🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Model Year:

2008

Body Style:

Sedan/Hatchback

Vin Model Year Digit:

8

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, aimed at budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable transportation.

Target Audience:

First-time car buyers, small families, commuters.

Key Competitors:

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

Value Proposition:

Affordability, decent fuel economy, practical interior space for its class.

Body Styles:

Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Kia Spectra Model Year 2008

Secondary Coverage:

Features, Controls, Maintenance Schedules, DIY Service, Towing, Safety Considerations

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Electronic Version)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Braking System, Steering System, Suspension System, Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Lighting System, Instrument Panel, Gauges, Warning Lights, Audio System, Power Accessories

Body:

Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Features

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Operation

Operation:

Starting the engine, Shifting gears, Operating lights, wipers, climate control

Maintenance:

Fluid level checks, Tire pressure checks, Wiper blade replacement, Bulb replacement

Diy Tasks:

Minor checks and adjustments as specified by Kia for owner maintenance

Safety:

Seat belt usage, Airbag system information, Child restraint systems, Emergency procedures

Towing:

Guidelines and recommendations for towing trailers or other vehicles

Depth:

Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or internal component repair instructions, which are found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux operating systems

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF if originally digitized from an official source.

Quality:

Printable on standard office/home printers. Quality dependent on the original source and scanning if applicable.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4ED (Theta II family, though early models may have used different designations)

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1975 cc)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower:

Approximately 138 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Approximately 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 93.5 mm (typical for G4ED)

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1 (typical for G4ED)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, Overdrive gear

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 102.4 inches (2600 mm)

Length Sedan:

Approximately 176.6 inches (4485 mm)

Length Hatchback:

Approximately 167.7 inches (4260 mm)

Width:

Approximately 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approximately 56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approximately 12.6 cu ft (357 liters)

Cargo Volume Hatchback Seats Up:

Approximately 17.0 cu ft (481 liters)

Cargo Volume Hatchback Seats Down:

Approximately 40.5 cu ft (1147 liters)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approximately 2650-2800 lbs (1200-1270 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approximately 2700-2850 lbs (1225-1290 kg)

Gvw Rating:

Not explicitly stated but implied by component load limits.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Likely received good ratings for its class and time, specific data may vary.

IIHS Front Crash Test:

Refer to IIHS archives for specific ratings (e.g., 'Good', 'Acceptable').

Braking System:

Front disc, Rear drum (standard); Optional front and rear disc brakes on higher trims.

ABS:

Available as an option or standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags and side curtain airbags available on higher trims.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point rear seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional auxiliary input jack. Higher trims may feature an upgraded audio system.

Display:

Basic digital or analog displays for radio and clock. No advanced touchscreen infotainment systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Stability Control:

Not commonly available on the 2008 Spectra; electronic stability control (ESC) became more widespread in later years.

Auxiliary Input:

Available on select audio systems for connecting external music players.

Bluetooth:

Not typically standard or widely available on this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil), or 3,750 miles or 3 months (conventional oil) under severe driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific severe driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs, depending on type and driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

This model uses a timing *chain*, not a belt, so no scheduled replacement is typically needed, but requires inspection.

Engine Oil:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30. Check oil cap for specific viscosity. Capacity approx. 4.3 quarts (4.1 liters) with filter.

Coolant:

Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze) mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 6.7 quarts (6.3 liters).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Kia ATF SP-III (or equivalent). Capacity approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for a complete fluid change, but typically less is drained/refilled during a service.

Brake Fluid:

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

Common Complaints:

Occasional reports of minor electrical issues (window regulators, power locks), potential for wheel bearing noise, and intake manifold gasket leaks on some engines. Some owners report a less refined ride compared to competitors.

Recalls:

Check NHTSA or Kia official recalls for specific VINs. Common recalls for this era might involve airbag inflators or minor electrical components.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean manufacturer, known for producing value-oriented vehicles.

Spectra Lineage:

The Spectra replaced the Kia Sephia. It was later replaced by the Kia Forte.

Generations:

The 2008 model year belongs to the second generation of the Kia Spectra (2004-2009).

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea.

Production Years:

Spectra: 2004-2009 (North America).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While not a multi-award winner, it generally performed adequately in safety tests for its class and time.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings for this model year would typically be mixed, often citing reliability concerns in certain areas compared to segment leaders, but positive for value.

Emissions Certification:

Compliant with applicable EPA emissions standards for model year 2008.