Market Position:
Full-size luxury sedan, positioned as Kia's flagship model offering premium comfort and features.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with established luxury sedans from brands like Toyota (Avalon), Lexus (ES), Buick (Park Avenue/Lucerne), and Cadillac (Deville/DTS) in terms of size, comfort, and amenities, often at a more accessible price point.
Key Features:
Spacious interior, smooth ride quality, comprehensive feature set, powerful V6 engine, elegant styling.
Manual Utility:
Empowers owners and independent professionals with dealer-level diagnostic and repair information, saving time and money on maintenance and repairs.
Systems Covered:
General Information, Engine Mechanical System, Engine Electrical System, Emission Control System, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Engine Mechanical System Details:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valve train, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Electrical System Details:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system (alternator), battery, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams.
Fuel System Details:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel lines, EVAP system.
Suspension System Details:
Front suspension (e.g., MacPherson struts, control arms, stabilizer bar), rear suspension (e.g., multi-link or trailing arm), shock absorbers, springs, wheel bearings.
Brake System Details:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system components, parking brake.
Body Electrical System Details:
Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, audio system wiring, fuse box and relay locations, body control module (BCM) functions.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Details:
HVAC controls, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, compressor, refrigerant lines, heater core, climate control module diagnostics.
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications, repair, troubleshooting, diagnosis, maintenance
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault codes and their interpretations.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all covered systems.
Wiring Schematic Coverage:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including power distribution, ground points, and component connections.
Technical Depth:
Dealer-level service and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and mechanically inclined owners
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not Explicitly Available for 2005 (Likely rated good based on contemporary standards)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not Explicitly Available for 2005 (Likely rated good based on contemporary standards)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not Explicitly Available for 2005 (Likely rated acceptable/good based on contemporary standards)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (may be optional/trim dependent), front and rear crumple zones, active front head restraints.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
If equipped with a timing belt, typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM; SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (refer to owner's manual for precise specification).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with long-life additives (e.g., OAT or HOAT) with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issues:
Potential for premature wear on certain suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings), occasional electrical gremlins, and potential for aging AC systems. Some owners report a desire for more robust engine performance compared to direct competitors.