Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, practical commuters
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, practical features, decent reliability for its class and era
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior for its class, availability of hatchback (Spectra 5) for practicality, good fuel economy
Manual Value:
Empowers owners to perform self-maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership service
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission controls, engine management (ECM)
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, service, diagnostics, and fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Axles, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, steering rack/gearbox
Brakes:
Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines), ABS, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Trim:
Interior and exterior trim, body panels, doors, windows, locks, glass replacement
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, service, and refrigerant handling
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and repair procedures for all major systems
Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhaul
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, part numbers
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Level:
Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Engine Code:
G4EC (1.8L), G4FC (2.0L - common in later models/specific markets)
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1799 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder (DOHC, 16 Valves)
Bore X Stroke:
81.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Horsepower Net:
Approx. 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (may vary slightly by market/year)
Torque Net:
Approx. 135-137 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (may vary slightly by market/year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
14.0 gallons (53 Liters)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Automatic Features:
Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT), Lock-up Torque Converter
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for specific Kia P/N)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Kia P/N)
Length:
174.4 inches (Sedan) / 167.7 inches (Hatchback)
Height:
57.5 inches (Sedan) / 58.1 inches (Hatchback)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 96 cu ft
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 12.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 19.4 cu ft (seats up)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-2850 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 3700-3850 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended / Typically Not Specified
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions may require more frequent changes)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (iridium type recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine uses a timing chain, not a belt. (Important distinction for maintenance)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SM or higher (Refer to manual for specific Kia P/N)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.2 Liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (Pink/Red - OAT type, Kia Genuine Coolant or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Refer to manual for specific Kia P/N)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Kia P/N)
Engine Mounts:
Can wear prematurely, leading to vibration and noise
Cv Joints:
Front CV joints can wear, causing clicking noises on turns
Suspension Bushings:
Rear suspension bushings can degrade, leading to clunks and poor handling
HVAC Blend Door Actuator:
Common failure causing no or incorrect air temperature from vents
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket can develop leaks over time
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Focus:
Value-oriented, increasingly reliable and feature-rich vehicles
Generation Codification:
Second Generation (2005-2008) - Redesigned chassis and styling
Design Philosophy:
Modernized styling, improved interior quality and space compared to the previous generation
Production Location:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea (primarily)
Production Years Global:
2004-2008 (for this generation)
