Vehicle Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Crossover Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Families seeking practical, versatile, and affordable transportation.
Key Competitors:
Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus Wagon, Mazda5, Saturn Ion Red Line (though Rondo is more MPV-focused)
Versatility:
Offers flexible seating configurations (5 or 7-seater options), ample cargo space.
Value Proposition:
Positioned as an affordable alternative to larger minivans and SUVs, offering a good balance of features and practicality.
Engine:
Full engine overhaul, component diagnostics, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, ignition system, emissions control systems
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, torque converter operation
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, CV joints, axles, differential service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack and pinion, tie rod ends, diagnosis of steering issues
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting system, power accessories, starting and charging system, battery service
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling and charging
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, glass replacement, chassis lubrication
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting charts, scan tool usage
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement
Repair:
Component replacement, sub-assembly repair, detailed step-by-step repair instructions
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, performance data
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional technicians and skilled DIYers.
Displacement:
2656 cc (2.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 75.0 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Valvetrain:
4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated)
Torque:
183 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (estimated)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 (Octane rating may vary by market)
Length:
4575 mm (180.1 in)
Height:
1650 mm (65.0 in)
Wheelbase:
2720 mm (107.1 in)
Seating Capacity:
5 or 7 passengers (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 167 liters (6.0 cu ft) with 7 seats deployed
Cargo Volume Seats Folded:
Approx. 834 liters (29.4 cu ft) with third row folded
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1550 - 1650 kg (3417 - 3638 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle placard
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for 2007 model year, refer to official NHTSA data)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for 2007 model year, refer to official IIHS data)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Electronic Traction Control System (TCS) (often standard)
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (often standard)
Airbags:
Front, front side-impact, and side curtain airbags (depending on trim and options)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for synthetic oil).
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 90,000 - 100,000 miles (typically Iridium or Platinum plugs).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or under severe conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-20 (check owner's manual for definitive spec, but 5W-30 is common for V6 in this era).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 liters (4.8 - 5.3 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a long-life Asian vehicle formulation (e.g., HOAT or OAT).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Sludge:
Potential for oil sludge formation if maintenance intervals are neglected; regular oil changes are critical.
Suspension Wear:
Some reports of premature wear in suspension components like control arm bushings or ball joints.
HVAC Actuators:
Climate control system issues, potentially related to blend door actuators failing.
Transmission Slipping:
While generally robust, some instances of transmission slipping may occur with high mileage or infrequent fluid changes.
Brand Origins:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in South Korea in 1944.
Global Presence:
Kia is one of the world's largest automakers, known for value and improving quality.
First Generation Launch:
The Kia Rondo (or Kia Carens in some markets) was first introduced globally in 1999. The generation relevant to the 2007 model is the second generation (UN) which debuted in 2006.
Design Philosophy:
Designed to offer a more compact and car-like alternative to traditional SUVs and minivans.
Manufacturing Plant:
Likely produced in South Korea (e.g., Hwaseong Plant).
Production Period:
2006-2013 (for the second generation UN platform)