Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Kia owners
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3
Manual Advantage:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair information for cost-effective maintenance.
Vehicle Appeal:
Affordable, reliable, and practical compact car with good fuel economy.
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair)
Engine Management And Diagnostics:
Yes (including EFI, ignition system, emission controls, and DTCs)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (disassembly, assembly, repair, and adjustments)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (disassembly, assembly, repair, fluid service, and diagnostics)
Drivetrain:
Yes (axles, CV joints, propeller shafts, differentials)
Suspension:
Yes (front and rear suspension components, alignment procedures)
Steering:
Yes (power steering system, steering gear, steering column)
Brakes:
Yes (disc brakes, drum brakes, ABS system, hydraulic system)
Electrical System:
Yes (battery, charging system, starting system, lighting)
Body And Interior:
Yes (exterior panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats)
HVAC System:
Yes (air conditioning, heating, ventilation)
Restraint Systems:
Yes (airbags, seatbelts)
Chassis And Frame:
Yes (frame inspection and repair)
Scheduled Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks)
Diagnostic Procedures:
Yes (troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics)
Repair Procedures:
Yes (step-by-step instructions for all major components)
Component Replacement:
Yes (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump, radiator)
Troubleshooting Guides:
Yes (for common and uncommon issues)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (detailed electrical schematics)
Torque Specifications:
Yes (for all critical fasteners)
Special Tools:
Yes (identification and usage for specialized tasks)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced (includes guided diagnostics, OBD-II interpretation)
Detail Level:
High (includes exploded views, diagrams, and clear instructions)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Good (for most models/years, refer to specific tests)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Good (for most models/years, refer to specific tests)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable/Marginal (varies by year and equipment)
ABS:
Optional on some trims, Standard on higher trims and later years
Traction Control:
Not widely available on this generation
Airbags Front:
Standard Dual Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Side Curtain Airbags (on some later models/trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners, load limiters
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette, multiple speaker configurations
Display:
Basic digital display for clock and radio information
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions available
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Irridium type)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (recommend inspection)
Coolant Replacement:
First at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN/SP, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate specifics)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 Liters (4.0 US Quarts)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SPII or SPIII (or equivalent ATF)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Blue or Green)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
DM III ATF or Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid
Common Concern 1:
CV Joint wear (especially front axles)
Common Concern 2:
Radiator leaks (especially plastic end tanks)
Common Concern 3:
Minor electrical gremlins (e.g., interior lights, power windows)
Common Concern 4:
Rear wheel bearing noise
Common Concern 5:
Catalytic converter inefficiency (on higher mileage vehicles)
Common Concern 6:
Timing belt replacement interval is critical (engine damage if it breaks)
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation (South Korea)
Generation:
First Generation (LD platform)
Successor:
Spectra (Second Generation)
Production Years:
1997-2009 (globally), 2000-2004 (North America)
Assembly Locations:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea; also assembled in other Kia global plants
