Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, entry-level car buyers.
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Toyota Echo, Honda Fit (later models), Chevrolet Aveo.
Value Proposition:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, and basic reliability.
Design Era:
Early 2000s subcompact styling, practical and unpretentious.
Engine Mechanical:
Full disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the 1.6L DOHC G engine.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, sensors, actuators, and emissions control.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, and lubrication specifications.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust pipe service.
Starting Charging System:
Starter motor, alternator, battery, and related wiring.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common engine and performance issues, fault code interpretation.
Repair Major Components:
Cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service.
Repair Minor Components:
Valve adjustment, timing belt/chain replacement, component replacement (e.g., sensors, pumps).
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete engine overhaul instructions, including machining specifications.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system interpretation and fault finding.
Depth:
Comprehensive from routine maintenance to complete engine rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams and specifications.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using specialized diagnostic tools and equipment.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1599 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
76.5 mm x 86.5 mm (estimated)
Compression Ratio:
9.8:1 (typical for this era/engine)
Horsepower:
Approximately 106 hp @ 6000 RPM
Torque:
Approximately 106 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
45 Liters (11.9 Gallons)
Length:
3,900 mm (153.5 inches)
Width:
1,665 mm (65.6 inches)
Height:
1,470 mm (57.9 inches)
Wheelbase:
2,440 mm (96.1 inches)
Front Track:
1,450 mm (57.1 inches)
Rear Track:
1,445 mm (56.9 inches)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 85 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 11.0 cubic feet
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 1,065 kg (2,348 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated for this specific year/model in all markets, generally basic for the era.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not explicitly rated for this specific year/model in all markets, generally basic for the era.
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not tested for this model year.
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution Ebd:
Often paired with ABS.
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard.
Airbags Side:
Optional or not available on all trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (recommendation for platinum or iridium plugs if applicable).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
This engine utilizes a timing chain, which generally does not require periodic replacement unless worn or damaged.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, Type A (red) or Type B (green) antifreeze/coolant (Asian vehicle specific).
Common Problems Engine:
Early models may experience minor oil leaks, occasional rough idling, and potential issues with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve clogging. Timing chain wear is uncommon but possible at high mileage.
Common Problems Transmission:
Automatic transmissions can sometimes develop issues with shifting quality or solenoid failures if not properly maintained.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn suspension bushings and ball joints are common wear items on higher mileage examples.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea.
Founding:
Founded in 1944, originally as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts.
First Generation Intro:
First generation (TB) launched in 1999.
Second Generation Intro:
Second generation (BC) introduced for the 2003 model year.
Platform Sharing:
Shares platform elements with the Hyundai Accent.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea and potentially other global assembly plants.
Safety Awards:
No significant safety awards typically associated with this specific model and year range based on its market positioning.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Historically, Kia models from this era were rated average to below average for reliability, but improvements were made in subsequent years.
Emisiones Standards:
Meets applicable US EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year.
