Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Demographic:
Individuals and families seeking a versatile, affordable, and capable SUV.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Tracker/Vitara, Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
First Gen Selling Points:
Rugged body-on-frame construction (initially), affordable pricing, available AWD, decent off-road capability for its class.
Second Gen Selling Points:
Unibody construction (more car-like ride), modern styling, improved interior refinement, wider engine options including V6.
Models Covered:
All models, all trim levels
Years Covered:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Engines Covered:
All engine variants including 1.8L, 2.0L (petrol and diesel), 2.7L V6
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Complete Service & Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (likely PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (MPI/GDI), emissions control systems.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, manual transmission operation, disassembly, assembly, internal components, gear ratios, torque specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission operation, hydraulics, valve body, torque converter, electronic control, disassembly, assembly, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, propeller shafts, differentials, CV joints, hubs, bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings), alignment specifications, wheel bearings.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS, brake fluid specifications, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake.
Electrical System:
12V battery system, charging system, lighting, horns, wipers, power windows, power locks, interior and exterior electrical components, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, controls.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushing, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, transmission problems, brake system malfunctions, HVAC issues, and more. Includes symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake component replacement, and electrical system repairs.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations and diagnostic flowcharts, sensor testing, circuit testing, fuel pressure testing.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, component tolerances, alignment data, fluid capacities.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and component replacement to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced diagnostics, and chassis repair.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
First Gen 2.0L Petrol:
2.0L (1998cc) Inline-4, SOHC/DOHC, MPI. Approx. 122-130 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm, 135-140 lb-ft @ 2500-4500 rpm.
First Gen 2.0L Diesel:
2.0L (1905cc) Inline-4 Turbo Diesel, SOHC. Approx. 83 hp @ 4000 rpm, 125 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm.
Second Gen 2.0L Petrol:
2.0L (1998cc) Inline-4, DOHC, CVVT. Approx. 138-140 hp @ 6000 rpm, 136-136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm.
Second Gen 2.7L V6:
2.7L (2656cc) V6, DOHC, CVVT. Approx. 173-175 hp @ 6000 rpm, 182 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 9.5-12.0 seconds (depending on engine/transmission).
Top Speed:
Approx. 100-115 mph.
Fuel Injection:
Multi-Point Injection (MPI) for most petrol engines; Diesel Direct Injection for diesel engines. Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) on later 2.0L models.
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (for petrol engines); Diesel fuel (for diesel engines).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
First Gen: Not Rated. Second Gen: Generally 4-star.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
First Gen: Not Rated. Second Gen: Generally 4-star.
IIHS Side Impact:
Second Gen: Generally 'Acceptable' or 'Good'.
ABS:
Available (standard on later models and higher trims).
Traction Control:
Available on some models.
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on later second-generation models.
Airbags Front:
Standard on second generation, available on some late first-generation models.
Airbags Side Curtain:
Available on some second-generation models.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty: 3,000 miles).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for iridium plugs; 30,000 miles for standard copper plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
60,000 miles or 4 years for 2.0L SOHC/DOHC engines (critical maintenance item).
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
API SG/SH/SJ or MERCON V/Dexron III.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, compatible with Kia specifications. Typically a green or orange type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
First Gen Common Problems:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), rear differential leaks, minor electrical gremlins, rust on body panels, worn suspension bushings.
Second Gen Common Problems:
CV joint wear, ABS sensor issues, occasional catalytic converter problems, interior plastic trim creaks, potential for head gasket issues on high-mileage 2.7L V6.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Kia Motors Early Focus:
Known for affordable, utilitarian vehicles and trucks.
First Generation Platform:
Body-on-frame chassis, shared with Mazda Proceed Marvie and Kia Concord/Capital.
Second Generation Platform:
Unibody chassis, shared with Hyundai Tucson (first generation).
Facelifts And Redesigns:
First generation had minor styling updates. Second generation received a mid-cycle refresh around 2007.
First Gen Production Years:
1995-2002
Second Gen Production Years:
2005-2007 (This manual covers up to this point for the second gen).
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Malaysia (CKD assembly).
