🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Rondo

Year:

2008

Market:

North America

Vin Prefix:

5XY

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Crossover

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking practical, versatile, and affordable transportation with good passenger and cargo capacity.

Key Competitors:

Mazda5, Toyota Matrix, Ford Focus Wagon, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

Versatility:

Flexible seating arrangements, ample cargo space, practical for everyday use and family transport.

Value Proposition:

Offered a competitive price point for its segment, providing a good balance of features and utility.

Design:

Unique styling for its time, blending hatchback and MPV characteristics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Comprehensive Owner's Manual

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model year and vehicle type)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, fuses and relays, power accessories

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control, audio system, power windows, door locks, seats, mirrors, keyless entry

Safety And Security:

Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped)

Driver Information:

Instrument panel indicators, warning lights, trip computer, owner maintenance information

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels, tire inflation, wiper blade inspection, bulb replacement, filter replacement guidance

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic tips for common issues

Operation:

Starting the engine, driving techniques, parking, using vehicle features and controls

Emergency Procedures:

Flat tire changing, jump starting, towing information

Depth:

Designed for the vehicle owner, covering operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service or shop manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text (depending on OCR quality of original document)

Print Option:

Printable (user can print specific pages)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4GC (for 2.0L), G4KA (for 2.4L)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement 2.0L:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Displacement 2.4L:

2351 cc (2.4 Liters)

Horsepower:

142 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Horsepower:

164 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

163 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline

System:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Modes:

Includes 'Snow' mode for improved traction in slippery conditions.

Automatic:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., SP-III or equivalent)

Manual:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil type

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.7 inches (4437 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

63.2 inches (1605 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Behind Second Row:

Approximately 31.7 cubic feet

Behind First Row:

Approximately 63.1 cubic feet

Curb Weight Approx:

3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg) depending on engine/transmission

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good (for models equipped with optional side airbags)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System

Ebs:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) (Often standard on higher trims or optional)

Esc:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (Often standard on higher trims or optional)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side-curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on trim)

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (Standard on some trims, optional on others)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio system may be available on higher trims.

Display:

Simple LED or LCD display for audio information and climate control settings.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Rear Parking Sensors:

Optional feature on some trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard on most models for connecting external audio devices.

Keyless Entry:

Standard on most trims.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or at approximately 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or at approximately 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Inspect at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), replace as needed (Iridium type typically lasts longer).

Coolant Flush:

First flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter.

Engine Oil:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (verify specific viscosity for ambient temperature range)

Coolant:

Korean Long Life Coolant (KL-Coolant) or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Interior Rattles:

Some owners report interior trim rattles, which can often be addressed by identifying loose panels.

Cv Axles:

Potential for wear on Constant Velocity (CV) axles, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.

Transmission Shifting:

Infrequent reports of hesitant or rough shifting in the automatic transmission, potentially related to fluid condition or valve body issues.

Fuel Pump:

Some instances of premature fuel pump failure have been reported.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, initially producing bicycle parts and steel tubing before expanding into commercial vehicles and passenger cars. Kia is known for offering value-oriented vehicles with improving quality and design.

Rondo Introduction:

The Kia Rondo (also known as the Carens in some markets) was introduced as a compact MPV designed to offer the practicality of a minivan in a smaller, more car-like package. The first generation debuted in 2006 globally, with the US market receiving it for the 2007 model year.

2008 Model Year:

The 2008 model year represented the second year of production for the first generation Rondo in North America. It offered two engine choices (2.0L and 2.4L) and continued its positioning as a flexible and affordable family vehicle.

Manufacturing Location:

Hwasung Plant, South Korea

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The Kia Rondo received 'Good' ratings in front and side impact tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for models equipped with optional side airbags, often placing it among safer vehicles in its class.

Consumer Reports:

While specific awards may vary, Consumer Reports often noted the Rondo's practicality and value, though reliability ratings could be mixed compared to some segment leaders.