpers, Glass, Mirrors, Interior Trim, Seating
Electrical:
Lighting, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Climate Control
Safety:
Airbags, Seatbelts, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS)
General Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, alignments
Diagnostic:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagram interpretation
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-up procedures
Bodywork:
Panel repair, dent removal, welding, painting preparation, trim installation/removal
Electrical Repair:
Component testing, circuit repair, sensor diagnosis, module programming (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced component overhaul and system diagnostics
Engine Code 1:
G6CU (3.5L V6, Lambda II)
Engine Displacement 1:
3.5 liters (3497 cc)
Engine Configuration 1:
V6
Engine Aspiration 1:
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Bore Stroke 1:
93.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 1:
9.4:1
Horsepower 1:
203 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 1:
216 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Horsepower 2:
235 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
255 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
G4GC (3.8L V6, Lambda)
Engine Displacement 2:
3.8 liters (3778 cc)
Engine Configuration 2:
V6
Engine Aspiration 2:
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Bore Stroke 2:
96.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 2
Engine Compression Ratio 2:
10.0:1
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 (Regular unleaded), 91 recommended for optimal performance
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Good
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Acceptable (for early models, can vary with specific testing year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
TCS:
Standard Traction Control System
Esc:
Optional Electronic Stability Control (availability varied by year/market)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (availability varied)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Head Unit Features:
AM/FM/CD player, often with premium audio system (Infinity/Harman Kardon)
Navigation:
Optional Factory Navigation System (DVD-based)
Climate Control:
Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Auxiliary Input:
Optional Auxiliary Audio Input
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Long-Life Iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (uses timing chain)
Engine Oil Type 3.5L:
SAE 5W-30, API SM or higher
Engine Oil Type 3.8L:
SAE 5W-30, API SM or higher
Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
approx. 4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.8L:
approx. 5.2 US quarts (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Complaint 1:
CVT belt wear/slippage (early models before 5-speed auto adoption)
Common Complaint 2:
Front suspension component wear (control arms, bushings)
Common Complaint 3:
Oil pan gasket leaks
Common Complaint 4:
Interior rattling or creaking noises due to trim fitment
Common Complaint 5:
ABS sensor issues
Initial Market Reception:
Generally positive for its value proposition and luxury features at its price point
Reliability Ratings:
Mixed, with some common issues typical for its segment and age, but generally reliable with proper maintenance.
