Segment:
Subcompact/Compact car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt, Nissan Sentra
Value Proposition:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, practical design
Design Philosophy:
Functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability and cost-effectiveness
Primary Focus:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety
Maintenance Schedules:
Included
Do It Yourself Activities:
Included (few specific activities)
Towing Considerations:
Included
Safety Considerations:
Included
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this class of vehicle)
Digital Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, Linux
Powertrain:
General information on engine operation and basic maintenance
Chassis:
Information on brakes, steering, and suspension components as they relate to operation and basic checks
Electrical:
Covers basic dashboard indicators, lighting, and accessory controls
Body And Interior:
Covers seat adjustments, climate controls, door locks, and interior features
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH), and general safety precautions
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, light bulb replacement guidance
Fluid Checks:
Detailed instructions on how to check and top-off essential vehicle fluids
Tire Maintenance:
Guidance on proper tire inflation, rotation recommendations (general), and understanding tire wear
Dashboard Indicators:
Explanation of warning lights and indicator symbols
Do It Yourself:
Limited DIY tasks, likely focused on simple maintenance or adjustments (e.g., replacing wiper blades, checking fuses)
Towing:
Recommendations and guidelines for towing trailers, including weight limits and proper hitching procedures
Emergency Procedures:
Information on changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, and basic emergency preparedness
Diagnostic Capability:
Basic, focusing on driver recognition of issues via warning lights and symptoms
Repair Scope:
Minimal; primarily focused on owner-level maintenance and operational guidance, not in-depth repair procedures
Maintenance Level:
Routine maintenance scheduling and fluid type recommendations
Engine Code:
G4ED (for 1.8L engine)
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1799 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (DOHC, 16-valve)
Bore X Stroke:
81.0 mm x 87.0 mm (estimated)
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical for this engine)
Horsepower:
125 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated)
Torque:
120 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (or higher)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless with Coil-on-Plug)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Control:
Electronically controlled with overdrive
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 API (Manual Transmission)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (Automatic Transmission)
Length:
166.1 inches (Sedan) / 166.3 inches (Hatchback)
Height:
56.3 inches (Sedan) / 57.3 inches (Hatchback)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2600-2800 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 3700-3900 lbs (estimated)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended (typical for this vehicle class unless specifically equipped and rated)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Good (for 2001-2004 models, based on similar generation testing)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good (for 2001-2004 models)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:
Acceptable (based on models tested in this generation, specific 2003 rating may vary)
ABS:
Optional (Standard on higher trims)
Traction Control:
Not available on most trims
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger) Dual Stage Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional (Front Side Airbags, depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player (optional cassette player or premium audio on some trims)
Speaker Count:
4 or 6 speakers
Cruise Control:
Available on LS and higher trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, aftermarket integration may be possible
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trims
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (if equipped)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (if using platinum-tipped spark plugs)
Engine Oil Type:
API SL or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check specific manual for climate/usage recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Based Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent)
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads/rotors, tires, exhaust components, suspension bushings
Engine Reliability:
Generally reliable, but can experience occasional oil leaks or minor sensor issues as they age.
Transmission Issues:
Some reports of automatic transmission harshness or delayed engagement with age/mileage.
Electrical Quirks:
Minor electrical gremlins can occur, such as power window regulators or central locking issues.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Reputation 2003:
Emerging global presence, known for value-oriented vehicles
Generation:
Second Generation (2001-2004)
Successor:
Kia Spectra (2004.5-2009) - Updated Styling
Production Years:
2000-2009 (globally, with variations)
Manufacturing Location:
Gwanmyeong, South Korea (primarily)