Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Crossover
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile and practical transportation with car-like driving dynamics.
Competitors 2009:
Mazda 5, Dodge Journey, Toyota Matrix (in terms of practicality), potentially some smaller crossovers.
Versatility:
Flexible seating configurations (5 or 7 seats), ample cargo space for its class.
Driving Dynamics:
Car-based platform offering more refined handling than traditional minivans.
Value Proposition:
Generally offered at a competitive price point with a good balance of features and practicality.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection), exhaust system, engine management system (ECM).
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (likely the F4A51 or similar) operation, diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, torque converter, valve body, electronic controls.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system (disc brakes), ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, stabilizer bars), alignment specifications, wheel bearings.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering fluid.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system (refrigerant type, charge), heating system, blower motor, HVAC controls, cabin air filter.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, bumpers, chassis components, corrosion protection.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pre-tensioners, troubleshooting airbag faults.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushing, brake fluid replacement, tire rotation, air filter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement.
Diagnostics:
Component testing, electrical circuit testing, scanner data interpretation, sensor testing.
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, headlamp aiming.
Depth:
Detailed, professional-grade, covering from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
60-degree V6, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves
Displacement:
2.7 Liters (2656 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 75.1 mm (approximate, based on G6EA family)
Horsepower:
Approximately 180-190 HP @ 6000 RPM (specific to 2009 Rondo)
Torque:
Approximately 185-195 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM (specific to 2009 Rondo)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECU:
ECM (Engine Control Module) with diagnostic capabilities.
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5-5.0 US quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) with filter change (verify in manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically Asian Red or similar long-life formulation (e.g., Zerex Asian Red)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0-7.5 US quarts (6.6-7.1 liters) (verify in manual)
Length:
Approx. 174.0 inches (4420 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.0 inches (2640 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 7.5 cu ft (when 3rd row is deployed)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 31.4 cu ft (when 3rd row is folded)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 66.5 cu ft (when 2nd and 3rd rows are folded)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3400-3600 lbs (1542-1633 kg) depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Typically not recommended or rated for significant towing.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Likely 4-star (based on typical ratings for vehicles of this class/era).
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Likely Good or Acceptable (based on typical ratings for vehicles of this class/era).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Traction Control:
Standard (likely TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (likely ESC or ESP)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, available side curtain airbags (for all three rows).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front seats, LATCH system for child seats.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (severe vs. normal).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., Iridium recommended).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as recommended by driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
First flush at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible (verify in manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF SP-III or equivalent (verify in manual)
Engine Vibration:
Some owners report minor engine vibration, potentially related to engine mounts or exhaust system resonance.
Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or delayed engagement, often resolved with fluid changes or valve body inspection.
Suspension Noise:
Worn sway bar links or bushings can lead to clunking noises over bumps.
HVAC Blower Motor:
Blower motor resistor can fail, leading to intermittent or non-functional fan speeds.
Kia Motors:
South Korean automaker with a history dating back to 1944, known for increasing global market share and improving vehicle quality.
Rondo Introduction:
First generation introduced globally around 2006 (as the Kia Carens in some markets). The Rondo was a unique offering in the North American market, bridging the gap between hatchbacks and minivans.
Rondo 2009 Facelift:
The 2009 model year saw a minor facelift for the first generation Rondo, including updated styling and features.
Production Plant:
Likely produced at KIA's Hwaseong Plant in South Korea.
Production Years Na:
2007-2010 model years in North America.