Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra
Value Proposition:
Affordable, practical, reliable transportation with a focus on functionality over luxury.
Manual Advantage:
Provides DIY mechanics and owners with the ability to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and extending vehicle lifespan.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch replacement, hydraulic system, torque converter.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, ABS diagnostics and repair, hydraulic lines, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering rack and linkage, power steering system.
Electrical:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, fuses, relays, body control modules.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, HVAC system.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Component-level repair instructions, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU diagnostics.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 135-138 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Torque:
Approx. 133-136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Based (OAT or HOAT recommended, refer to manual for specific type)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (with Overdrive)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia ATF SP-III (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 Gear Oil (Viscosity as specified in manual, typically 75W-90)
Body Styles:
4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Hatchback
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 inches (2610 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm) Sedan / 170.5 inches (4330 mm) Hatchback
Width:
Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.7 inches (1440 mm) Sedan / 56.9 inches (1445 mm) Hatchback
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg), varies by trim and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and configuration, refer to VIN plate.
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 12.4 cu ft (Sedan) / Approx. 13.6 cu ft (Hatchback with rear seats up)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2003 model, variations exist)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for specific configurations, check IIHS archives)
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims, optional on others)
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags may be optional on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM stereo with CD player (and optional cassette player on some trims). Basic speaker configurations.
Display:
Simple digital or analog displays for climate control and audio.
Cruise Control:
Available on most higher trim levels.
Keyless Entry:
Optional on some models.
Bluetooth:
Not available on this generation.
Usb Port:
Not available on this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific oil type and interval).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years (Critical for G4JP engine, breakage causes severe damage).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SL or higher, refer to manual for specific API rating and ILSAC classification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.1 US quarts (6.7 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.
Automatic Transmission Slippage:
Potential for delayed shifts or slippage, often related to fluid condition or internal wear.
Power Steering Pump Noise:
Can develop whine, especially when turning, potentially indicating low fluid or pump wear.
Evaporative Emissions System:
Issues with EVAP canister or purge valve can trigger check engine lights.
Window Regulators:
Can fail, causing power windows to stop working or become slow.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation
Generation:
Second Generation Spectra (2004-2009, though US models launched with the facelifted version of the first generation from 2001-2004)
Facelift:
The models covered (2001-2004) represent a significant facelift of the original Spectra platform, with updated styling and features.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea (and potentially other international locations)
Safety Awards:
Achieved good safety ratings for its class and time, though modern standards are higher.
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated as average to below average for predicted reliability during its production years, with specific areas like transmission and climate system sometimes cited.
Emissions Compliance:
Compliant with EPA emissions standards for the respective model years.
