🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Year:

2006

Body Style:

Sedan and Hatchback

Vin Decoder Model Code:

Likely starts with KPY, followed by model and engine identifiers.

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation with a good feature set for its price point.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.

Value Proposition:

Affordable pricing, decent fuel economy, straightforward operation, and Kia's improving reputation for reliability and warranty coverage at the time.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Systems:

Vehicle Features & Controls, Maintenance Schedules, DIY Activities, Towing & Safety Considerations

Diy Activities:

Guidance on checking and topping off fluids, changing wiper blades, checking tire pressure, identifying fuses, and other basic user-level maintenance tasks.

Towing Considerations:

Information on proper towing procedures, weight limits, trailer wiring considerations (if applicable), and precautions to take when towing with the Spectra.

Estimated Pages:

~150-250 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Electronic Version)

📖 Manual Coverage

Primary Systems:

Instrument Panel & Controls, Climate Control, Audio System, Lighting, Doors & Windows, Seating & Restraints, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Vehicle Operation, Starting & Driving, Fuel & Refueling, Maintenance Information, Tire Care, Fluids, Recommended Service Intervals, Troubleshooting Common Issues, Towing Procedures, Emergency Equipment, Roadside Assistance Information

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil and filter change guidelines, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement guidance, basic bulb replacement guidance, checking fuses.

Depth Level:

Beginner to Intermediate. Focuses on user operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostics typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Readable on Windows, Mac, Linux operating systems via standard PDF reader.

Searchability:

PDF format typically allows for text searching of keywords, enhancing usability for finding specific information.

Printability:

High resolution, suitable for printing on standard home or office printers.

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Designation:

G4GC (Beta II Engine)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual

Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Automatic Enhancements:

Electronic Control, Torque Converter Lock-up

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.4 inches (2600 mm)

Length:

Sedan: Approx. 173.4 inches (4405 mm); Hatchback: Approx. 167.7 inches (4260 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm) for Sedan, 56.5 inches (1435 mm) for Hatchback

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 90-95 cubic feet, depending on body style.

Trunk Volume:

Sedan: Approx. 12.9 cubic feet; Hatchback: Approx. 14.7 cubic feet (with rear seats up)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg), depending on transmission and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3900-4000 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

Generally good for its class and era, check specific model year reports for detailed ratings.

IIHS Crash Tests:

Refer to IIHS for specific ratings for frontal and side impacts for the 2006 model year.

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes standard. Available ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Traction Control:

May be available on higher trims or as an option, but not standard across all models.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger. Side-impact airbags and curtain airbags available on some trims.

Seat Belts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats, 3-point seatbelts for rear outboard seats, lap belt for rear center seat.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system included.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims may feature MP3 playback capability, and potentially premium audio with more speakers.

Display:

Basic digital or analog displays for radio and clock. No integrated navigation or touchscreen infotainment systems typical of this era.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trim levels.

Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trim levels, often with remote start.

Auxiliary Input:

Unlikely to be standard. Some models might have an optional aux input or require an aftermarket adapter.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., Iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or newer, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).

Coolant Type:

Propylene Glycol or Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (typically Asian vehicle specific pink or red coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water). Check manual for specific Kia P-AO specification.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

SP-III (Kia/Hyundai proprietary automatic transmission fluid). Capacity ~7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for refill.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Complaints:

Occasional reports of minor electrical gremlins, AC system issues, and potentially some interior trim rattles. Check for recalls related to airbags or other safety components.

Engine Performance:

Generally reliable engine, but regular maintenance is key. Potential for carbon buildup in older engines if maintenance is neglected.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

South Korea

Generation 2006:

This represents the second generation of the Kia Spectra (model codes CDX/FD), launched for the 2004 model year, with the 2006 model year being part of this generation's lifecycle, likely with minor updates.

Production Plant:

Likely assembled at Kia's Gwangmyeong plant in South Korea and potentially at joint venture plants in other regions for specific markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Specific safety awards for the 2006 model year are not prominently featured in general automotive reviews. Focus on NHTSA and IIHS ratings for the period.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for this era Kia Spectra can vary. Generally considered a value-oriented option with average to above-average reliability for its class, especially when properly maintained.