Segment:
Subcompact economy car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, urban commuters
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Focus (early models), Honda Fit (later models), Toyota Yaris (later models)
Value Proposition:
Affordability, good fuel economy, compact maneuverability, basic reliability
Design Philosophy:
Simple, functional, and practical urban transport
Primary Coverage:
Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, DIY activities, towing, safety
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 150-200 (typical for a 2004 model owner's manual)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation (automatic and manual)
Chassis:
Braking system (ABS if equipped), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting system, instruments and controls, audio system, power accessories, battery and charging system (basic diagnosis)
Body:
Doors, windows, locks, seats, interior trim, exterior lighting, wipers and washers
Operation:
Starting and driving, instrument panel indicators and warnings, climate control operation, infotainment system usage
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, air filter replacement (DIY)
Safety:
Seat belt usage, child restraint systems, airbag system explanation, emergency procedures, towing guidelines
Troubleshooting:
Basic warning light interpretation, minor issues (e.g., battery drain, tire flats)
Depth:
Owner-level diagnostics and maintenance. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or component-level troubleshooting requiring specialized tools.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, assuming a professionally scanned or digitally produced PDF.
Quality:
Dependent on original scan quality; typically provides clear text and legible diagrams.
Original Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound (physical copy)
Original Paper:
Standard paper stock (physical copy)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC
Engine Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1599 cc)
Horsepower:
106 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
107 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30
Oil Capacity:
3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy at highway speeds
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 6.7 US quarts (6.3 liters) for a complete drain and fill
Wheelbase:
96.1 inches (2440 mm)
Length:
163.1 inches (4143 mm) for Sedan, 157.7 inches (4005 mm) for Hatchback
Width:
66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Height:
57.7 inches (1465 mm) for Sedan, 57.3 inches (1455 mm) for Hatchback
Curb Weight:
2300 - 2400 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
3417 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2004 model year)
IIHS Side Crash Test:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, if available)
ABS:
Optional (standard on some higher trims)
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model year
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger) standard. Side-impact airbags optional.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts in all seating positions; pretensioners and load limiters for front seats
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, typically 4 speakers. Aux input might be rare or aftermarket.
Navigation:
Not available from the factory for the 2004 model year.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels or as an option.
Parking Sensors:
Not available from the factory for the 2004 model year.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory for the 2004 model year.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions may require shorter intervals).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect annually, replace as needed (often every 15,000 - 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (standard copper plugs require more frequent changes than platinum/iridium, confirm type specified).
Transmission Fluid Atf:
Inspect regularly, replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as recommended for severe service.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, Asian vehicle specific coolant (e.g., OAT or HOAT, consult manual for color/spec)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, check manual for precise specification.
Power Steering Fluid:
Consult manual; typically a Dexron III equivalent or specific Kia fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads/rotors, suspension bushings, exhaust components (due to age), clutch wear (manual transmission)
Potential Electrical Issues:
Intermittent warning lights, minor switch failures, alternator/starter issues on higher mileage vehicles.
Engine Performance:
Occasional issues with idle control valves or ignition coils, generally reliable 1.6L engine.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
First Generation Introduction:
First generation introduced for the 2003 model year, replacing the Kia Visto (Korea) and Kia Epoch (Europe).
2004 Model Year Updates:
Minor updates, often focused on feature packaging or slight styling tweaks, typically building on the initial 2003 launch.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily South Korea (e.g., Hwasung Plant), potentially some assembly in other regions.
