Market Segment:
Compact sedan / hatchback
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cruze
Value Proposition:
Affordable, reliable, well-equipped for its class
Body Styles:
Sedan and hatchback (Forte5)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECM/PCM)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission: overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, axles, differential
Brakes:
Brake system: hydraulic components, ABS, EBD, disc/drum brake service, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension: struts, shocks, control arms, springs, stabilizer bars
Steering:
Steering system: power steering, steering column, rack and pinion
Electrical:
Complete electrical system: battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body exterior and interior: doors, hood, trunk, panels, trim, glass, seats
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting procedures, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-II)
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, assembly, and installation procedures
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhaul
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Peak:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque Peak:
163 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (SAE Net)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (Minimum)
ECM Type:
Kia proprietary or Bosch
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Asian Red/Pink)
Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T)
Automatic Features:
Electronic control, sequential shifting capability
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SP-IV or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.2 US quarts (6.8 Liters) for complete refill
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
Good
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
Good
NHTSA Side Crash Driver:
Good
NHTSA Side Crash Passenger:
Good
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Good
IIHS Head Restraints Seat Performance:
Good
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Traction Control:
Optional/Standard depending on trim
Esc:
Optional/Standard depending on trim (Electronic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Front, front side, and side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil And Filter Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Service Intervals Air Filter
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions
Service Intervals Cabin Filter
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Iridium plugs
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Flush Interval:
First at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace if needed or under severe use conditions
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Power Steering Fluid (Kia Genuine or equivalent)
Common Wear Items:
Front struts/shocks, brake pads, tie rod ends
Engine Issues:
Some reports of oil consumption on early 2.4L engines, potential for carbon buildup
Transmission Issues:
Occasional issues with automatic transmission shifting smoothness
Electrical Issues:
Infrequent reports of sensor failures or minor electrical glitches
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea
Generation:
First Generation (2008-2013)
Introduction Year:
2008 (as Kia Cerato Forte in South Korea), 2009 (as Kia Forte in North America)
Production Sites:
Hwaseong, South Korea; Gwangmyeong, South Korea