Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Demographic:
Value-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, decent fuel economy, adequate feature set for its class
Body Styles Offered:
4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Hatchback (Spectra5)
Powertrain:
Engine (G4EE, G4ED, G4GC), Transmission (Manual M5GF1, Automatic F4AEL), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson, Rear Torsion Beam), Steering (Power Assisted), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body And Trim:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Glass, Doors, Seats, Safety Restraints
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-offs
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing
Installation And Adjustment:
Component Replacement Procedures, Alignment Specifications, Belt Tensioning, Timing Adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostics with specific testing procedures for sensors, actuators, and control modules
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Engine Description 1:
1.6L Inline-4 DOHC CVVT
Displacement 1:
1599 cc (1.6 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 104 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 105 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Description 2:
1.8L Inline-4 DOHC CVVT
Displacement 2:
1799 cc (1.8 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 124 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 125 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Description 3:
2.0L Inline-4 DOHC CVVT (Found in some markets/trims)
Displacement 3:
1975 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower 3:
Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3:
Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Timing Control:
Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
Catalytic Converter:
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual (M5GF1)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (F4AEL)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, Overdrive
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Length Sedan:
Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.4 inches (2600 mm)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 12.4 cu ft (351 Liters)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2700 lbs (1225 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by trim and configuration
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Test Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard on most trims
E Brake Force Distribution:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) often paired with ABS
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags, Optional Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters in front
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, auxiliary audio input jack (on most trims)
Optional Upgrades:
Upgraded audio systems with more speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (optional)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Bluetooth:
Not widely available; typically an aftermarket addition for 2009 models.
Oil Change Interval Normal Conditions:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs (check manual for exact type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable; uses maintenance-free timing chain (for G4EE, G4ED, G4GC engines)
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for precise viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 US Quarts (3.3 - 3.8 Liters) depending on engine
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based Antifreeze/Coolant, Kia Coolant Specification (typically a pink or red long-life coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 - 6.5 US Quarts (5.2 - 6.2 Liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems Engine:
Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, potential for knocking noises if oil level is low, check engine light for minor sensor issues (e.g., O2 sensors).
Common Problems Transmission:
Occasional rough shifting in automatic transmissions, especially with higher mileage; clutch wear in manual transmissions.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn front control arm bushings leading to knocking sounds over bumps, occasional power steering fluid leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Faulty door lock actuators, intermittent power window issues, potential for HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
Brand Origin:
South Korea
First Generation:
Original Spectra (2000-2003, based on Kia Sephia)
Second Generation Facelift:
The 2009 model year represents the final year of the second generation, which received a significant update for the 2007 model year, including styling and feature enhancements.
Manufacturing Location:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea (Donghee plant)
Production Period:
2003-2009