Segment:
Compact Hatchback
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Kia owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge
Competitors 2005-2008:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt
Vehicle Type:
5-door hatchback
Original Marketing Focus:
Affordability, practicality, sporty styling for its class
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Supplemental Restraint System (SRS - Airbags)
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Doors, Windows, Seats
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Top-offs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics
Repair And Rebuild:
Component Removal & Installation, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement
Specifications And Data:
Torque Specifications, Tightening Sequences, Component Dimensions, Clearances, Gaps
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Code And Type:
G4GC (2.0L Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve)
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
134 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), typically P-HOAT type
Oil Type:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific climate/usage)
Oil Capacity:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change (approx.)
Emission System:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors (O2), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system (market dependent)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (FWD)
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check specific Kia specifications)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Kia SPIII ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent approved fluid
Automatic Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 US quarts (7.1 liters) for complete refill (check manual)
Length:
165.9 inches (4215 mm)
Width:
67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height:
60.6 inches (1540 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 95.0 cu ft (2690 liters)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approximately 18.5 cu ft (525 liters)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approximately 43.3 cu ft (1225 liters)
Curb Weight Approx Manual:
2850 lbs (1293 kg)
Curb Weight Approx Automatic:
2920 lbs (1324 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 3968 lbs (1800 kg)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (2005 model)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (2005 model)
IIHS Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, but availability was limited)
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Drums (Standard), Optional Front/Rear Discs on higher trims/later years
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette and premium audio systems.
Connectivity Features:
Auxiliary input jack (on some models) for portable audio devices.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Tpms:
Not standard on all models, availability varies by trim and year.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (under normal conditions, more frequent in dusty environments).
Engine Coolant Flush And Replacement:
First at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum tipped plugs recommended for 100,000 miles (160,000 km) replacement interval.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Refer to manual, typically Dexron III ATF or specific Kia power steering fluid
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine and transmission mounts can lead to vibration and noise.
Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can affect steering and ride quality.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
Failure of ABS wheel speed sensors can trigger ABS warning lights and disable ABS functionality.
Evaporative Emission Control System Evap:
Issues with charcoal canister purge valves or vent solenoids can cause check engine lights.
Climate Control Actuators:
Failure of blend door actuators in the HVAC system can lead to temperature control problems.
Kia Motors Overview:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, known for its value-oriented and increasingly stylish designs.
Spectra Family History:
The Spectra (JS platform) was Kia's compact offering, replacing the Sephia. The Spectra 5 denoted the 5-door hatchback variant. It was succeeded by the Kia Forte Hatchback.
Production Location:
Hwasung, South Korea
Production Years Global Model:
2004-2009
Initial Market Reception:
The Spectra was generally well-received for its value proposition and styling in its class during its production run.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by year; some years showed average to below-average reliability compared to segment leaders, while others improved. The manual would detail specific problem areas.
