Faults:

Catalytic converter became defective and replaced shortly after buying. Was under dealer warranty.

Rotors replaced at 100,000 miles.

Tires replaced at over 100,000 miles.

Timing belt replaced at 120,000 miles, was still in good condition according to mechanics.

Fan clutch broke and was replaced.

Starter replaced at 130,000 miles.

Front wheel bearing replaced at 135,000 miles.

Harmonic balancer replaced between 135,000- 140,000; it literally was falling apart and nearly broke before being replaced.

Oxygen sensors replaced at 140,000 miles.

Crank shaft broke unexpectedly at 142,130 miles while driving down the interstate. Was sent to a salvage yard shortly after as I am not willing to sink $2,000+ for a new engine.

General Comments:

My dad bought this car 10 years ago has a family car. In the three years he owned it, the car was used to haul 4+kids everywhere. I inherited the car in 2002 has a first car.

I drove it and kept up with the routine maintenance. I did have some repairs along the way once it passed the 120,000 mark. However, nothing very major.

In the years I drove it, the car was dependable and carried me into my first apartment with three drives to move my stuff. It has very good storage capacity.

I really liked the sporty aspects of it. I had a grill guard added along with towing hooks.

I drove it until when returning from a road trip it died out of no where. After learning I would need a new engine, I decided the wheels had finally fallen off and it was time for a new car.

I wish this model was still in production, the newer Kia Sportages are much too big and American looking. I will always have fond memories of mine.

Faults:

Both bumper paint jobs needed to be redone -free of charge.

Rear gate latch needed to be fixed twice -free of charge.

Somehow engine block was cracked and had to be replaced in 2002. Mechanic said never seen that before and thinks could have been a flaw in the car that caused it.

The check engine light has been on constantly since one week after buying it new. Was told that it just stayed on in some of the cars due to the gas cap??? but everything is fine. Never did get a straight answer on this one from the dealer.

Radiator replaced in 2004.

General Comments:

Overall has been an excellent car for me.

Most problems have been minor, with the exception of the cracked block issue.

Can lose some "ooomph" going over mountain passes if the car is full of people.

Can hold more than it looks like it can when the rear seats are put down.

Windows are kind of sluggish compared to other cars that I've been with, but nothing that is a real problem.

Rear seat leg room is minimal with the driver's seat all the way back. Needed due to my being 6' tall.

I don't like how when the cup holder is out it blocks the ash tray. (I use mine for spare change.)

I love the lumbar support lever on the driver's seat.

Interior has not faded or worn really in the 9 years I've owned it. And it has been parked in the sun, not indoors.

Enjoyed the car so much we are planning on buying another KIA in the near future... a Sedona since our family is growing and we'll need the extra seats.

Faults:

Engine doesn't accelerate even if gas pedal is fully depressed after a day from acquisition.

Throttle positioning switch was changed after a week, but the problem persist. I had to change the engine with Mazda's R2 turbo diesel after a year and I didn't have any problems since then. The new engine cost me 600 dollars, but the performance and economy was better.

Power windows on the passenger side doesn't go up unless you help pull it up or apply lubrication on the sliding channels.

General Comments:

The car handles well on cornering and steering is very light.

However, the four wheel drive is not usable because of broken lock hubs which is hard to find.