1995-2002 Kia Sportage: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2002 Kia Sportage and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Visibility
- Instruments/controls
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Acceleration (4-door)
- Limited shift-on-the-fly 4WD
- Interior materials
- Noise
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
A compact sport-utility vehicle, the Sportage was the second product offered in the U.S. market by Kia, a Korean manufacturer. After Hyundai, Kia was South Korea's second-largest vehicle maker, and Sportage was the first South Korean SUV sold in the U.S. Designed as an enclosed passenger vehicle, not based on a pickup truck, Sportage aimed squarely at U.S. buyers who sought a roomy vehicle for their active lifestyles. The SUV went on sale in January 1995, only in Western and Southern states that had Kia dealerships. Four-wheel-drive Sportages used a 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam engine, which produced 130 horsepower. Rear-drive models got a single-cam 2.0-liter engine, rated at 94 horsepower. Only a 5-speed manual transmission was available in the 2WD version, but 4WD Sportages could be equipped with an optional 4-speed automatic. The part-time 4-wheel-drive system was intended only for use on slick surfaces. Rear antilock brakes operated only in 2-wheel-drive mode. Power steering was standard. At first, the Sportage had little direct competition, apart from the Suzuki Sidekick and its Geo Tracker equivalent. Within a couple of years, Toyota and Honda would be giving Kia some serious competition.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Kia Sportage Limited wagon w/4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 1 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 33 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2002 Kia Sportage. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2002 Kia Sportage.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Kia Sportage:
A driver's airbag went into 1996 models at midseason, but little else was changed. In addition to the conventional airbag, mid-year models gained the industry's first knee airbag, which inflated simultaneously to keep the driver from sliding under the dashboard. Base and better-equipped EX models were available, the latter offered only with 4-wheel drive.
1997 Kia Sportage:
Not much was new for 1997, with the exception of a fresh grille. EX models could now have either 2-wheel drive or 4WD. All Sportages now had power door locks, a theft-deterrent system, and a full-size outside spare-tire carrier. Newly optional was an AM/FM stereo system with built-in CD player. A 4-speed automatic transmission could now be installed in 2WD models as well as 4x4s. All Sportages used a 130-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam engine.
1998 Kia Sportage:
Sportage wagons got a mild facelift, and a 2-door convertible model was added. Both were available with either rear-drive or on-demand 4-wheel drive. Wagons and convertibles shared front sheetmetal and the 2.0-liter engine, but the convertible was shorter both in wheelbase and overall. In addition, the soft-top Sportage seated four, to the wagon's five. Like Isuzu's larger Amigo (resurrected in 1998), the convertible had a manual-folding soft top over the back seat and a metal roof up front. Wagons came in either base or EX trim. By now, rivals included the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4, as well as the Chevrolet Tracker.
1999 Kia Sportage:
No change was evident on Kia's best-selling product in the U.S. market.
2000 Kia Sportage:
Changes for 2000 were limited to a bolder-sounding horn, driver's left footrest, and newly optional remote keyless-entry system.
2001 Kia Sportage:
Changes for 2001 were limited to an added luxury trim option and longer warranties. EX wagons got an optional Limited trim/equipment package that included premium 6-speaker audio, remote keyless entry, unique alloy wheels, color-keyed bumpers and cladding, chrome roof rack, and hard-shell spare-tire cover. Basic warranty coverage was extended to 5 years/60,000 miles, powertrain coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles, and roadside assistance to 5 years/unlimited miles. Corrosion was warranted for 5 years/100,000 miles.
2002 Kia Sportage:
New for 2002 was an optional exterior-trim package that includes 2-tone body cladding and a hard-face spare-tire cover. Sportage discontinued at the end of the year.
Our road test for the 1995-2002 Kia Sportage includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2002 Kia Sportage and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2002 Kia Sportage is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Handling with the Sportage wagon or convertible is a pleasant surprise, not unlike that of a good sporty small sedan. For its size, Sportage has a fairly wide track (width between wheels on the same axle), so stability in tight turns is good and body lean surprisingly modest. Springing is tight, though, so the ride is more "trucky" than carlike, with moderate bounce and pitch on patchy pavement. Even the manual-shift Sportage wagon feels sluggish in routine driving, especially when going up steep grades. Acceleration is even worse with the optional automatic transmission. Passing power ranks as adequate. Noise levels are fairly high from all sources, even in gentle highway cruising. The engine is exceptionally loud and gruff when worked even moderately hard. A new Sportage averaged 19 mpg in 4-wheel drive with a 5-speed, which was slightly less than a CR-V or RAV4 wagon. The wagon is shorter than most compact SUVs, yet provides adequate room for four adults. Head clearance is particularly good, even for 6-footers, though rear leg and knee space are limited. Easy entry/exit is another plus, thanks to rather large doors and relatively low step-in height. The convertible's back seat is best left to children. The driver enjoys a well-arranged dashboard with carlike instruments and controls, plus a clear view to all quarters--although the available outside spare tire gets in the way when looking directly aft. At least that outside spare frees up useful cargo room inside, and the wagon's rear seat easily folds to increase the space. Actually, getting decent cargo space in either body style requires folding of the back seat.
Value for the Money
Looked at in terms of long-term value, a CR-V or RAV4 would be the better choice. Those two also are more pleasant to drive and better built. Worse yet, Kia has ranked near the bottom of the list in consumer surveys of reliability and customer satisfaction.
Looked at in terms of long-term value, a CR-V or RAV4 would be the better choice. Those two also are more pleasant to drive and better built. Worse yet, Kia has ranked near the bottom of the list in consumer surveys of reliability and customer satisfaction.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Kia Sportage Limited wagon w/4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 1 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 33 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Kia Sportage includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Kia Sportage .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Dashboard lights:
The ABS and brake warning lights are activated due to a faulty brake-proportioning valve and may not set a trouble code. (1995)
Engine noise:
Noisy hydraulic lash adjusters in DOHC engine may be due to aerated oil. Replacing with a revised oil pump corrects problem. (1995)
Transmission leak:
Some 1995 Sportage models with automatic transmissions may be experiencing fluid leaks from the automatic-transmission cooler line. The fluid may be leaking through small cracks in the flared end of the cooler lines at the transmission which develops because of cooler-line vibration (1995)
Wipers:
The wiper blades come off the pivots on the arms. (1998)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $800 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $600 |
| Brakes | $270 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $800 |
| Exhaust System | $220 |
| Radiator | $300 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $190 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $200 |
| Universal Joints | $185 |
Our price chart for this generation Kia Sportage details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Sportage 2WD conv. | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Sportage 2WD wagon | $3,400-4,300 | $2,700-3,400 | $900-1,200 |
| Sportage 4WD conv. | $3,100-3,700 | $2,400-2,900 | $700-900 |
| Sportage 4WD wagon | $4,100-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| Sportage 2WD conv. | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Sportage 2WD wagon | $2,800-3,600 | $2,100-2,700 | $600-800 |
| Sportage 4WD conv. | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| Sportage 4WD wagon | $3,500-4,200 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| Sportage 2WD conv. | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Sportage 2WD wagon | $2,200-2,900 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Sportage 4WD conv. | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Sportage 4WD wagon | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1999 | |||
| Sportage 2WD conv. | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Sportage 2WD wagon | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Sportage 4WD conv. | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Sportage 4WD wagon | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| 1998 | |||
| Sportage 2WD wagon | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Sportage 4WD wagon | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1997 | |||
| Sportage 2WD wagon | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Sportage 4WD wagon | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1996 | |||
| Sportage 2WD wagon | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Sportage 4WD wagon | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Sportage 2WD wagon | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Sportage 4WD wagon | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Kia Sportage include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 92.9 | 104.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 148.0-156.4 | 159.4-170.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.1 | 68.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.0 | 65.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3108 | 3280 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 39.4 | 55.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.0 | 15.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.5 | 44.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.2 | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.0 | 31.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A dual-overhead-cam 130-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine went beneath all Sportage hoods after 1996. Earlier 2WD models were equipped with a single-cam engine that produced only 94 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission might be installed.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 94 | 114 | 5-speed manual: 19/23 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 130 | 127 | 5-speed manual: 19/23 4-speed automatic: 19/22 |
5-speed manual: 19 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Kia Sportage include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Sportage |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-2002 Kia Sportage directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Nuts attaching rear-axle bearing oil seal retainers and brake-backing plates may be undertorqued, causing units to loosen or fall off; could cause oil leakage, rear-brake damage, or separation of rear wheel/axleshaft from vehicle.
1996 EX:
Accelerator-pedal assembly could bind or stick.
1996-97:
Rear hatch-lock microswitch can malfunction, causing power door locks to unlock inadvertently.
1997-99:
Wires at C123 and C124 connectors can be put under tension by engine movement, loosening them, which can cause engine stalling.
1998-99 w/o antilock braking:
Steering intermediate-shaft coupling can contact hydraulic brake pipe, causing fluid leakage.
1999-00:
Front seat belt buckles may emit clicking sound during buckle-up process, even if it is not being latched.
2000:
Jump-start instructions depict the cables attached to the wrong polarity terminals.
2002:
Engine heat may damage the blades of the cooling fan. Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan with a fan made of improved material.
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