Target Audience:
        
        
            Budget-conscious consumers, entry-level car buyers
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 2008:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus
        
     
    
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Affordable price, fuel efficiency, practical interior space, decent reliability for its class
        
     
    
        
            Distinguishing Factors:
        
        
            Often offered more features for the price compared to some competitors, distinctive styling for its era
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, engine performance diagnostics, emissions control
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual transmission (M/T) and Automatic transmission (A/T) service, diagnostics, and repair
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, drive shafts, differential components
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, geometry, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, hydraulic components
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horns, power accessories
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, components
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, bumpers, exterior trim
        
     
    
        
            Restraints:
        
        
            Airbag system, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components and diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Electrical:
        
        
            Body control module (BCM), interior/exterior electronics, fuses, relays
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, system testing
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly, adjustments, calibrations
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (covers all aspects from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            G4ED (1.6L), G4FC (1.6L - later models/variants), G4GC (2.0L)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 1.6L:
        
        
            1599 cc
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 2.0L:
        
        
            1975 cc
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 1.6L:
        
        
            Approx. 106-110 hp @ 6000 rpm (market dependent)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1.6L:
        
        
            Approx. 106-109 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (market dependent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 2.0L:
        
        
            Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.0L:
        
        
            Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            Inline-4 (DOHC, 16-valve)
        
     
    
    
        
            Induction:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol Based (e.g., HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Capacity W Filter:
        
        
            Approx. 3.7 - 4.0 US quarts (3.5 - 3.8 Liters) for 1.6L/2.0L engines
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific climate/usage)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Standard:
        
        
            5-speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Features:
        
        
            Electronically controlled, Overdrive
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Kia SPIII Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 6.8 US quarts (6.4 Liters) for refill
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length Sedan:
        
        
            Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Length Hatchback:
        
        
            Approx. 167.7 inches (4260 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 57.7 inches (1465 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 102.4 inches (2600 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume Sedan:
        
        
            Approx. 13.1 cubic feet (370 Liters)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Hatchback Seats Up:
        
        
            Approx. 19.7 cubic feet (558 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Hatchback Seats Down:
        
        
            Approx. 43.8 cubic feet (1240 Liters)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Approx:
        
        
            2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg) depending on trim and configuration
        
     
    
    
        
            Wheel Bolt Pattern:
        
        
            5x100 mm
        
     
    
        
            Lug Nut Torque:
        
        
            80-96 lb-ft (108-130 Nm)
        
     
    
        
            Tire Size Common:
        
        
            185/65R14, 195/55R15, 205/50R16 (depending on trim and wheel size)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            Good (for 2008 model year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            Good (for 2008 model year)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Offset Small Overlap:
        
        
            N/A (tested prior to widespread adoption of this specific test)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on most trims
        
     
    
        
            E-Bd:
        
        
            Electronic Brake-force Distribution (often integrated with ABS)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front driver and passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats
        
     
    
        
            Child Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD player, often with auxiliary input jack; optional premium audio systems or satellite radio.
        
     
    
        
            Display:
        
        
            Basic digital display for radio and clock; no central touchscreen infotainment system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Available on higher trim levels
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not typically available for this model year, or a very limited dealer-installed option.
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Windows Locks:
        
        
            Standard or optional depending on trim level
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil And Filter Change:
        
        
            Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used). Consult manual for severe service intervals.
        
     
    
        
        Service Intervals Filters
    
 
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km)
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years (depending on coolant type)
        
     
    
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., Iridium)
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            This vehicle uses a timing chain, not a belt, on most engines, which is designed to last the life of the engine. However, inspection for wear or noise is recommended.
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Refer to owner's manual for specific type, typically Dexron III or equivalent
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters) (total system capacity)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Wear Items:
        
        
            Brake pads/rotors, suspension bushings, exhaust components, catalytic converter (can be prone to failure with age/mileage)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Quirks:
        
        
            Occasional issues with power windows, door locks, or interior lights; potential for faulty O2 sensors contributing to check engine light.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Performance:
        
        
            Some reports of rough idle or occasional misfires, often related to ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Performance:
        
        
            Automatic transmissions can sometimes exhibit delayed shifting or harsh engagement; regular fluid changes are critical.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Kia Motors Corporation
        
     
    
    
        
            Previous Generation:
        
        
            Kia Spectra (2004-2006) - also known as Spectra5 (hatchback)
        
     
    
        
            Generation Overview:
        
        
            The LD generation (2007-2009) offered a styling refresh and some mechanical updates over the previous generation.
        
     
    
        
            Discontinuation:
        
        
            The Kia Spectra was replaced by the Kia Forte for the 2010 model year.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            2004-2009 (North America)
        
     
    
        
            Assembly Locations:
        
        
            Gwangmyeong, South Korea (primarily); Some assembly may have occurred in other Kia plants globally.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Reliability ratings varied for the Spectra; generally considered average to below average for its class by some consumer reporting agencies in later years of its lifecycle.
        
     
    
    
        
            J D Power Initial Quality:
        
        
            J.D. Power ratings for the Spectra were typically in the mid-to-lower range of its segment.
        
     
    
    
        
            Emissions Standards:
        
        
            Meets EPA emissions standards for its model year (e.g., LEV-II in California and similar standards in other regions).