Segment:
Compact Sedan and Hatchback
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan Sentra.
Value Proposition:
Affordable, reliable transportation with a focus on practicality and fuel efficiency.
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust systems, maintenance.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission operation, fluid checks, basic troubleshooting.
Chassis:
Steering, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, and related maintenance.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, circuit protection, instrument panel, basic electrical components.
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, security features, body panel care.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, tire rotations, belt inspections, spark plug replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting:
Common warning lights, basic diagnostic indicators, guidance for owner-level problem solving.
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, driving techniques, understanding vehicle controls and features.
Level:
Owner-focused with sufficient detail for basic maintenance and understanding of vehicle systems.
Engine Code And Type:
G4ED / G4FC - 1.6L Inline-4 (DOHC, 16-valve)
Horsepower:
104 hp @ 5800 rpm (G4ED), 110 hp @ 6000 rpm (G4FC)
Torque:
105 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (G4ED), 107 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (G4FC)
Fuel Economy Est:
24 MPG City / 33 MPG Highway (manual transmission)
Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Length:
Sedan: 175.0 in; Hatchback: 165.2 in
Height:
Sedan: 56.1 in; Hatchback: 56.1 in
Trunk Volume Sedan:
12.3 cu ft
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
17.0 cu ft (seats up), 36.5 cu ft (seats folded)
Curb Weight Est:
2750 - 2850 lbs (depending on body style and transmission)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good
Standard:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Optional:
Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims.
Standard:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (on some trims).
Other:
Pretensioner seatbelts, LATCH child seat anchors.
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input, optional satellite radio. Higher trims may have upgraded speaker systems.
Features:
Limited driver assistance technologies common for the era; primary focus on core safety features.
Features:
Basic connectivity through auxiliary audio input. No Bluetooth or advanced smartphone integration typical of modern vehicles.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 97,500 miles (iridium-tipped plugs).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial drain and fill at 105,000 miles, then every 52,500 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 quarts (with filter).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-85.
Coolant:
Asian Red Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent).
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of minor electrical issues, HVAC blower motor failures, and suspension component wear. Engine and transmission generally reliable if maintained.
Brand Focus:
Kia, a South Korean automaker, established itself as a provider of value-oriented vehicles.
Generation Context:
The second generation Spectra (LD) was a significant redesign, aiming for improved styling, refinement, and features compared to its predecessor.
Production Period:
2004-2009 (globally for LD generation).
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Malaysia, and other locations depending on market.
