Vehicle Segment:
Compact car (sedan and hatchback variants).
Target Audience:
Value-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, budget-minded individuals seeking reliable transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, decent fuel economy, straightforward mechanicals, practical interior space.
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with the detailed information needed for proper maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting, potentially saving significant costs compared to dealership service.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain components.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic and mechanical), wheels and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, lighting system, instrumentation, comfort and convenience systems (HVAC, power accessories), audio systems, body control module (BCM), wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnosis And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptoms-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnosis, mechanical system diagnosis.
Repair And Overhaul:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, performance data.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic scheduled maintenance to in-depth component repair and system diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code:
G4EC (North America)
Configuration:
Inline-4 cylinder
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1599 cc)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Bore X Stroke:
76.5 mm x 87.0 mm
Horsepower:
110 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
107 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
13.7 US gallons (52 Liters)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control with adaptive shift logic.
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/90 (check manual for specific Kia part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for specific Kia part number)
Length:
173.4 inches (4405 mm) (Sedan)
Width:
67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
57.3 inches (1455 mm) (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches (2600 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13.0 cubic feet (Sedan)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600 - 2750 lbs (1180 - 1250 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Gvwr):
Approx. 3700 lbs (1680 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4 Stars (Driver and Passenger - 2009 model year tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Not designated as a Top Safety Pick for 2009.
ABS:
Standard on most trims.
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (often paired with ABS).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, available side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags depending on trim level.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants, 3-point seatbelts for rear occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input jack, typically 4-6 speakers.
Optional Features:
Satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Usb Port:
Not typically available on this model; auxiliary input is the primary external audio connectivity.
Bluetooth:
Rarely standard; may be present on very late or highly optioned models, but usually absent.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions, refer to manual for severe conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped plugs (standard for this model).
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine uses a timing *chain*, not a belt, eliminating a major scheduled replacement item.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant) - always verify with the owner's manual or manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 US quarts (3.3 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze coolant (typically orange or pink for Kia, consult manual for specific color/type).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for definitive specification).
Engine Mounts:
Can wear out over time, leading to vibrations, especially at idle or during acceleration.
Brake Wear:
Front brake pads and rotors may require premature replacement on some units due to normal wear and tear.
Cv Joints:
Outer CV joints can develop wear and tear, leading to clicking noises when turning.
Check Engine Light:
Can be triggered by various issues including O2 sensors, catalytic converter problems, or EVAP system leaks.
Kia Origins:
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Spectra Generations:
The 2009 model is part of the second generation (2004-2009), which replaced the Sephia. The Spectra itself was phased out and replaced by the Kia Forte (or Cerato in some markets) for the 2010 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea. Assembly may have also occurred in other international locations.
Jd Power Initial Quality:
Historically, Kia vehicles have shown improvement in JD Power IQS ratings, though the Spectra might not have received top-tier awards in its class compared to segment leaders.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
EPA estimated MPG: Approx. 24 City / 32 Highway (Manual Transmission).
Emissions Standards:
Meets U.S. EPA and California CARB emissions standards for its model year.
