🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Spectra Year: 2008 Generation Generation Code: LD (Second Generation) Codes Platform: Hyundai Elantra platform 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Sedan/Hatchback Target Audience: Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable and practical transportation. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra Key Features Value Proposition: Affordability, fuel efficiency, decent reliability for its class and price point. Design Philosophy: Practical, functional design with a focus on interior space and comfort for its segment. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language: English Format: Digital Download (PDF) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 250-350 pages (typical for this model year and type) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system Transmission: Automatic and Manual transmission operation, fluid checks Chassis: Suspension, steering, brakes (ABS operation) Electrical: Lighting, wipers, horn, power outlets, battery, fuses, instrument cluster, warning lights Interior: Climate control, audio system, power windows, locks, mirrors, seat adjustments, airbags Exterior: Doors, hood, trunk, fuel filler door, mirrors, windows Safety Features: Airbags, seatbelts, child seat anchors (LATCH), child safety locks Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks and adjustments, light bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement Operation: Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, using controls and features Troubleshooting: Understanding warning lights and messages, basic problem diagnosis (e.g., flat tire, jump starting) Emergency: Procedure for flat tire, jump starting, towing information Technical Depth Level Of Detail: Owner-focused, providing information for daily operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Not a repair manual for in-depth diagnostics or component replacement. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable Text: Likely yes, as it's a digital download of an original manual Print Quality: Original factory print quality, optimized for digital viewing Binding Type Physical Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Physical Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: G4EC (1.6L Alpha II SOHC), G4ED (1.6L Alpha II DOHC), G4GC (2.0L Beta II DOHC) Displacement: 1599cc (1.6L) or 1975cc (2.0L) Configuration: Inline-4 cylinder Valvetrain: SOHC 16-valve (1.6L Alpha II) or DOHC 16-valve (1.6L Alpha II and 2.0L Beta II) Performance Horsepower 1.6L: Approx. 104-106 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque 1.6L: Approx. 106-107 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Horsepower 2.0L: Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque 2.0L: Approx. 136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Fuel Tank Capacity: Approx. 13.2 gallons (50 liters) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type 1.6L: 5-speed manual Transmission Type 2.0L: 5-speed manual (often standard) Optional Transmission Type 1.6L: 4-speed automatic Transmission Type 2.0L: 4-speed automatic Features Automatic Transmission Control: Electronic control with adaptive shift logic 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 172.0 - 173.2 inches (4369 - 4399 mm) Width: Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm) Height: Approx. 57.7 - 58.1 inches (1465 - 1475 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 102.4 inches (2600 mm) Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 95-97 cubic feet (2690 - 2746 liters) Cargo Trunk Volume Sedan: Approx. 12.4 - 14.0 cubic feet (351 - 396 liters) Cargo Volume Hatchback: Approx. 21.2 cubic feet (600 liters) with rear seats up, expandable Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2500 - 2750 lbs (1134 - 1247 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 4 Stars (for similar models in that era) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 4 Stars (for similar models in that era) IIHS Front Small Overlap: Not Rated or Poor (typical for this class/era without advanced tech) IIHS Side Impact: Good or Acceptable (depending on specific sub-model and year) Active Features ABS: Standard on most trims Traction Control: Optional on some trims Electronic Stability Control: Rarely available on this generation Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard (Driver and Passenger) Airbags Side Impact: Optional (Front Side Airbags) Airbags Curtain: Rarely available Seatbelts Pretensioners: Front seatbelts with pretensioners Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system Child Safety Locks: Standard on rear doors 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers, auxiliary input jack (on some models) Climate Control: Manual air conditioning and heating, with manual fan speed and temperature controls. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trim levels Connectivity Power Windows: Standard on front doors, available on rear doors depending on trim Power Locks: Standard on most trims Remote Keyless Entry: Optional on some trims 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (or 7,500 miles with synthetic oil if recommended by Kia) Engine Air Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) Cabin Air Filter: Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually Spark Plugs: Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles for iridium plugs (if equipped) Timing Belt: Inspect every 60,000 miles (96,000 km), replace...
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, using controls and features
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and messages, basic problem diagnosis (e.g., flat tire, jump starting)
Emergency:
Procedure for flat tire, jump starting, towing information
Technical Depth
Level Of Detail:
Owner-focused, providing information for daily operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Not a repair manual for in-depth diagnostics or component replacement.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchable Text:
Likely yes, as it's a digital download of an original manual
Print Quality:
Original factory print quality, optimized for digital viewing
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Physical Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
G4EC (1.6L Alpha II SOHC), G4ED (1.6L Alpha II DOHC), G4GC (2.0L Beta II DOHC)
Displacement:
1599cc (1.6L) or 1975cc (2.0L)
Configuration:
Inline-4 cylinder
Valvetrain:
SOHC 16-valve (1.6L Alpha II) or DOHC 16-valve (1.6L Alpha II and 2.0L Beta II)
Not Rated or Poor (typical for this class/era without advanced tech)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good or Acceptable (depending on specific sub-model and year)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Rarely available on this generation
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger)
Airbags Side Impact:
Optional (Front Side Airbags)
Airbags Curtain:
Rarely available
Seatbelts Pretensioners:
Front seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Child Safety Locks:
Standard on rear doors
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers, auxiliary input jack (on some models)
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning and heating, with manual fan speed and temperature controls.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Connectivity
Power Windows:
Standard on front doors, available on rear doors depending on trim
Power Locks:
Standard on most trims
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional on some trims
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (or 7,500 miles with synthetic oil if recommended by Kia)
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles for iridium plugs (if equipped)
Timing Belt:
Inspect every 60,000 miles (96,000 km), replace as needed or at recommended intervals (check specific manual for exact recommendation, typically around 90,000-100,000 miles for interference engines).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Change fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal driving conditions.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification based on climate/engine)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.2 quarts (3.8-4.0 liters) with filter change for 1.6L/2.0L engines
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0-6.5 quarts (5.7-6.2 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
DEXRON III or equivalent (check manual for specific type)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
SP-III (or equivalent)
Known Issues
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine mounts leading to vibration
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket leaks can occur
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings and ball joints can lead to noise and steering issues
Cv Axles:
Front CV joint boots can tear, leading to premature failure
Heater Core:
Leaking heater cores have been reported in some vehicles
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Model Evolution
Previous Generation:
Kia Spectra (JS) 2004-2008 (also known as Spectra5 for hatchback)
Next Generation:
Kia Forte (2009 onwards)
Production
Production Years Global:
2003 - 2009
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Donghee Plant)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Generally received average to good safety ratings for its class and era from IIHS and NHTSA, but lacked advanced safety features common today.
Ratings
Reliability Ratings:
Mixed to average reliability ratings; often seen as a budget-friendly option with some common wear items requiring attention over time.
Certifications
Emissions Certification:
Meets applicable EPA emissions standards for the model year.