🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Year:

2008

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback (Spectra5)

Chassis Code:

TD (Spectra5 hatchback), SD (Spectra sedan)

Vin Code:

The 10th character of the VIN indicates the model year (e.g., '8' for 2008).

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, often positioned as an affordable and practical option.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan Sentra.

Attributes:

Value for money, decent fuel economy, practical interior space (especially the Spectra5 hatchback), straightforward mechanicals.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Topics:

Introduction, Vehicle Overview, Driving Information, Emergency Procedures, Maintenance, Specifications, Index

Vehicle Variants:

Covers both Sedan and Spectra5 hatchback models of the 2008 Kia Spectra.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model year and class of vehicle, exact count not provided in product info).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on typical product offerings, but confirmation needed from seller).

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system basics, transmission operation.

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrument cluster, dashboard indicators, audio system, power features (windows, locks), battery and charging system basics.

Body And Interior:

Door locks, windows, seats, climate control, safety belts, airbags, interior features, exterior features (doors, hood, trunk).

Instrument Panel:

Detailed explanation of all dashboard warning lights, gauges, and indicators.

Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, using climate control, operating audio system, parking, refueling.

Maintenance:

Checking and adding fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, changing wiper blades, light bulb replacement (basic), periodic maintenance schedule recommendations.

Emergency:

Jumping a dead battery, changing a flat tire, towing procedures, hazard warning lights, vehicle warning indicators.

Fueling:

Instructions on opening the fuel filler door, proper refueling techniques, and fuel door lock operation.

Depth:

Covers essential owner information for daily operation, basic maintenance, and emergency preparedness. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.

Owner Vs Service:

This is an Owner's Manual, providing essential information for the vehicle's owner. It is not a full Service or Repair Manual which contains detailed mechanical procedures, diagnostic codes, and component replacement steps.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick access to information via keywords (dependent on the quality of the PDF scan).

Print Quality:

Printable (standard PDF functionality). Quality depends on the source scan.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Engine Code:

2.0L G4GC

Cylinders:

4

Valves:

16

Horsepower:

Approximately 138 hp @ 6000 rpm (for the 2.0L engine)

Torque:

Approximately 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for the 2.0L engine)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 octane (minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Overdrive:

Both transmissions typically feature overdrive gears for highway efficiency.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Sedan: ~173.4 inches; Hatchback: ~169.1 inches

Width:

~67.7 inches

Height:

~57.5 inches

Wheelbase:

~102.4 inches

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 12.4 cu ft

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

Approx. 14.5 cu ft (seats up), significantly more with seats folded.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700 - 2900 lbs (varies by trim and transmission)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Generally good, check specific NHTSA reports for 2008 Spectra.

IIHS Side Impact:

Generally good, check specific IIHS reports for 2008 Spectra.

ABS:

Available, often standard on higher trims or optional.

Traction Control:

Less common, may not be widely available on base models.

Power Brakes:

Standard

Power Steering:

Standard (Hydraulic Power Steering)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (may be optional on some trims).

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base models often feature a CD player with AM/FM radio, auxiliary input. Higher trims might have MP3 compatibility and more speakers.

Display:

Basic LCD or digital displays for audio and climate functions.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims, especially with automatic transmission.

Bluetooth:

Rarely standard on base models for this year; may be an option on higher trims or aftermarket addition.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for exact recommendation).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initial flush around 60,000 miles, then every 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter (check manual).

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (verify with manual).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 - 4.5 quarts (with filter change).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Asian vehicle formula (typically pink or orange), or Hyundai/Kia specific coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual).

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

SP-III (Hyundai/Kia specific ATF).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (verify with manual).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III ATF or equivalent (verify with manual).

Common Complaints:

Occasional HVAC blower motor failures, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., power window issues), and potential for rust on older models in certain climates. Some reports of engine mounts wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Kia Motors Corporation

Previous Generation:

The Spectra was a successor to the Kia Sephia.

Next Generation:

Replaced by the Kia Forte (also known as Kia Cerato in some markets).

Production Years:

Spectra: 2004-2009 (globally), 2003-2009 (North America)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in South Korea (Donghee Plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While not a consistent award winner, the Spectra generally performed acceptably in safety tests for its class and era.

Reliability:

Mixed to average reliability ratings for its class during its production run. Early models of any generation can have more initial issues.