🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Year:

2006

Vehicle Type:

Compact Car

Chassis Code Base:

GD

Vin Code Vehicle Line:

4

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-level compact sedan/hatchback

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan Sentra

Value Proposition:

Affordable pricing, decent fuel economy, practical design, good warranty coverage (at launch).

Model Variants:

Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America (USA, Canada)

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels (e.g., LX, EX)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine control system (ECU), manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, drivetrain components (CV axles, differential).

Chassis:

Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear discs/drums, ABS, parking brake), wheels and tires.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), body electrical systems, lighting, wipers, horns.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, audio system, power windows, power locks, interior lighting, exterior lighting, engine control module (ECM) and related sensors/actuators.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnostics.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component replacement, body panel repair, HVAC system repair.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and reinstallation.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics).

Diagnostic Tools:

Includes information relevant to using OBD-II scan tools and specific Kia diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable

Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Readability:

Optimized for digital viewing and printing

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4EA (1.6L), G4GC (2.0L)

Displacement 1.6L:

1599 cc

Displacement 2.0L:

1975 cc

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 valves (per engine)

Horsepower 1.6L:

106 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 1.6L:

107 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 2.0L:

138 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2.0L:

135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Coil-on-Plug)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, Overdrive

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

173.2 inches (4399 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

56.1 inches (1425 mm)

Wheelbase:

102.4 inches (2600 mm)

Track Width Front:

58.7 inches (1490 mm)

Track Width Rear:

58.5 inches (1485 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 5.7 inches (145 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 93.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Sedan:

12.4 cu ft

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

22.7 cu ft (rear seats up)

Curb Weight Min:

2668 lbs (1210 kg) (1.6L Manual)

Curb Weight Max:

2866 lbs (1300 kg) (2.0L Automatic)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 3600-3800 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Available

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Passenger:

Good

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Acceptable (for some models/testing parameters)

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on base trims.

Traction Control:

Not typically available

Airbags Front:

Standard dual front airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer.

Display:

Basic digital display for radio and climate control.

Cruise Control:

Available on EX trim levels

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard, aftermarket installation possible.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) (Long-life Platinum)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (V-ribbed belt, check for wear).

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL or ILSAC GF-2, GF-3 or equivalent SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.7 quarts (3.5 liters) with filter (2.0L)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol Based Coolant (Asian Red/Orange)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.7 quarts (6.3 liters)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

KIA ATF SP-III or equivalent

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

DEXRON III/VI ATF or equivalent

Common Issues:

Check Engine Light (due to O2 sensors, EGR valve issues), suspension component wear (struts, ball joints), ABS sensor failures, power window motor failures, interior trim rattles.

Oil Consumption:

Some reports of minor oil consumption in higher mileage engines.

Cv Axle Boots:

Tearing of CV axle boots leading to joint damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

South Korea

Generation Info:

The 2006 model year represents the second generation (TB) of the Kia Spectra, which debuted in the US for the 2004 model year.

Platform Shared With:

Shares platform components with the Hyundai Elantra (XD generation).

Production Location:

Gwangmyeong, South Korea

Production Years For Generation:

2004-2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Launch Awards:

Generally well-received for its value proposition and warranty at launch.

Fuel Economy Rating Mpg Highway 2.0L:

Approximately 30 MPG (EPA estimate)

Fuel Economy Rating Mpg City 2.0L:

Approximately 22 MPG (EPA estimate)