Vehicle Segment:
Full-size sedan, often considered a near-luxury or premium offering within Kia's lineup.
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped sedan with a focus on value.
Key Competitors:
Competed against models such as the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Chevrolet Impala, and Ford Taurus.
Design Philosophy:
Aims to blend elegant styling with a comfortable and spacious interior, offering a sophisticated driving experience.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling cost savings and empowering owners to maintain their vehicle effectively.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for engine overhaul, component testing, diagnostics, and repair.
Engine Management:
Coverage of the Engine Control System (ECU), sensors, actuators, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Automotive:
Service and repair procedures for the automatic transmission, including fluid changes, component replacement, and torque converter service.
Braking System:
Comprehensive information on brake system components, including ABS, brake fluid service, caliper and rotor replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension Steering:
Detailed procedures for servicing and repairing suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints) and steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion).
Electrical Lighting:
Extensive coverage of the electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay locations, lighting systems, and power accessories.
HVAC System:
Service and repair information for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant handling, component diagnostics, and cabin filter replacement.
Fuel Delivery Injection:
Detailed procedures for the fuel system, including fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, and fuel pressure testing.
Exhaust Emission:
Information on the emission control system, including catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and emission testing procedures.
Chassis Bodywork:
Coverage of chassis components, body panels, doors, latches, and related trim.
Restraint Systems:
Information on the airbag system, seatbelts, and associated sensors and modules.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and complex issues, utilizing fault codes and symptom analysis.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed, illustrated procedures for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling virtually all vehicle components.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and component inspections.
Lubrication Schedule:
Guidance on periodic lubrication points and recommended lubricants.
Wiring Diagram Interpretation:
Detailed explanation and usage of comprehensive wiring diagrams for electrical system diagnosis.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to identifying and resolving vehicle malfunctions.
Depth Of Coverage:
Complete factory-level detail, suitable for both amateur DIY enthusiasts and experienced professional mechanics.
Illustration Quality:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, including enlarged insets for detailed part examination.
Instruction Format:
Numbered, step-by-step instructions with bold figure numbers for easy illustration correlation.
Critical Information Highlighting:
Inclusion of notes, cautions, and warnings throughout each chapter for critical information emphasis.
Engine Code:
G6DH (typically)
Engine Type:
3.3L V6 Lambda II GDI MPi
Displacement:
3,342 cc (203.9 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 84.0 mm (3.62 in x 3.31 in)
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 293 hp @ 6,400 rpm (Varies slightly by market/trim)
Torque:
Approx. 255 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (Varies slightly by market/trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) / Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for some variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended (check owner's manual for specifics).
Length:
Approx. 4,965 mm (195.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,870 mm (73.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,460 mm (57.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,845 mm (112.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,600-1,700 kg (3,527-3,748 lbs) depending on trim and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and equipment, consult manual.
NHTSA Rating:
Likely received 4-star or 5-star ratings in frontal and side impact tests from NHTSA (specific ratings for 2013 model should be verified).
IIHS Rating:
Likely achieved 'Good' or 'Acceptable' ratings in IIHS crashworthiness tests (specific ratings for 2013 model should be verified).
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS).
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, active front headrests, front pretensioner seatbelts.
Infotainment System:
Typically featured a touchscreen infotainment system with AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite Radio, USB/Auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, and available navigation. Voice recognition was often included.
Driver Assistance Features:
Available features included rearview camera, parking assist sensors, and potentially advanced lighting systems like HID headlights depending on trim.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary ports for external device connection.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil recommended. (Confirm with owner's manual for specific conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions. (Consult manual).
Cabin Air Filter:
Recommended every 15,000-20,000 miles. (Consult manual).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Often recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles, but check manual for specific intervals and conditions. Heavy use may require earlier changes.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years. (Consult manual).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher) - always confirm with the owner's manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.0-6.5 Quarts (5.7-6.2 Liters) with filter change (verify with manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (confirm with owner's manual).
Common Issues Potential:
Some owners have reported issues with infotainment system glitches, occasional HVAC blower motor failures, and potential for carbon buildup in direct injection engines (though this model primarily uses MPFI). Minor electrical gremlins can occur with age. Suspension components like bushings and control arms may wear over time, typical for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Kia Brand Positioning:
Kia, a South Korean automaker, has steadily grown in reputation for offering vehicles with distinctive styling, good value, and improving quality and reliability.
Cadenza Introduction Year:
The Kia Cadenza was introduced globally in late 2009 as a 2010 model year vehicle, replacing the Kia Opirus. The 2013 model year represents the initial generation (VG).
Cadenza First Generation Platform:
Built on the Hyundai 'HM' platform, shared with models like the Hyundai Genesis (BH) and Kia Mohave (HM).
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured at Kia's Hwaseong plant in South Korea.
Model Lifecycle Status 2013:
The 2013 model year is part of the first generation of the Cadenza.