Segment:
Compact sedan/hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation, DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, practical interior, decent fuel economy, straightforward mechanicals
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively, reducing reliance on expensive shop labor.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (including electronic controls and diagnostics)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system (including power steering), wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, infotainment system wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis components, frame
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission service, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with explanations, electrical circuit testing procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine timing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic strategies
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Type:
4-speed automatic transmission
Automatic Control:
Electronically controlled with Overdrive (4-speed)
Manual Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-85 gear oil (check manual for specific PN)
Automatic Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for specific PN)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (2007 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (2007 model year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (2007 model year, refers to earlier generation testing but representative)
ABS:
Optional (standard on higher trims)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Usually paired with ABS
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front)
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player, often with MP3 capability. Available premium audio systems may include more speakers.
Display:
Simple LCD or digital display for audio and clock functions.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard; may be available on aftermarket head units or specific trims.
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (if using long-life plugs, check manual for specific type and interval)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles (under normal driving conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 75,000 miles (inspect for wear)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-20 (or 5W-30 in extreme temperatures, consult manual for specifics)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (Asian blue type recommended, consult manual for specific PN)
Coolant Capacity:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Common Problems:
Potential for AC compressor failure, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., power window switches), occasional catalytic converter issues, wheel bearing wear, early automatic transmission failure (less common but noted in some cases).
Recall Information:
Specific recalls may exist; the manual would detail if any apply to the 2007 model and how to address them.